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“Had what most people would consider a monologue. Talked about how Owen and I had to look after the pets since you had to be away for a short work trip. How we’d come back with them after work every night.”

When he pulled out two dog biscuits, two dog butts hit the floor.

“Last night, the stuff was on the counter again, but everything else stayed in place. So I guess he got it.”

She watched him pass out the biscuits. “You’re a sweet man, Trey.”

“And that’s usually the kiss of death.”

“No. Just the opposite for me. You took my dog to work with you.”

“He won Sadie over. That’s not a snap.”

“And you brought him back after work—you and Owen brought Yoda and Pye back, stayed here because you didn’t want to leave the house empty after all that’s happened. You talked to the ghost of a little boy who missed having the pets around to play with.”

She ran a hand down the sleeve of her shirt. “My father was a sweet man. Not a pushover, not—what’s the word for it? Treacly.”

“That’s a good word.”

“It is. So I know and value a sweet man when I see one.”

The dogs leaped up, raced toward the front of the house seconds before the doorbell bonged.

“That’s Owen. Pour that wine—I’ll go for that, too.” Trey kissed the top of her head. “I’ll get the door.”

While he did, Clover played the Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand by You.”

“It’s true. I would. Will. And knowing he will? It changes everything.”

She poured the wine.

Then smiled at Owen, reached for another biscuit and the cat treats when Pye and Jones came in on either side of him. “There’s beer,” she told him.

“I don’t mind that.” He nodded at the wine, so she got out another glass.

“So, welcome back. What’s this about the asshole ambushing you before the deal?”

“What? What ambush?” Trey demanded.

Sonya poured the fourth glass. “How did you know about that? Telepathy?”

“That’d be cool, but no. Cleo texted me right after you got home, I guess to make sure I hadn’t lost one of her cat’s nine lives. She mentioned it.”

“There she is.” Cleo all but purred herself as she came in and scooped up the cat for a snuggle. “Thank you.” She gave Owen a chaste kiss on the cheek that had him eyeing Trey.

“I bet you got better than that.”

“I can’t lie. What ambush?”

“Brandon decided to needle me before the presentation.”

“He should’ve been gone,” Cleo added as she set the cat back down. “He was lying in wait, and that’s an ambush. Asshole.”

“Which Cleo called him, to his face. My favorite part. He gives her one of these.” Sonya put on a superior look, added a slight nod. “‘Cleo.’ And she gives him the same nod, with an ‘Asshole.’”

Both women broke into laughter as Owen grinned at Cleo.

“Well played. Major points.”