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Anything to delay my departure—even though I needed to get going.“Hello, Widget.”

She cocked her head.

James chuckled.“Our dog is infamous, is she?”

“Kevin mentioned her.I’m sure there is more than one French bulldog in Gaynor Beach?—”

“Several.”Colin chuckled.“But none quite so infamous.”

James shuffled past Widget—who continued to stare at me—and pressed a kiss to Colin’s cheek.“Drive safe, okay?”

Colin rolled his eyes.“This trip is just routine.”

His husband blew out a breath.“I should be going with you.”

“You have the meeting in San Diego with your new client.”

“Who could’ve waited a day.”

“Didn’t you say their network has some serious vulnerabilities?”

“Yes.”

“And didn’t they say they wanted an in-person meeting before signing the contract?”

“Yes.”

“So drop Widget off with Danny and the kids so she can play with Trouble, and head to your appointment.I’ll get the good news from Cedars and text you.”

James pursed his lips.

“I have Phillip to keep me company.”

That caught the taller man’s attention.His expression lightened.“Yeah?You’re hitching a ride?”

He directed the comment to me.

“Oh, I, uh, don’t have a car?—”

Colin waved me off.“He’s being a goofball and a worrywart.He always rests easier when I have company.Like I didn’t drive in New York City for years.”

“Amazing you’re still in one piece.”

“We have to go.”Colin pressed a kiss to James’s lips.

Widget woofed.

She and her human companion headed into the house.

Colin directed me to an electric SUV.“She’s a quiet ride.”

“Uh, sure.I don’t think I’ve ever been in one.Oh, maybe the cab I took on Friday.”

“Gaynor Beach cab?”

I nodded.

“Then there’s a good chance.Stow your bag and we’ll head out.You have the address where I’m dropping you?”