Page 42 of Capturing Love

I chuckled. “He’s a gentle giant, I promise,” I said, taking Luci out onto the terrace.

“He’s bigger than you!”

I nodded. “Yes, that was unexpected.”

Grayson’s brow furrowed, clearly confused.

“He was a stray. I thought he was a fully-grown dog when I took him in, but turned out he was just a puppy and well…he kept on growing.”

Grayson peered through the window, fascinated by the mass of fur. “Did you also think he was a she?”

I chuckled. “Oh, Luci’s just a nickname.”

“For what?”

I winced. “Luci-fer.”

Grayson blinked a few times, then burst out laughing. “You named your dog after the devil?”

I threw my hands in the air with a laugh. “He was such a crazy puppy, tearing shit up and wreaking havoc wherever he went. It seemed to fit at the time.”

“And now?”

“Now he’s old, partially deaf and blind, and, as you just found out, super protective. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.” I smiled at Luci through the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the terrace.

Grayson’s eyes sparkled as he passed over a coffee.

“Thank you.” I said, wrapping my hands around the warm mug.

“Sorry, I helped myself. I can’t function without coffee in the morning.”

I cringed. I didn’t have a fancy coffee machine. “I bet you don’t have instant often?”

“I’ll take what I can get. I’m feeling especially tired this morning.” He winked and my cheeks warmed.

“You hungry?” I asked, as my stomach rumbled. I spotted the empty pizza box on the floor and groaned. “Luuuci.” That was my breakfast.

“Should we get dressed? I can take you somewhere.”

“No way! It’s Sunday. Pyjamas don’t come off until at least midday.”

Grayson slipped his finger through the gap in my robe, attempting to take a peek. “You’re not wearing pyjamas,” he said, smugly.

I brushed his hand away and laughed. “You know what I mean.” I smirked. “I’ll make us something.”

Grayson’s eyes widened and a twinkle appeared. “You can cook?”

“We can’t all afford to eat out every night.” I poked his chest as I moved past him towards the kitchen.

I rustled up some bacon and eggs from the fridge, and turned on the stove.

As I cooked, Grayson sat on the kitchen stool watching me. “I haven’t had a home cooked meal in months.”

I scrunched up my face. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I wish I was.”

“What about when you go home to your folks?”