Page 17 of Lawton

A steak? A shirt? Replaceable.

Chloe. Definitelynotreplaceable.

I was hacking into the second steak when I heard a yip, followed by the rustling of leaves. I turned to see a brown fur-ball slam into my legs.

I couldn't help but laugh.

Good dog.

When I crouched down to ruffle his fur, he leapt up onto my chest, catching his claws on my T-shirt and gnawing on the soggy fabric. I heard a rip as the fabric gave way, leaving the dog tangled in a mess of cotton and steak juice.

I was laughing my ass off when the patio door flew open. I looked up to see Brittney standing in the doorway. "Oh my God." She eyed the dog. "What happened?"

Shit.

I had company. Funny, I'd almost forgot.

I looked down at Chucky. With a playful growl, he sank his teeth into my fallen T-shirt and gave it a good long shake.

I had to smile.

Dog one, shirt zero.

In the patio doorway, Amber's face appeared next to Brittney's. She stared at the dog for a long moment. "Is that your shirt?"

I shrugged. Itwasmy shirt. Now it was a chew toy. Not a big deal. As for me, I had exactly what I wanted – an excuse to see Chloe. But how to go about it? Holler over the fence? Walk the dog back? Drive him in the car?

Brittney's voice cut into my thoughts. "I've seen that dog before. Haven't I?"

That's right. She had. Earlier this week, she'd been standing on my porch when Chloe and her friend had walked by with Chucky.

Double shit.

I didn't care what Brittney thought, but I did care about logistics. She needed to be gone, like now. Amber too.

Yeah, it was a dick move. I got that. But I'd make it up to them later. I glanced at the girls. Well, I'd make it up to Amber anyway. Brittney could kiss my ass.

I frowned. Not literally.

I bent down to scoop up the dog. Chucky. He squirmed briefly in my arms before settling against my bare chest. When I looked down, he lifted his head and gave my chin a noisy lick.

"Eauw," Brittney said. "Is he trying toeatyou?" Her voice rose. "You should put that thing down. It might have rabies or something."

Ignoring Brittney, I looked toward Amber. "Bad news," I said. "We lost the steaks. You want a rain-check?"

I'd barely gotten out the words when lightning flashed, followed by the quick crash of thunder. With Chucky wriggling in my arms, I made for the back door, dodging Brittney and Amber as I ducked inside, leaving them to shut the door and follow.

I set Chucky down on the kitchen floor. He looked around, shook off the water, and took off like a rocket, heading to who-knows-where.

I glanced out the patio window. By now, it was raining buckets. I turned to face the girls. "How about that rain check?"

Brittney's gaze narrowed. "A rain check? What do you mean?"

Amber looked outside. "Well, it is raining."

Brittney whirled to face her. "That'snotwhat a rain-check means."

Amber rolled her eyes. "I know. But I'm just saying. It's raining. You know. It's kind of funny, isn't it?"