Page 138 of Pinch

My eyes go to Gigi, and her green eyes are wide. Her lips part, and she sits down on her feet.

I decide I’d better jump in and save her. “Hi, Owen, it’s so nice to meet you.” I nod at the big dog. “I love Ladybird. She’s a beauty.”

“Nice to meet you.” He ducks as he steps into the living room.

“That’s an unusual name for a bloodhound. Is there a story?”

“Oh…” He exhales a light chuckle, and dimples appear in both of his cheeks.

My eyes widen as I look over at my cousin, who still hasn’t said anything.

“She likes to sing along with Shania Twain,” he continues. “It’s actually howling. Loud, long howling.”

“I can’t wait to hear it.” I laugh, putting my hand on the couch beside me to stand.

Only I can’t seem to get up. I rock back and forth until Gavin reaches down to give me a push. Gigi snaps out of her trance, hopping in front of me to hold my hands and pull.

“You’re turning into a team effort, Hads!” Mav laughs watching the three of us.

“Don’t make me hurt you, Maverick.” I cut my eyes at him when I’m finally able to stand.

He runs over to take my hands from Gigi. “Here, I’ll walk you home. Where’s Peepee?”

“I’ve got her.” Gigi hands the little dog to me. “You’re not going anywhere. You have a guest to situate.”

“Gav can walk me home. I’m tired.” Leaning forward, I kiss Gigi, hug Mav, then I wave to Owen. “I’ll see all of you tomorrow.”

“I’ll whip up something spicy. See if we can’t coax Lucy out of there.”

“Maybe she likes cats?” Gigi skips over to me, holding my hand.

I lean to her ear. “Maybe you like bloodhounds.”

She gives my arm a pinch, and I glance up to see Owen rubbing the back of his neck. “When my little girl was born, my late wife went into labor getting a foot massage.”

Gigi and I freeze, clutching each other. A little girl? A handsome widower? We give each other the curious side-eye.

“You’ll have to tell me all about your little girl tomorrow.” I hold out my hand to shake his.

“Night, Owen.” Gav puts his hand on my shoulder, and we head for the door.

Once outside, he chuckles, pulling me close. “You two are as obvious as… something really obvious.”

“Well, he’s got his work cut out for him.” I hold Gav’s arm, leaning on him as we walk across the street. “Gigi swore off men after her last love-bomber.”

“What’s a love-bomber?”

“A guy who acts like he’s sooo in love with you, takes youon all these elaborate dates, treats you like a queen, then ghosts the minute you sleep with him.”

“Oh, you just mean a dick.”

“That…” I point up at him, grinning. “That right there is why I should’ve known Karen lied to me. You’re true blue Gavin Knight.”

“I really love you, Princess.”

“I love you.”

Gavin