Page 89 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“That too.” Jamie twists. Pulling his face in gloved hands for a kiss. “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

“Me too.” He wraps arms around Jamie’s waist. “I hadn’t planned on meeting the most amazing man before I signed this contract.” He presses lips. “I’m coming back in six months, and we’ll go from there.”

Jamie lays his forehead on Nathan’s and closes his eyes. He reaches in his coat pocket, gloved fingers fumbling.

Nathan draws back. “What are you…”

Jamie’s hand emerges. His fist wrapped around something.

Nathan’s lips part, ready to speak.

“Here.” Jamie’s fingers uncurl. He holds up his palm presenting a crumpled napkin from the diner. “You have a huge booger in your left nostril.” He giggles.

Nathan’s face flushes and he bursts in laughter. Accepting the napkin and wiping his nose. He pulls Jamie in and smashes their lips together.

***

They get back to the apartment just past noon. Jamie runs up the stairs to gather Rosy’s bowl, food and a bottled water and they sit on the back stoop together watching her nibble on the kibble.

She gets her fill and circles Jamie’s ankles, then jumps up into Nathan’s lap and nuzzles under his chin.

“She really likes you.” Jamie might feel a bit jealous. She’s never jumped up in his lap before.

“She’s really sweet.” Nathan strokes her from neck to tail.

“It’s those magic hands of yours.” Jamie tickles her chin with an index finger.

“You have no idea where she lives?”

“None.” Jamie shrugs. “I’m not sure she has a home. I’d take her in if we could have pets. Andrew says it’s in his contract as part of the condo.” He pinch-rubs the tip of her ear. “The downstairs neighbor was the original owner of the building and split it into condos when her husband passed years ago. She’s allergic or something.”

“That’s too bad. She’d be good company for you.” Nathan taps his forehead against Jamie’s.

“Wait. Why don’t you take her? The place in North Carolina accepts pets. They thought you’d be bringing Mabel.”

“I could.” Nathan stairs into her eyes. Looking up at him as if trying to convince him to agree.

“I think she’d like that.” Jamie nudges his shoulder.

Nathan scoops her into his arms. “Okay then.” He nuzzles his nose against her cheek. “Let’s get her some travel supplies.” He stands up and waits for Jamie to open the door.

Jamie pushes it inward and steps aside. “After you.” He grins.

The front door opens at the far end of the hall, spilling light through the space.

“Hey boys.” Andrew has two suitcases in hand and is wrapped in a cranberry scarf to his chin.

“Welcome back!” Jamie greets.

“Who’s this?” He nods toward Rosy.

“Don’t worry. It’s just for a few days. She’s going with Nathan.” Jamie pats her head.

“You know, it’s fine with me.” Andrew chucks. “Just don’t let Ms. Bellevue see. Get up the stairs.”

They all scale the stairwell quickly, concealing the little gray treasure.

Chapter 30

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