Page 22 of Vail

Chuckling, I leaned back and returned to the stove. “She’s missed you.”

“Your sister is great. And I finally get to meet Dana.”

“He’s a nice guy, calm, down to earth. He’s good for Cat.”

I heard Jordan’s shoes before I saw him. Hartley and I turned, waiting for him to appear. Jordan’s hands were in his pockets, his jacket was absent, and he wore a dark green button-down with a pair of black slacks. It wasn’t his usual look, although it definitely flattered him.

Hartley went to him and put his hands on his chest. “This works well. What do you think?”

“If you and Vail like it, I’m happy.”

Sighing, Hartley said, “You should feel good in the clothes you wear, powerful.”

“I feel that way when I’m naked. Clothes don’t bring it out in me.”

“You know what I mean.”

“What you make for me and ask me to wear is always perfect.” Jordan dipped his head to brush a kiss over Hartley’s lips.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Jordan’s head lifted. “Is dinner done?”

“Yeah, I’m just finishing the sauce.”

I decided to go with a prime rib tonight, along with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and homemade rolls. I also had a decadent chocolate cake for dessert.

Tahoe clicked into the room, his nails tapping on the marble. A mobile groomer came to the building today to bathe him. It was one I used countless times before. She was good with Tahoe, and he licked her face while she made him handsome.

He leaned against my leg, then sat to peer up at me.

“I’m not giving you anything,” I told him. “You better behave tonight.” Cat loved him. Dana would get on the floor and play. Whenever Tahoe saw my brother-in-law, it was game on. To keep him calm would be a feat.

“They’re on their way up, sir,” Raiden said from near the elevator.

“Thank you,” Jordan replied. The guards were still getting used to Jordan thanking them. At least Raiden had stopped gaping and simply nodded now.

I turned the burner off and poured the sauce into a serving dish as Tahoe raced to the elevator to greet those heading up.

Tahoe learned fast when the guard announced a visitor, it meant new people for Tahoe to play with. It was like when the mail was delivered at my house. Tahoe knew they were coming and would look out the window, waiting for them. It helped that they left him a treat often.

Hartley rushed to put his socks and shoes on. I did the same. I preferred being barefoot but wouldn’t when we had guests. It didn’t matter if they were my family or not.

Jordan, Hartley, and I stood behind the dog, waiting for Dana and Cat.

The elevator doors slid open. Tahoe knew to stay and not jump, although once he saw Dana, the rules were out the window. He bolted forward, barreling into Dana, who quickly crouched once he was out of the elevator. Tahoe couldn’t get enough. He bathed him with kisses, then ran to the living room to collect his stuffed frog. It was one of his favorite toys. Dropping it at Dana’s feet, he sat and waited for the game to begin.

“Can I?” Dana asked, picking up the toy.

“Go ahead,” I told him. “Try to throw straight back so he doesn’t crash into anything.” The three of us moved out of the way so Dana could launch the toy.

We’d learned early on that Tahoe’s tail was dangerous, given the expensive art Jordan had. Jordan relocated the sculptures and other breakable items after Tahoe accidentally knocked one over and it shattered. I offered to replace it, but Jordan wouldn’t hear of it. As much as he said he didn’t like dog hair on his clothes, I saw the way he’d sit on the couch or in his office and absently pet Tahoe. He loved him.

Tahoe returned seconds later with the toy in his mouth. Dana tried to grab it, but Tahoe dodged out of the way, wanting Dana to chase him.

Dana laughed. “Okay, enough, boy. I’m not here to play with you.”

“He thinks you are,” I said. “You’ve trained him to play every time he sees you.”

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