Page 59 of Yolo

Garrett’s dad, Germaine, had taken Garnett home after we’d gotten word that Rufus would need to spend the night at the vet hospital.

Which left Garrett and me alone in the truck that his brothers had brought up for him and exchanged the other officer’s cruiser for.

“Are you sure you should be seen in public with me?” I asked, trying to keep the pain out of my voice, and failing a little bit.

He cleared his throat as he caught my hand and led me down the steps of the vet hospital.

How bad was it that in my rush to get in here, I didn’t even realize I’d climbed steps?

I allowed the hand holding until we were back on solid ground, then wiggled it free and put Rooster’s body between us.

Garrett sighed.

“I hate it when you call me Garrett,” he grumbled.

My brows rose. “Why?”

He opened the truck door for me and helped me inside, then helped Rooster into the back seat before climbing in himself.

Only when the truck was running did he explain.

“You called me Gee.” He drew in a deep breath. “Then you stopped when I told you that I couldn’t have anything to do with you.”

I shrugged. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” he admitted. “Hell, it’s not even mine. These months that I haven’t seen you, they’ve been some of the worst of my life.”

My heart jolted inside of my chest. “What?”

“Before I explain anything…do you want something to eat? It’s been a long day, and I’d love to have dinner with you now that I can,” he offered.

Now that he can.

Holy shit.

That was great news.

Was the threat to his “head” gone?

“What happened?” I pushed.

“Dinner?” he held off.

I smiled and looked down at my lap. “As long as it’s dog friendly, and no one is going to give me a hard time for having an animal in their place of business.”

He started tapping his toe on the floorboard. “Why do I feel like you have experience with that?”

“Because like clockwork, it happens to me at least once a week,” I grumbled darkly.

“I’ll find you something to eat where they’ll not complain. And if they do complain, I’ll use my authority to arrest their asses,” he offered.

I giggled.

“Where?” I asked.

Because that was important.

“How do you feel about a hole in the wall burger joint?” he offered. “I know they like all dogs, because I take Boss in there all the time.”

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