Page 45 of Housebroke

“Anyway, I’m glad you stopped by,” she said as they moved through the side yard toward the front of the house. “Maybe we could have lunch sometime soon. We could invite Mom to come, too.”

“I’ll mention it to her and we’ll make plans. You should call her, too. She’ll worry less if she hears your voice.”

What Natalie meant was that Mom would be happier if she could lecture Hazel about all the things she’s doing wrong with her life. “Yeah, I’ll do that.”

They stopped at Natalie’s car. “Thanks, Nat.”

Nat patted her arm. “We’ll talk soon.”

She got into her car and drove away, and Hazel exhaled, realizing she held so much tension her shoulders were nearly covering her ears. She let them drop, then turned to see Linc watching from the garage, so she made her way toward him.

“Tense?” he asked.

“Normal.”

“I noticed no hugs or ‘I love you’s. Did you have a fight?”

“Not at all. My family isn’t affectionate.”

He pulled her against him. “But you are.”

She laughed and smoothed her hand over his chest. “Well, I had it all saved up.”

“And I’m the beneficiary? Lucky me.”

He kissed her, and all the tension she’d been holding immediately dissolved.

There was nothing like a passionate man to make you forget all your troubles. At least temporarily.

“I’ve got a fun idea that might cheer you up,” he said.

She arched a brow, hoping said idea was hot sex and several orgasms. “I’m listening.”

“I have to head home for a few days to take care of some business. I thought maybe you’d want to come with me.”

So... not hot sex. And not at all doable. “I can’t.”

He shot her a curious look. “Why not?”

“Because of the dogs.”

“You can’t get someone to watch them for you?”

She opened her mouth to immediately say no, then realized that was wrong. “I... could.”

“But you don’t want to? And hey, it’s fine if you don’t want to come with me.”

“No, it’s not that.” She rubbed her temple and immediately started pacing. “It’s just complicated. I’d have to ask the director of the foster agency to keep an eye on the dogs. Which would mean they’d have to stay with her. She has a lot of acreage, so she has the space, but still.”

“You’re worried about the pups.”

“Yeah.”

“Hey, it’s fine. Forget I asked. Of course the dogs and their needs have to come first.” He picked up his hammer and went back inside.

Hazel grimaced, staring at the closed door where Linc had disappeared.

The dogs loved Sandy. They’d all been with her before they’d come to live with Hazel. She trusted Sandy with her babies. And Sandy would absolutely let her have this short break. Theonly one stopping her from going on this trip with Linc was... herself.

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