Page 106 of Bae

“The holidays,” I mused, realizing they were creeping up on us. “We’ll make it special, really decorate the compound,” I vowed.

“Definitely.” She smiled.

After that, our chatter turned to clothes and other light topics. The dogs all raced back in from outside and danced around our chairs, hoping for dropped morsels of food.

It was good to be like this with her. It wasn’t the coffee shop we used to go to in college, but it was still nice. And at least here we didn’t have to stand in line. Or run the risk of running into people we hated… like Missy.

Ew.

A horrible stampede sounded on the stairs overhead, and we glanced at each other and groaned. Seconds later, from the other room, I heard, “What the shit? Who knocked over the coffee table?”

I winced. Then not one second later, Braeden hollered again, “My shoe! Who the hell chewed my shoe?”

Well… I guess I knew what got knocked over earlier.

“Ralph!” Romeo growled.

“You gotta get control of your mutt, Rome,” Braeden muttered.

As if he knew, Ralph came racing into the room and sat at my feet, looking up at me angelically and stoically all at once.

I patted his head. “Just ignore them. You’re a good boy.”

Ivy giggled.

Both guys appeared. Romeo was carrying Nova; Braeden was carrying his chewed-up, slobbery shoe, which he held up like he was presenting evidence.

“I told you not to leave your shoes lying around,” Ivy remarked as she sipped her coffee.

“That’s enough out of you, Blondie.” He shook the shoe at her.

I laughed. B swung his scowl to me. “This is your fault. That dog”—he gestured to Ralph—“did this.”

“I’ll buy you some new shoes,” I told him, still petting my dog.

Nova held her arms out to Ivy, and Romeo surrendered her. Once Nova was in her mother’s lap, she reached for the dog, and Ralph licked her fingers.

I batted my eyes at Braeden.

“Jesus!” He tossed his shoe in the trash. “We’re so whipped. This house is a freaking circus.”

Romeo stepped up close, Ralph still sitting between us. He gave the dog a look, and I poked him in the stomach. When he glanced up, I pursed my lips.

He chuckled and leaned down. The kiss lingered… just the way I liked it.

“We have to fly back to New York today, baby,” he informed me.

I tried not to show my disappointment. I knew it was coming. This was his job, and he really wasn’t supposed to be here now anyway. It still sucked, especially after last night. Especially since I felt so close to him.

“What time do you leave?” I asked, wondering how I was going to drive them to the airport. My car was gone. After last night, he probably wouldn’t hand me the keys to the Hellcat.

“Weleave at one.” He kissed my nose and pulled back to head for the coffee. On the way, he snagged my empty mug so he could pour me more.

“We?” I said.

Ivy gave me ahere we golook.

“You’re not staying here alone. Ivy’s going to New York.”

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