Page 66 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

Elliott:??That’s a risk you’ll have to take??

Jamie:??lol. See you Thursday.??

Chapter Twenty

Jamie

Jamie:??Checking in on my dog. Is he behaving himself???

A photo appeared almost immediately, and Jamie laughed and leaned his head back on the couch. Ian and some of the guys had gone out for drinks, so he was enjoying the peace and quiet in his hotel room after being in the hot sun all day.

Jamie:??Is that a bone? It’s the size of his head??

Elliott:??We ran seven miles this morning. He deserved it??

Jamie:??Wow, yeah. That’s awesome.??

Elliott:??He’s been perfect. We’re having a blast.??

It wasn’t the first time Jamie’d been jealous of his dog, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

Elliott:??How’s the tree climbing???

Jamie:??Good. I’m exhausted??

Jamie:??And before you make fun of me, it’s harder than it looks??

Elliott:??I’d never make fun of a grown man climbing trees??

Jamie:??Glad we’re clear on that??

He paused for a moment, resting his phone on his thigh. He stared at a dull water spot on the ceiling and wondered if he should say good night. He’d had no qualms about using his dog as an excuse to text her. And it had definitely been nothing but an excuse, because there was nodoubt in his mind she was pulling out all the stops to take good care of Hank. He wanted tokeeptalking to her. Ask how her day was and if she had plans later. Maybe somehow they’d come upon the topic of Stephen, because he’d heard they’d gone out and was dying to know if anything was happening there. Maybe she’d say something likeWe’re just friendsorI had a terrible time. Bonus points forStephen’s kind of an asshole.

Uncharitable of him? Probably.

Did he care? Nope.

He opted for something less invasive.

Jamie:??What are you up to tonight???

Elliott:??Thought it was pretty obvious??

She sent a second photo of Hank.

Jamie:??Get yourself a big bone, too???

The literal second he hit “Send,” he groaned aloud.

Jamie:??I didn’t mean that the way it sounded??

Jamie:??Can we forget I said that??

Elliott:??Hahahaha??

Elliott:??Not a chance, but I meant I thought it was obvious I’m hanging with your dog??

Jamie:??No big Saturday night plans???

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