Page 56 of Finding Home

Elle laughed nervously, turning. “Oh Laney, you’re funny.”

“Suuuuree. I’ll bring those wings out in a bit. Have fun, you two.” Laney moved down to the large group of men at the end of the bar.

“You need to stop that.” Elle hissed with a laugh, pointing at Clayton.

“Stop what?” His eyes smoldered.

“That!” She motioned to his eyes.

“Well, you need to stop that.” He wagged his finger at her.

“What?”

“Being you. It’s utterly irresistible.” He winked, placing his hand on her lower back, guiding her away from the bar.

“I’m serious.” She warned, the crimson of her cheeks no doubt matching the color of her top.

“Me too.” He smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll be good, starting now.”

“Thank you.” She bit her lower lip. “If you’re good now, you can be naughty later.”

“Noted.” he murmured, the pads of his fingers massaging her lower back.

“Elle!”Pete greeted, hugging her as they arrived at their table.

“Look at you in jeans!” Janet fawned, turning her around to inspect. “Who knew you had a nice little booty.”

“Janet!” Elle swatted away Janet’s hands.

“Pete, we’re still good with Walk the Dog as our name, right?”Clayton shifted talk away from Elle’s butt.

In the thrall of her hormones since seeing Clayton tonight, Elle hadn’t looked closely at what both men were wearing. Pete wore a black T-shirt with large white block lettering spelling outGrandPAWover a white silhouette of a lab. Clayton’s white T-shirt featured a sleeping Fitz, of course, with the wordsPug Daddyhovering above the image.

Team Walk the Dog played in one of the first matches. They played Let It Wine, comprised of Noah and Todd. Team Walk the Dog won that match.

The night proceeded with match after match filled with good natured ribbing. When the guys weren’t playing, they joined Elle and Janet at the table, munching on wings and sipping their beer.

“Elle, beer?” Todd asked, as he appeared with a fresh pitcher for the table.

“Sorry, I don’t like beer,” she scrunched her nose.

Todd placed his hand on his heart and let out an exaggerated gasp, “She says to the brewmaster!”

Talk turned to Noah and Todd’s soon-to-open brewery. The new place, located just off Main Street around the corner from the Village Rose, would open in May once renovations were finished.

“I bet I can change your mind on beer.” Todd winked at Elle before motioning to Noah. “We should do a tasting.”

“Yes! At my house. What are you all doing tomorrow night?” Noah said.

“Pete and I have a date. He’s taking me to the drive-in.” Janet grinned.

“To neck?” Elle teased.

“Maybe.”

“Gross. Why did I say that?” Elle groaned.

“Elle, you free?” Todd asked, his eyes expectant.

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