Page 42 of When We Break

“I don’t have an overnight bag.”

“We’ll stop and get your things,” he replies, his mouth hovering over mine. “Say yes, Irish.”

I’d say yes to just about anything when he calls me that.

“We’d like that.”

He brushes his lips over mine, gently this time. His hands land on my shoulders, then ghost up to frame my neck, his fingers in my hair, and it feels like little tiny fireworks explode up and down my skin.

“We’d better go,” he whispers against my lips.

“Okay.”

Beck follows me home, and the three of us bustle inside so I can pack up Riley’s and my things.

I only pack casual clothes and a few things that I don’t mind if they get dirty, given that we’ll be out in barns and on the ranch. With my bag packed, I take it to the living room and pass it to Beckett.

“I just have to gather Riley’s food and a bed and?—”

“I already have that out there,” he informs me.

“You have hisfood?”

He shrugs. “I noticed which brand you fed him and picked some up on my way home yesterday. I also grabbed him a bed, bowls, and toys. He should be good to go.”

My mouth opens but then closes again because I’m not sure what to say.

“I know, it’s pushy.” His knuckle drifts down my cheek. “And if this weekend goes badly, you can take it all home with you and keep it. But I’m hoping you’ll want to spend a good amount of time out there with me.”

“I don’t think it’s going to go badly.”

He kisses my forehead, igniting more fireworks down my body.

“I don’t either. Let’s go, you two. I’m making dinner tonight.”

I look at Riley and give him the hand command to follow me.

“Do you want to take my SUV again for Riley?” I ask.

“Come see if what I did to the truck will work,” Beck replies, holding the door open for me.

I follow him down the steps, and when he opens the back door, my stomach clenches, and tears fill my eyes as I clamp my hand over my mouth.

“Beck.”

He’s taken the back seats out of the truck entirely, and in their place are two thick, plush industrial dog beds, side by side, so Riley will have a soft place to ride.

“Will this work?”

Before I can reply, Riley jumps into the truck, turns a circle, and then lies down in the middle of the space, letting out a satisfied huff.

“I guess it will, yes.” I shake my head and look up into his gaze. “Thank you.”

“I need our guy to be comfy.” He shuts the door, but before he opens my passenger door, he reaches up and brushes his thumb down my neck. “I needyouto be comfortable, Irish.”

“I’m more comfortable by the minute.”

He winks and opens my door, then helps to boost me into the truck. He doesn’t shut the door right away. No, this cowboy buckles me into the seat belt, kisses my cheek, then shuts the door. He circles the hood and gets into the driver’s seat.

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