Page 45 of High Velocity

“My dog’s more comfortable here.”

I grin when she starts laughing.

“Shame on you; using your dog as bait,” she accuses me, but her eyes are sparkling with amusement.

“Hey, if it works…”

Stephanie

Janey is waiting for me in the doorway with question marks all over her face.

“What’s Ash doing with you??”

Jackson had just left this morning when she called to invite me over for lunch at her place. I jumped at the chance. Not only would it get me out of the house, but I’d love to get her perspective on what’s happening with Jackson. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the hell out of last night and waking up with him this morning, but I still worry this might be moving too fast.

I’ve been so focused on my career; I haven’t actually dated in a really long time and don’t know what is normal. I’m hoping Janey—who’s known Jackson longer than I have—may be able to give me some insight.

Bringing the dog was an afterthought. Call me silly, but I didn’t feel right leaving him at home alone when that bear might still be out there. Plus, I know he’s buddies with Ginger.

“I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“I don’t, but that doesn’t explain how he ended up with you,” she says, bending down to give Jackson’s dog some attention, before gesturing me inside.

Her house has undergone something of a transformation since I was first here last year. It had still been pretty outdated then—Janey having only recently moved in—but now boasts beautiful wide-plank hardwood floors, a comfortable open concept living space with as crowning jewel the fantastic new kitchen. Beyond that, out the sliding glass wall at the back, it opens up onto a large outdoor living space, where she is leading me right now.

“You don’t mind sitting outside, do you? It’s a nice day and we can let the dogs play.”

“Not at all.”

When we’re settled into the comfortable outdoor furniture with a glass of iced tea, she pins me with a look.

“Lunch has another ten minutes in the oven. So…the dog?”

I take a deep breath and blow it out.

“Has been staying with me for a few days,” I explain.

“Interesting. Just the dog, or the owner as well?” she probes with a sly grin.

My instinct is to clam up. I’ve never had a lot of girlfriends, don’t have a girl posse. In fact, technically, Janey is the only real friend I have, and I’m not used to sharing stuff. Talking about personal things feels a little unnatural, but I came here hoping to get her take on things, so I force myself to open up.

“Last night, both. Jackson came over a few times and a couple of days ago he brought Ash and left him with me. Then last night Jackson stayed over as well.” I take a deep breath and blow it out. “And it sounds like he’s coming back tonight.”

“Wow. Good for you,” she responds with a wide grin. “Jackson’s a good man. I love this for both of you.”

“You don’t think it’s too fast?”

She waves a dismissive hand at me. “Pfff, it’s not like you just met him. You’ve known him for a while.”

“Barely. Besides, I thought he was a bit of a grumpy ass.”

“I’m guessing you know better now.”

I nod. She’s right, I do. He’s kind and thoughtful, is a hell of a kisser, and—as I discovered last night— is a force in the bedroom.

“It was no different with me and JD. I thought he was a bit of an ass at first too, but then I got to know him and I was pretty much swept off my feet. These guys are all cut from the same cloth; once they set their eyes on you, they don’t mess around. They’re not wasting time.”

“So I’ve discovered,” I admit, but Janey must hear something in my voice, because she tilts her head to the side.

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