Page 26 of Gideon's Gratitude

Leo was destined for places like that. As a successful surgeon, he’d be in high demand. His appearance would bring respectability. Someone who had come from poverty, raised himself up by the bootstraps, and become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Big fancy title. Hearts. The man worked on hearts. Too bad he didn’t have one for his ex-husband.

The kids. Tomorrow would be about the kids.

The front door opening pulled me back into the present. I tossed my dirty clothes into the hamper in the closet, then noticed my guest had stripped the bed. Huh. I’d have to put the sheets in the dryer before we left. Remaking the bed would be hell on my back, but the act of making the bed was, in itself, an act of defiance. I refused to be defined by what I couldn’t do.

As I hit the top of the stairs, Lucky woofed and spun in excitement. “Had a good walk, did you?”

He headed over to his water bowl and slurped half of it up.

Where is Archer?

The sound of the dryer door slamming shut answered that question. The man was considerate. I could give him that.

And maybe the benefit of the doubt?

Maybe.

He appeared from the laundry room looking just as heart-stoppingly handsome as he had earlier. He’d flipped on the overhead light, and I was grateful it didn’t bother me. Part of Fifties was well lit, andsome areas were darker. I was counting on getting a booth in the darker area.

“Riley is waiting for us. Is there anything you need?”

I’d pocketed my wallet upstairs, so I just snagged my keys from the kitchen counter and shook my head.

“Well, aside from a coat.”

Right. Coat.

I needed to get a grip. I yanked a ski jacket from the closet and pulled it on, wincing inwardly at the twinge in my back. I double-checked that I had my wallet, then pivoted to Lucky. I pointed to the dog bed.

The dog didn’t look impressed. He hated being left alone. He was spoiled that way, what with me being home most of the time.

“You’ll survive. I’m only going to be a few hours.”

As if somehow the dog could understand.

Lucky might not comprehend words, but he was getting good at tone of voice. His ears tucked as he lowered himself to the bed. He huffed as he laid his head against his crossed front paws.

“Obedient dog.”

I cut a glance from Lucky, to Archer, and back to Lucky. “That’s debatable. I could crate him, but I’d pay for that later. Hopefully he won’t get into trouble while we’re gone.” I followed Archer outside and locked the door behind him. I’d flipped the front porch lights on, but we still had enough light to lead us through the property line.

All the other vehicles were gone, and Riley leaned against her truck, phone in hand. She looked up and offered a wide grin. “Hey, guys, perfect timing.” She opened the back door and I moved in that direction. Archer placed a restraining hand on my arm. “I’ll sit in the back. I asked you, and it’s a full-size, so I’ll fit.”

That was debatable, but getting into the front would be easier for me, so I simply nodded and rounded the front. I opened the door andhefted myself inside. As I was securing my seat belt, Riley got in as well. “Where are we headed to?”

“Fifties.” Archer’s response was quick and easy.

She grinned. “Oh, that sounds lovely. I think I’ll grab something to go.”

“You could join us.” Yes, that would work. If she joined us, it’d be less like a date. More like just a group hanging out.

Another affable grin. “Lovely idea, Gideon, but I have my own beast to get home to. I didn’t arrange for a dog sitter today, so my little mutt will be bouncing off the walls by the time I get home.”

Ah well, I tried.

She licked her lips. “I’m thinking of getting a shake. Either Espresso or Cappuccino. And an order of breaded shrimp. And a chicken dinner. Oh, and pie. They make the best pie.”

My stomach rumbled. I hadn’t had lunch, and I doubted Archer had either. We’d both be hungry. Or at least we should be. My stomach was still in knots over this evening.

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