Page 75 of Gideon's Gratitude

Who strained to get closer to a new potential friend.

They came close enough to sniff and then, naturally, Lucky tried to sniff her ass.

Classy.

The brown-haired man smiled. “It’s okay. I’m assuming he’s fixed.”

“Lucky? Yeah, I would assume. He had a lot of veterinary care when he was a puppy.” I wouldn’t talk about the potential abuse—that was none of my business, and I didn’t have enough details.

“Dr. Zephyra?” The ginger grinned. “She’s the best. Keeps Princess Sofia in tip-top shape. Oh, I supposed we should introduce ourselves. I’m Maddox and this is my friend, Adam.”

The other guy waved.

Friend orfriend?

The ginger kept speaking. “My husband Ravi, and our two rugrats, are at home. I, uh, needed a break.”

“And my boyfriend, Dean, is speaking to his mate Sam. Timing calls between Mission City and Sydney, Australia is always tough. I thought I’d give him privacy.” He glanced at his dog. “Chip’s always up for a trip around the block with Princess Sofia.”

Ah, so just friends.

Maddox cocked his head.

“Right. Sorry, my name’s Archer. Lucky is a great dog, but notmydog. I’m just walking him while his owner sleeps in.”Which doesn’t at all sound weird.“I’m new to the neighborhood.”

“Oh? Haven’t seen any properties for sale in a bit.” Maddox scratched his bearded cheek. “But private sales happen.”

“That’s what happened for me.” I pointed behind me. “My realtor heard of an empty lot coming on the market and recommended I snap it up.”

“Oh, you’re the guy.” Maddox grinned. “Riley’s been cagey about who she’s building the house for. They’ve been at it for a while. I’ve been good and haven’t snuck a peek.”

“But you’ve wanted to.” Adam smiled. His face was crooked because of the scar, but the grin was genuine.

“Yeah, okay.” Maddox shrugged. “Curiosity.”

“Well, I could give you a tour right now.” I gazed back the way we’d come. I had no way to let Gideon know what was going on, but I’d suggested he sleep and I’d also said we’d be gone for a while.

“We’d love it.” Maddox offered what I’d term a wicked grin. “Ravi and Dean are going to be so jealous.”

“There’s always the option of not telling them.” Adam eyed his friend.

“Oh no, we’re so rubbing their noses in this.”

“Okay, that’s fair.”

“If your husband and boyfriend want to come another day, I can arrange—”

“Oh, we’re not going to put you out.” Maddox shook his head. “Although when it’s all done, we wouldn’t turn down an invite to check it out. You must be almost finished.”

“Not quite, but getting there. The gas is being installed this week.”

“That’s important.” Adam tilted his head to observe Chip and Lucky doing some kind of…doggie thing. “The power went out the other night. Gas fireplaces and generators are required if you want to survive.”

“The tree that took out the power pole fell on my SUV.”

Maddox whistled. “I’m assuming you weren’t in it?”

“No. Inside the house watching. That’s when I went for help and found Lucky.”

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