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She doesn’t immediately take the bait, which is fine.

I put the weather forecast on and keep my eyes on the TV.

Not even a minute passes before her warm, scratchy tongue licks the treat from my palm in one go. She keeps her face on the couch cushion as she crunches away, swallowing down the snack.

I move slowly, digging my fingers into her muzzle as I keep my gaze on the TV. “That was good, huh? You forgive me for startling you?”

She bumps her head against my wrist, and I grin. I can win over almost any animal with enough time.

Too bad my luck with women is nowhere near as good.

Chapter Six

Abby

Itext Bryant to let him know his roommate is here. Also maybe a little to verify that the man is who he says he is. Luckily, Bryant confirms that’s what Lawson looks like. He also assures me that he won’t hurt me.

It’s kinda reassuring, but also…

I just met Bryant this morning, so I should probably take anything he says with a grain of salt.

I get dressed in a matching set of Christmas pajamas and frown when I spot myself in the mirror above the dresser.

Dammit.

I didn’t bring in my makeup.

I have my brush, but my hair is naturally wavy. I only ever brush or comb my hair before a shower. Otherwise, I just anger the hair gods even worse than I do on a normal day.

My system is freaking out, wondering if he’s the one who smells like citrus and pine.

God.

It might be better if it’s his brother’s scent I’ve been obsessing about all afternoon. Then again, I was crazy attracted to Bryant’s scent as well. There’s a big chance I’ll also be attracted to Lawson’s, if I haven’t smelled his yet.

Dammit.

Why didn’t I bring in my makeup bag?

Maybe I’ll covertly grab it when I take Echo for a walk.

Rolling my shoulders back, I accept that I’m just not going to be able to give a good second impression.

My first was even worse, but that’s life.

I let myself out of the bedroom and take my towel back into the bathroom, tossing it over the curtain rod. Normally, I would close the shower curtain to prevent mold, but I don’t know what else to do with my towel.

My shoulders shake as I exhale heavily, making my way out into the living room.

My eyes bug when Lawson and Echo come into view. Lawson has his sleeves pushed up, and I’m surprised to see a multitude of black and gray tattoos. That’s not the shocking part, though.

Echo is up on the couch with her paws on his thighs, nuzzling her face to his chest as he gives her scratches.

“Oh my god,” I whisper, stumbling forward. “I’m so sorry. She has questionable manners, but she knows she’s not a lapdog.”

“It’s nothing to worry about.” Lawson chuckles good-naturedly. “Any dog is a lapdog if you’ve got a big enough lap, which I do. She probably smells Shadow. He’s my Belgian Malinois. I haven’t seen him since last night, but dogs have excellent senses of smell.”

“I know you’re waiting to change and shower,” I say, aiming a finger over my shoulder. “I tossed my towel over the shower curtain rod in the bathroom, since I didn’t know what else to do with it, but I can grab it if it’ll be in your way.”