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“I’ll spray ya from there,” Dodger warns with his back still to me. “C’mon, now. Quit fuckin’ around, ya little asshole.”

I’d help, but I’m really liking how this relationship is going. Pickles isn’t the only one who’s going to drive Dodger crazy.

It’s going to be a collective effort.

Pickles moves from side to side as Dodger continues to get a hold of him, and I lean against the door frame, enjoying the view more than anything.

That this could be my new norm.

Dodger turns on the hose, spraying Pickles and the suds, but Pickles only jumps toward it and tries to eat the water.

Meanwhile, Dodger slowly gets closer, spraying the hose toward the grass and finally gets a hold of Pickles by something brown wrapped around his neck.

A belt, maybe.

And when I think I still have some time to quietly watch the two of them mess around, Dodger’s head comes up and finds me watching.

“Mornin’, AK,” he says in this voice that’s dripping with titillating allure.

My God, this man could read me a grocery list and I’d be dripping wet for him.

“Mornin’,” I reply casually. “Need help?”

“Nah, I got it. Ole boy needs to learn to relax.”

“Seems to be doin’ alright.”

“Ya don’t know how long I’ve been out here with the jerk.”

“How long?”

“‘Bout twenty minutes.” I roll my eyes, and a ghost of a smile plays off Dodger’s lips before it’s gone. “Gonna take ya to breakfast. Feel free to pick out whatever you wanna wear in my dresser.”

I lift a brow. “Ya want me roamin’ around town in your clothes? Why don’t you just take me⁠—”

“Yes,” he says without hesitation. “I do.” He jerks his head forward. “Go on, now. Lemme finish this little shithead and⁠—”

“Dodger,” I lightly scold. “Quit callin’ him names.”

“Well, it’s better than Pickles.”

“I think his mental state would beg to differ.”

“He don’t know it ain’t a term of endearment. He’s a dog.”

“He’s more than a dog. He’s a warrior.”

“He was out in the rain, AK. He ain’t—” The look on my face must get him to think better of trying to convince me of anything else because he sighs and gives up. “Alright, we leave in twenty minutes.”

“Mhm.” Pushing off the door, I highly doubt anything of Dodger’s will fit me, but it’ll do.

He wants to show me off around town and spin the gossip mills; I’m only more than welcome to play a starring role.

12

DODGER

“Can I get y’all some champagne?”