Page 21 of Home Between Homes

“You’d have to get rid of her, too, but we both know you can’t hurt a dog.”

“Especially not a lady like her.”

Maggie poked her head out from under the table, trying to figure out why we were using her name so much. I crouched down to see that Jack was still scrubbing behind her right ear. Isneaked up to her, put both hands on her chest, and as we petted her simultaneously, she seemed to drift off to petting heaven.

“What a life, huh, Maggie?” I let my hands slide from her chest to her cheeks. “Two men taking care of you at the same time?”

“She’s not picky. Cuddles are welcome from anyone, anytime.”

“Who knows if she would treat me the same if she knew I was avet?”

She blinked when she heard that little word, but the overwhelming feeling of four hands was too distracting.

“So you graduated?” Jack asked, not knowing that his question would make my shoulders so heavy that I could barely hold them up.

I let go of Maggie even though I didn’t want to and went back to the bubbling pot to stir it again.

“Last year. I also completed a residency program four months ago.” I wasn’t proud of my degree anymore. It was just a piece of paper. I even stopped looking for a job in the profession. Every time I talked to someone about it, they couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to do it anymore.

“Congratulations,” Jack said.

And here we go.I was seconds away from being asked what I was doing here instead of working as a veterinarian.

“That’s an impressive accomplishment,” Jack added. He let go of Maggie and took a sip of his tea.

Why didn’t he ask?

It caught me off guard more than I thought it would.

Did I mind? Did I want him to ask? Or was it a nice Christmas present not to be bothered by him as well? After all, I had come to Seastone to get away from everything.

“Thank you,” I replied, scratching my neck.

I dipped the spoon into the broth to taste what I was cooking. It was salty enough but... bland. Something was missing, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

“It’s a good thingyoutried it first,” Jack laughed. “Now I know it’s not poisoned.”

“The only death we will die while eating it will be from boredom.”

“Not good?”

“If you like raw tofu or overcooked noodles with no sauce, this will be your favorite.”

Jack jumped up, followed by Maggie’s disappointed eyes, and walked over to me. “Can I try?”

I handed him the spoon. “Be my guest.”

He dug deep into the pot, brought the steaming spoon to his mouth, and blew gently on it before tasting. The way his lips closed around the spoon was far more arousing than I would have liked. He licked his lips, his eyes narrowing as he searched for an answer. His head shook slightly but then changed to a nod as he turned and walked to the pantry.

The clattering announced that even though he seemed quite familiar with everything in this house, he was still a guest. “Yes!” His cheer floated into the kitchen. He returned with a small glass in his hand and held it up. “I knew they must have some curry paste.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“Mrs. McCormac made a curry for the Thanksgiving potluck,” he explained as if he thought I would think he was a creep for knowing all about it.

In fact, I was more concerned about his suggestion. “Are you sure you want to put curry paste in pumpkin soup?”

“You pick up a few tricks when you hang out with old ladies as much as I do.” He held the glass in front of me. “You trust me?”

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