Page 24 of A Baby for the Firefighter
But first, my cousin wanted to talk to me about a surprising idea he’d had.
“You know, Conner had his play date with Jake yesterday,” he started after the children had wandered off into the living room to watch cartoons.
I gave him a smile. “Yeah? How did it go? I mean, did he talk about it?”
Shane glanced in the direction of the living room. “A little bit. He didn’t say much, but… I think he had fun. It was good to see him like that. You know… smiling. And I’ve been wondering.”
“About?” I drank the last sip of the coffee that remained in my mug. Now I felt almost ready to face the day. And whatever my cousin was wondering about.
“He seems to really, really like that dog.”
I had to laugh. “Fiona?” Griff had told me about his brother’s Labrador. She seemed to be a kind, gentle dog, and if she could put up with Jake’s energy, she was probably good with all kids.
“Yeah, I think that’s what she was called.”
“I didn’t think Conner would be into dogs.”
“Me neither, but I think he should have one.”
Both of my eyebrows shot up. Shane had never talked about wanting a pet before. In fact, I could remember him having a pet just once. It was a fish, and he’d managed to kill it pretty quickly. “You want to get a dog?” I asked, just to make sure I was getting this right.
“No need to act so shocked. Do you really think it’s such a terrible idea?”
I shook my head. “You act all tough, but you’re really just a big old softie, aren’t you?” Matter of the fact was, Shane would do anything to make Conner smile more. That was sweet but… “You know nothing about dogs.”
He sighed. “Which is why I’m asking you.”
“Sorry, man.” I shrugged. “I don’t really know anything about dogs either.” My parents had never allowed us kids to have a pet, and as an adult I’d been too busy to take care of one.
“Yeah, but maybe that omega you’re dating knows something.”
“I’m not dating him.” Not yet, anyway.
Shane shot me a dirty grin. “But you’re hoping to.”
Couldn’t deny that. “Okay, I’m gonna ask him.” Just after we’d talked about all the other things we needed to talk about.
Was I ever looking forward to that.
* * *
Imadeit until lunch time and then I couldn’t wait any longer; I called Griff on his cell phone. He answered after a few rings.
“Hey,” I said, feeling just the slightest bit awkward. That was new for me. I was used to knowing what I wanted and going for it. Now, I certainly knew what I wanted—Griff, just Griff—but I struggled with the going for it part in a way that was wholly uncharacteristic for me. Something about my friend made me nervous. Maybe because there was more at stake. If I messed things up with Griff, I’d lose him as a friend as well as a lover.
I couldn’t stand that thought.
“Hey, Dean.” Griff’s voice was lacking its usual infusion of cheer. Something was bothering him. I hoped he wasn’t regretting last night.
“Do you think we could meet?” Because this was not something to be discussed over the phone. And also because I really, really wanted to see him.
“Yeah, we could meet.” Griff hesitated for a moment, then he said, “Could you come over here?”
“Of course. You want me to bring you some muffins? I made a fresh batch.” After all, I’d needed to dosomethingto keep the nerves at bay. What a fine alpha I was.
That got a laugh out of him. Such a clear, beautiful sound. I could listen to it all day. “You know the answer to that,” he said.
“I’m going to take that as a yes. And I’ll be over in a few minutes.”
