Page 21 of The Widow's Dom

“I can’t believe she lets you pet her like that,” Janessa said.

He looked back at the dog. “Why? She’s a sweetheart.”

It looked like Luna grinned and then pressed up against him.

Nick stood. “When does she eat?”

“I’ll give her some now. A bowl in the morning and one early evening.”

He nodded and started assembling sandwiches—one for her and three for him.

“Do you want beer, milk, a Coke, or water?” she asked.

“Beer, please.”

She sat at the table with the beers and a bag of chips and started putting mayo on her sandwich. His leg bumped hers under the table and stayed so they were touching. He was pleased when she didn’t try to move away from him.

They talked about what kind of place he was looking for and what his friends were up to. They stayed away from the topic of money and the banker.

“I’ve got an appointment with a Val Thomas tomorrow to look at the old Jenkins place,” he said. “Do you know her?”

“Yes. For some reason, she’s my archnemesis. She’s hated me for years, but I hear she’s a good agent. Did you know the Jenkins place butts up against ours on the east side?”

“Hell, if I bought the place, we could be neighbors,” he said and grinned.

She smiled. “That would be cool.”

“Would you come with me tomorrow and look at the place?” he asked.

“What time?”

“Two.”

“I can meet you there if that’s okay,” she said.

“Sure.”

They finished their sandwiches and cleaned up the kitchen. He walked around the house, making sure everything was locked up.

“Come here, little squirrel.”

She walked into the family room. He held out a hand. “Let’s find a movie.”

He could tell she was nervous, but he could also tell she enjoyed being with him. They settled on the big sofa in the family room, and she found a suspense movie.

“Is this okay?”

He nodded. “It’s perfect. I’ve wanted to see this.” He chuckled when she squeaked as he lifted her onto his lap.

“Wait…”

“No, I told you we were going to cuddle. Remember?” he said.

“Well, yes. But it can’t be comfortable for you if I sit on you,” Janessa said.

He chuckled. “It’s actually perfect, so don’t move.”

She lay across his lap with his arms wrapped around her. She faced the TV, and her back was against his chest. When she relaxed, he started calmly running his hand up and down her side, hip, and upper thigh. He was trying to relax her and not get her stoked because she needed the rest.

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