Page 55 of Make It Last

“Well,” I said, keeping my tone casual, “then keep him.”

Her head snapped up. “Really? You think I should just keep him?”

“Why not? If you like him and he needs a home, seems like a win-win.”

“You’re right,” she said quickly. “I should just keep him.”

“What would you like to drink?”

“Just water.”

“Well, do you want a glass of wine or something else?”

“I don’t have any.” She shrugged.

“All right,” I said with a small smile. “I’ll make a note.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean, you’ll make a note?”

“Next time I come out, I’ll bring you wine or whatever, if you want.”

Her smile turned brighter. “All right. You’ve heard of Fireweed Winery, right?” At my nod, she continued. “Nationally renowned—excellent wine, beer, and mead. Personally, I’m team mead. When I came on my first trip, we ate there several times. Amazing food and drinks.”

“Tell me your favorite flavor, and I’ll get it.”

She tapped her fingertips on her chin. “Mmm, it’s a toss-up between raspberry and blueberry.”

“I’ll get them both.” When Ava beamed, I added, “You look so surprised.”

“You’re just a nice guy.”

I shrugged. “Beige,” I quipped.

Ava narrowed her eyes and wagged her finger at me. “Don’t you even go there. What was your ex’s name again?”

“Laney.”

“Well, Laney was wrong.” She raised a brow. “Now bring me some water and some of that pizza. I’m starving.”

“Coming right up. Do we need to protect the pizza from him?” I asked, nodding at Growly.

“We’ll just close the box between slices.”

The ottoman by the couch was massive, big enough for Ava’s leg to stretch across and still hold both pizzas.

“I love options,” she enthused.

“I figured veggie was a good choice and pepperoni times three.”

“Can’t go wrong with that.” Ava rubbed her palms together.

The TV was still rolling in the background. She glanced over. “Do you want me to turn that off?”

“We should pick something to watch.”

“I’m bingeing Grey’s Anatomy, and I’m alternating it with Schitt’s Creek, cooking shows, real estate shows, and, since I’m here, I started watching some of the Alaska reality shows.”

I raised a brow. “Oh?”