“It’s either that or come home without Pop’s dog.”
“Hetold us to take the dog running.”
“Next time take him on a shorter run and bring dog treats to keep him going.”
Liam sighed.Next time. “Right.” He turned back the way they’d come. “Let’s get moving before I get too cold and you need to carry me, too.”
Chapter Seven
Coury
“What did you do to my dog?” Pop barely held back a laugh. Slider remained perfectly content around Coury’s neck; the lazy little sod had snuggled into his hoodie.
“Halfway into our run, Slider decided he’d sniffed and snaffed enough and wasn’t walking another step.” Liam slid a cold hand against Coury’s dog-warmed neck. Shivers slung down his back.
“So Coury decided to wear him as a scarf?” Pop took the dog from Liam and stroked its neck.
“It was that or leave him,” Coury yanked the hoodie over his head. “Wearing him as a neck warmer was better than leaving him two miles away.”
Pop put Slider down, and the little dog ran to his bed in the kitchen. “My other question is why didyoucarry him home and not Liam?”
“We took turns,” Liam said, a bit defensively. Coury couldn’t let it go.
“By ‘turns’ he meant I carried him for half a mile, Liam carried him half a block, rinse and repeat.”
“Oh my God, you’re such a liar.” He turned to his grandfather. “He only took him at the front of the house so I could get out my keys.”
“I don’t know what he’s talking about.” Amused, Coury avoided Liam’s glare. “Who carried him into the house? I mean that whole ‘possession being nine tenths’ is a real thing.”
“That’s very true,” Pop said. “Slider is very particular who he goes with.”
“Whatever! When’s your paper due? I just might be too busy to help.”
“Ouch. Kick a friend where it hurts, why don’t you.”
“As much fun as it is to watch you bicker like an old married couple, I need to feed Slider. We should also order the pizza.” He wrinkled his nose. “And you two need to hit the shower. It’s been a long time since I had to endure sweaty young men at the dinner table, and I prefer that streak not end any year soon.”
Liam rolled his eyes. “Now who’s the drama queen?”
“I prefer grumpy old man.” Pop handed Liam a menu. “Tell me what you want and I’ll order while you shower.”
Pop went into the kitchen before they could answer.
“I guess he told us.” Coury pinched his T shirt. “But I probably could use a shower.”
“Yeah, me too.” Liam handed him the menu. “They have great pizza. I like most stuff. Give me a few options and I’m sure we’ll find something.”
* * *
The doorbell rang as Coury trotted down the stairs. “I’ll get it, Pop.”
“Thank you, Coury. I already paidandtipped them.”
Of course. Pop figured Coury out and cut him off at the knees. It had become a game. If he tried to bring something, Pop would likely sent him home with more than he brought.
He collected their pizza and carried it into the kitchen. “You not going to let me have even a small bone, are you?”
Pop set napkins next to the plates he’d already put on the table. “Nope.” He wasn’t the least bit apologetic.
