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passenger side seat forward, slamming Gaby’s head into the dashboard.
    Once upright, Gaby tried to exit with her but Sammy slammed the door. What was with these two? Hot and cold, both of them. Heck, they were at her home and she was in the front seat, so why was Sammy so anxious to get out first?
    She fisted the door handle to leave. Part of her wanted to stay in the car and confront Alexander, but then she’d have to admit she thought there was something between them. There was, though. Wasn’t there? She needed her mother. Someone to talk to. Maybe she was crazy after all and should have stayed on her meds.
    “Are you really that good with a gun?” Alexander asked.
    She let go of the handle. Her heart sped up at the realization they were so close, in a car, alone. “Yeah. My dad taught me at an early age. There are several in the house.” Idle conversation meant she could spend a few more moments with him instead of entering her empty house.
    “Are you scared being out here all alone?”
    “No, I’m fine. It does get lonely sometimes though. I wish my dad would stay home more.” Sadness ebbed its way in.
    “Sammy and I are always around. All you have to do is call us.” He eased out of the Mustang, came around the car and opened her door.
    He took her hand and pulled her up, inches from his face. The moment she stood, he captured her lips in his. Her muscles tensed and her legs went weak beneath. She swayed and fell against the car. His hand moved to the small of her back and pulled her against him. Husky cologne mixed with fresh cut grass filled the air. She melted into him. His mouth toyed with hers in a gentle sweeping motion sending tingles down her arms and legs.
    The kiss deepened and a fresh cinnamon flavor coated her tongue. Close…intimate…connected. Things she’d never felt.
    She kissed him back and the sensation of drinking a dozen Red Bulls jolted through her body.
    He pulled away, leaving her breathless.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Alexander’s body stiffened and he put distance between them shattering her world once more.

Chapter Six

    “Where did you get him?” Sammy squealed when Alexander approach the front porch with a dog.
    “I found him at a shelter.”
    Sammy ran down the steps to pet him. “Mom! We’ve got a dog!”
    “Don’t get too excited were not keeping him.” Alexander wrapped the leash around his hand.
    Grace exited the house onto the porch whipping her hands on a dishtowel, tucked in her apron. “Well, isn’t he sweet.” She placed her hand on the banister as she knelt next to the dog. Alexander reached out and took her elbow, easing her to the ground.
    The last year she’d struggled with the human aging process. His heart ached watching her body deteriorate. She did so much for Sammy and him. They’d be lost without her.
    “Why not?” Sammy nuzzled the dog. “He’s adorable. Oh, I get it. The dog’s for Gaby.”
    Alexander didn’t like the way Sammy annunciated Gaby’s name.
    “Yes.” Alexander walked past her, grabbed his car keys from the table just inside the front door and left the house.
    He helped Grace up and kissed her cheek.
    “Be home by dinner. I’m making your favorite son, lasagna.”
    “Grace, you shouldn’t—”
    “It’s no trouble. I wanted to.” Grace shooed him away. “I’m not in my dotage you know.” She smiled and walked back inside.
    Alexander faced Sammy. “Come on I’m going to take him over to Gaby’s. You need to go work your magic and convince her to keep him.”
    ****
    Gaby opened the door to find Alexander, Sammy and a dog with a bow around his neck.
    “What’s this?” Her voice tense.
    “A present. I hope your dad doesn’t mind. He needed a home and I thought he’d be good company at night for you.”
    We’re they serious? This mangy rust colored mutt was a gift? Sammy and Alexander looked so excited though. How could she say no? “What’s his name?” Gaby asked, bending down to pet him.
    “