Just This Once, Contemporary Romance (Last Frontier Lodge #3) by J.H. Croix Page B

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    “Of course! When Aidan said you were here and you were making drunken noodles, how could I say no?”
    Becca stepped past Ellie and set the wine on the counter. “Wow, you’ve managed to make Aidan’s apartment kind of cozy,” she said with a quick grin in his direction.
    Aidan gave Oscar one last pet and stood. Oscar followed him as he walked across the room. His apartment was sleek and industrial. The flooring was dark hardwood. The walls were painted dove gray. The vents were visible above. The entrance led into the main living space, which was a large living room with a half-wall separating it from the kitchen. The kitchen had all stainless steel appliances and granite counters with an island that contained the stovetop and stools on the opposite side. Ellie had instantly left her mark with bright fabrics draped over the corner of the table and two new throw pillows of deep red tossed on his couch, along with a matching throw.
    Ellie chuckled at Becca’s comment. “Aidan works too much to keep his place cozy. That’s why I make sure to show up here and there. I leave a few things behind every time.”
    Becca tugged a stool out and sat at the counter. Over the next little while, Aidan busied himself catching up on work emails while Ellie and Becca chatted. Oscar decided Becca was in his preferred circle and nearly pinned himself to her side after she petted him the first time.
    “How long have you had him?” Becca asked Ellie as Aidan closed his laptop and approached the kitchen island.
    His apartment was scented with onions and garlic and whatever other flavors Ellie was cooking up. Ellie turned away and rinsed her hands quickly. She tucked a loose lock of hair behind her ear and glanced over at Becca. “He’s been with me for over four months now. No luck on adopting him out yet. I’m trying to convince Aidan to adopt him.” Ellie caught his eyes as he leaned his elbows on the counter. “He loves you. I think you could use some company. All you do is work, work, and work. If you have Oscar, you can take him with you everywhere you do. He’s a really good boy.” Her hazel eyes were pleading as she looked at him.
    “It’s not that I don’t want to, I just don’t know if it’s the best idea. There will be jobs I can’t take him on. The courthouse, for one. How will he handle being alone during the day if I can’t take him with me?”
    “He’ll be fine. All he does is sleep most of the day. Plus, you can have him downstairs in the office too. It’s not like he’ll have to be alone.”
    Becca glanced between them. “He’s a sweet dog. You should think about it.”
    Aidan grinned and shook his head. “I already told you I’d think about it. Good enough?”
    Ellie grinned. “Good enough for now.” She turned off the burner with a flourish. “Drunken noodles are ready!”

    ***
    Becca watched Aidan’s car pull away from the curb. He’d insisted on walking her up to her door. She’d been simultaneously relieved and disappointed when he didn’t kiss her. Though she’d desperately wanted to kiss him, she hadn’t the nerve to tug him down to meet her lips. She’d always loved how tall he was whenever she let herself even think about how sexy he was, but his height didn’t lend itself to easy ways to bring her lips to his. His car disappeared in the distance, blending into the traffic on the busy downtown street.
    She let the curtain fall and turned away from the window. She plunked down on the couch. It had been nice to have dinner with Ellie and Aidan. She didn’t get to see Ellie as much as she’d like. Ellie was warm, kind and funny. Becca recalled the first time Aidan had brought her to a cookout at her parents’ home in Bellingham. Ellie had been somewhat quiet and hung back. It wasn’t until she got comfortable with everyone that her offbeat, quirky nature came out. Watching Aidan with Ellie reminded Becca of yet another reason she was so drawn to him. He and Ellie were