As they pulled up the long drive to Alex’s house, Kristen let out a low whistle.
“You live here?”
“We all do actually,” Alex chuckled. “A year ago, it was only me. Then Jamie showed up, then Mark showed up. I just keep picking and taking in strays. Got a dog, too.”
Jamie pretended to punch his arm as she laughed at his teasing. “That’s my dog, thank you very much. You gave him to me.”
“Awww,” Kristen cooed. “He bought you a stray puppy?”
Mark cleared his throat and coughed out, “Guard dog.”
“Pardon?” Kristen asked.
Mark leaned forward and poked Alex in the shoulder. “Jake’s supposed to be a guard dog. He’s just really friendly.”
“I think it’s cute.”
Jamie turned and smiled at Kristen. “So do I.”
* * *
"This is so ridiculously good. What is it again?" Mark picked up the box of Chinese noodles and poured more onto his plate before setting the container back on the coffee table. They were all gathered around it, sitting on the floor and having dinner.
Jamie had loaned Kristen a comfy t-shirt and some pajama bottoms, completed by a pair of furry socks.
"It's all good." Kristen picked at her food and kept glancing over at Mark.
"Those are called Lo Mien." Alex reached over and plucked a noodle form his brother's plate, but not quickly enough.
Mark grabbed a hold of it and pulled it back, sucking it into his mouth quickly.
Jamie laughed alongside Kristen, and grabbed the box, giving it to Alex. "There’s more in here. No need to start a war over some noodles."
"Not just any noodles. These are the noodles." Mark waved his chopsticks around, almost hitting Jamie with the one that went flying out of his hand.
They laughed again, and Alex leaned over, kissing the side of her face. "Great choice for dinner. You guys up for playing some board games, or should we try to get you back to your car?"
Kristen shrugged. "I'm good with whatever. I don't want to put anyone in danger. I'm happy just sleeping on the couch tonight if you guys want. Whatever would make things easy."
"You can stay in my place. There's an extra bedroom tucked into the back of it." Mark stood. "I'd love to play games, but I'm honestly exhausted. I'm thinking a movie."
"A movie sounds great." Kristen stood up with him, and it was a little more than obvious that they were hoping for a movie with just the two of them.
Jamie glanced over at Alex and nudged him as she yawned. "Well, you guys can watch it here or at Mark's. I'm exhausted. I need to hit the sack. I hope you're not too upset."
Mark and Kristen answered just a tad too fast, at the same time, "No!" “Totally fine.”
Alex chuckled and stood before helping Jamie up. "I'm with my woman. Bed sounds good after the day we've had."
"Then we'll help clean up and get out of your hair." Mark moved to start cleaning up.
"No. We'll get it. Really." Jamie pushed at his shoulder and winked at him. His cheeks colored pink, making her love him as a brother more than she did before.
"You sure?" Kristen asked as buttoned up her coat.
"Positive. Get out of here." Alex wrapped his arm around Jamie. "And great job on all this Gina stuff, Mark. I wouldn't have known what she was up to without you looking into it. I'm grateful."
"Anytime, bro." Mark walked to the door and reached for Kristen's hand as Jamie snuggled in tightly against Alex.