“Maybe this one will work better for you… ‘This cock is a gift to humanity.’”

Trev almost repeated that on automatic, and then he burst out laughing upon realizing what the hell she’d actually said. “I’m not saying that.”

“I suppose me declaring it will have to be enough.” She glanced at him sideways, her smile growing into a ridiculous grin completely at odds with her political persona.

He adored seeing her like this, loved putting that glint of mischief in her gaze. “You’re ridiculous. What am I supposed to do with you?”

“I’d help you figure it out, but we’re expected for a double date. I hope we play games. Do you think Titus has Mario Kart? No, I bet he’s a board game guy, am I right?”

He snorted. “Spot on. Sorry in advance. At least the food will be delicious. He’s a better cook than my mom. I learned from watching him.”

Leanne touched his knee. “Nothing to apologize for. All jokes aside, I want to get to know Titus. He’s your BFF and Danica loves him, so he’s someone I value on principle. People who are important to you matter to me, hon. End of.”

How am I supposed to react when she’s so freaking sweet? Three words came to mind, but he feared she wouldn’t want to hear them.

Instead of those, Trev settled for saying, “Thank you, Butterfly.”

Chapter 17

On the way out of St. Claire, Leanne stopped at the garden center.

Trev got out of the car with her, glancing around in apparent bafflement. “What are we doing here?”

She’d never visited Titus’s house before, and it seemed impolite to show up empty-handed. Since she didn’t know if he was a drinker and she had to drive home afterward, it didn’t make sense to bring her usual gift of box wine. Judging by the way he appeared to enjoy nurturing others—he lived with his grown sister, and he’d taken in his stepsister as well—Titus would probably like looking after a plant.

For ten minutes, they wandered, looking at various shrubs while Leanne checked the type against whether they were toxic to dogs.

“This one?” Trev asked, about a green plant with pointy leaves and purple blooms.

“Nope,” she said.

Finally, they found one that would work, and she paid for it. Trev ported it to the car. “He’ll love it,” Trev predicted. “You’re positive this won’t hurt Doris?”

“It’s fine,” she assured him. “Plus, it’s literally called a friendship plant. What could be better as a gift?”

“You make a good point.”