Lauren considered the offer. Tinsley was cute, and friendly, and her crush on Lauren seemed apparent. Lauren just wasn’t sure she had the time in her life to offer to someone right now. It was possible all Tinsley wanted was a hookup, but wasn’t that a bad idea with people you worked alongside? Hadn’t she just given Trip that same advice? As tempting as it was, Lauren decided to sidestep the offer.

“You’re sweet, but I’ve had such a killer day, you know?” She tapped the top of the Mini. “Gonna head home and play sock tug-o-war with Rocky IV, and maybe have a Baileys on the rocks before bed. Still debating whether I’ll wear the footie pajamas or not, wild child that I am. No photos, please.”

Tinsley laughed. “You definitely have the pajama fashion down. So, I’ve been wondering about something. Is Rocky your fourth dog named Rocky?” Tinsley asked, flashing her smile again. Yep, she was looking for some action, and Lauren just wasn’t prepared to go there with her. She was a pretty girl, and friendly, and gay as hell, but that didn’t necessarily mean Lauren wanted to take her up on the apparent offer. Maybe her romance mechanism had busted somewhere along the way. She should be all over this chance yet wasn’t. That said something.

“No, I just prefer the fourth movie. Rocky just wants to retire, but then his friend needs justice. Then there’s Adrian having all these feelings, and Dolph Lundgren is a fantastic villain, and I’m here for it. Does that make any sense? My brain is compartmentalized.”

“I think I translated.” She nodded. “A very cute explanation. I’ll let you get to those footie pajamas.”

“I better hurry. Have a great night.” Lauren slid into the driver’s side and wondered if that had come off as rude. She’d tried to explain the Rocky IV origins with a grin attached, but maybe she was just awkward. After her long day, who knew what her face said to Tinsley? To help punctuate her lightness, she waved through the windshield just before speeding away. It would have to do.

Her favorite snuffling pug, Rocky, did his famous front paw dance as she opened the door to her home, at long last. She dropped to the ground and mimicked his prancing back and forth. “Rocky, Rocky, Rocky,” she said to each landing of his front paws, exciting him all the more. The more he snuffled, the more thrilled he was. Finally, she toppled him onto his back and rubbed his belly and his sides vigorously, his favorite. “Do you know how much I missed you? There was this cow wandering around onstage, and it reminds me of you every time, you wiggle worm of love. I will kiss your face eight times to celebrate our reunion.” More snuffling as he was kissed. He loved kisses.