“Is that supposed to be funny?” Andrea grabbed the boy by the shoulders and pulled him back against her, eyeing Duke through narrowed eyes. “Why isn’t that monster on a chain or something?”

Zayne and Duke both turned their heads toward Andrea.

“This monster is on his own property and knows how to behave.”

“Then why did you run as if you thought Hudson was in danger?”

“Uh...” He realized he’d probably scared her half to death. “Look, your kid should know better than to run up to any dog like that. As far as Duke goes, when this dog barks in your face, it’s enough to scare an adult, much less a baby.”

“I’m not a baby!” the child yelled angrily, yanking his shoulders free from Andrea’s grip. “I’m four. I’m a young man!”

Zayne’s eyebrows rose, and he looked at Andrea. “Let me guess—he’s yours.”

She grabbed the boy’s collar and gently pulled him back toward her. She wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. “Yes.” She blew out a long breath. “Hudson, I think you should apologize to Mr. Rutledge for scaring his dog.”

Zayne began to cough violently. Andrea was trying to teach her son a life lesson, so he didn’t want to point out the large brindle-colored dog had already lay back down and was almost asleep again now that there was no actual threat.

“Sorry, Mr. Rudd-idge.” Hudson stared wistfully at Duke. “Your dog was just so...special.”

Zayne dropped to one knee to look Hudson in the eye. “He is special. And he’s a very good dog.” As if knowing what was being said, Duke opened one eye and looked up at him. “But not all dogs are good, especially when someone runs up to them. That’s why you should never do that.” Hudson was staring at him with solemn eyes. “In fact, you should always ask for an adult’s permission before touching any animal, okay?”

“Okay.” A mischievous gleam appeared in Hudson’s eyes. “Can I touch your dog again?”

“No,” Andrea answered quickly. “Hudson, I told you that you had to behave today. What you just did was not behaving. Now, Momma needs to talk to Mr. Rutledge.” Andrea turned to Zayne. “I’m sorry about bringing him along, but my babysitter bailed at the last minute. Once he settles in with his tablet and a few games, you won’t even know he’s around.”

Hudson shrugged away from her grip, skipping back down the hill toward the car. Zayne gave Andrea a pointed look.

“I won’t know he’s around if he isn’t around. Take him home, Andrea. Please.”

“Give me ten minutes. Ten. That’s all.”

“Oh my God, woman. What do you want?”