Chapter 36

Rex looked up from the rug where he’d been stretched out.

“Uh, I thought about a blanket in the corner of our bedroom.”

Jake didn’t answer immediately.

Barry looked over at Jimmy, who shrugged. “Okay by me.”

“Is he, uh, housebroken?” Jake asked.

In truth, Barry didn’t know. Had Rex been an outdoor dog all his life? “If it becomes a problem then we’ll have to rethink the idea.” He hoped it wouldn’t be a problem because the wind was blowing a gale outside.

“Okay, that sounds reasonable,” Jake said.

Overwhelmed with relief, Barry launched himself at a surprised Jake, kissing the man soundly on the lips.

Rex took exception to this and began to race around the sofa, barking madly.

Barry pulled away.

“Probably thinks Jake is attacking you, Barry,” Jimmy said, trying to calm the dog down.

“More like Barry attacking me,” Jake said.

“Rex, no bark!” Barry said in his best commanding voice.

The dog stopped running around and shut up, his ears drooping.