The Two of Us

by Lori Foster, Maisey Yates

Genres: Women's Fiction

Synopsis

There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a rescue dog and their ability to bring people together as these meant-to-be-couples are about to find out in these brand-new sweet and romantic tales from bestselling authors Lori Foster and Maisey Yates.

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER
Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destined . . .
 
Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES
Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take him: to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .
 

Release date: March 25, 2025

Publisher: Kensington Books

Print pages: 256

Sample

“Excuse me?”

Ford Caruso was enjoying a much-needed break with his friends after building a deck to encircle his pool, so it took a second to realize someone had intruded. He glanced up and saw his amazingly hot neighbor, Skye Fairchild.

She normally didn’t come over to chat. He’d wave, she’d wave. Occasionally, they’d share a short conversation from their yards. Once, after a storm, one of her tree limbs had landed mostly in his yard. She’d been out there in the still-drizzling rain, trying unsuccessfully to drag it into her yard, when he’d walked out and taken over—despite her protests.

Silly woman. He’d had it cut up in no time, and together they’d gotten the pieces stacked on her wood pile. They’d talked a lot then, all of it superficial and easy, but she hadn’t lingered once the work was done.

On another occasion when he’d left the house in a hurry and his garage door hadn’t closed, she’d done it for him. When he’d come home, she’d walked over to let him know, in case anyone had seen her go into his garage to hit the door button and quickly dash out beneath the closing door. Again, they’d chatted. Again, it had been friendly and easy, but when he’d invited her in, she’d merely thanked him and gone home.

Right next door to him.

It felt spectacularly humbling to have such a gorgeous neighbor. . . who, from all indications, wasn’t in the least interested in him.

She was always precisely polite, without a single lingering glance or hint of interest. They’d gotten to know each other over the last twelve months, but only in a superficial way. She remained in the friendly acquaintance department. A helpful neighbor. Upbeat and independent.

Through her actions—and lack of actions—she’d made it clear that she didn’t want to be a close neighbor. No flirting. No teasing.

Fine by him.

He didn’t need to win her over.

Yet here she stood, the setting sun creating a halo around her incredible body and long, wavy, fawn-colored hair. She wore a black top that perfectly hugged her breasts, khaki shorts that showed off lightly tanned legs, and a friendly smile on her face.

He, Marcus, Knox, and Bray all stared at her.

Her smile never faltered. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I didn’t mean to put an end to your”—one small hand gestured, encompassing the four of them, the pool behind them, and their drinks—“party? Or just a gathering?”

“A visit,” Ford said. “Just a visit.” If she thought it was a party, she might want to join them. “What’s up?”

“Are any of you single?”

Silently, Bray and Marcus, who’d each recently married, pointed at Ford. Even Knox, the ass, pointed, and Knox was single, too.

Feeling his neck go hot, Ford stood. Rather than be put on the spot, he switched gears. “Why are you asking?”

“Well, you see, I need a little helping hand. For . . . oh, an hour maybe? Probably not any longer than that. Only it wouldn’t be right to ask a married man to help, so I figured I’d get that sorted out upfront.”

Smiling, Knox came to his feet. “Gotta say, I’m intrigued.”

Marcus, also wearing a smile, joined him. “Same.”

Bray, who was a bit of a hard-ass, was the last to come forward. Always astute, he guessed, “You need help with an unwanted visitor?”

Relieved, she gave Bray a blinding smile. “Exactly. He’ll be here soon, and I’ve been stewing and stewing, trying to figure out the best way to handle things. Seeing you guys out here, I decided, why not ask? I mean, the four of you are just hanging out, right?” And then, with a charming grin, she added, “It would be a really huge help.”

As an MMA fighter, Bray Barlow was by far the brawniest of the four men. “What kind of help are we talking about?”

Scrunching up a nose that was slightly thick at the bridge, yet still suited her otherwise perfect face, she said, “Nothing violent, I promise. See, I have an ex. . . . Well, he’s an ex-creep but he used to be a sort-of-boyfriend.”

With a grin, Knox Nial asked, “How is one a sort-of-boyfriend?”

“Convenient?” She said it like a question. “Easy to look at, but not great to talk to. Handy when I needed a date for a function.” She waved that off. “Anyway, we had an agreement, but that arrangement isn’t working out anymore. It started to get very inconvenient, if you know what I mean.”

“No,” Ford said, irked on behalf of all men. “I don’t.”

“Let’s just say he forgot the agreement.”

“He was aware of it?” Knox asked, his brows raised.

Chin tucking, she drew back. “Of course. I was upfront about everything.”

With sympathy, probably for the guy, Bray said, “But he got invested?”

She shrugged. “He wanted to get serious, I didn’t, so I ended things a couple of weeks ago. He’s been a little”—she scrunched her nose again and searched for a word—“persistent.”

“How persistent?” Marcus asked.

“Wherever I go, he happens to be there.” She waved the behavior off as trivial. “We frequent some of the same places, so that wouldn’t be a problem except that he acts as if we’re still together, and I’ve made it clear we’re not.”

Meaning the mistreated ex was getting in the way of her making a new hookup? Too bad for her.

Yeah, Ford tried to convince himself of that. Wasn’t working.

From what he knew of Skye so far, she was independent. Nice. Considerate. She wouldn’t abuse the guy, then mosey on like it didn’t matter.

And even if she did, the guy ought to accept her decision and move on.

Continuing, Skye said, “The unfortunate part of all this is that he has a few things at my house, and he just texted that he’s stopping by. I tried texting back to say I’d bring his stuff to him, but of course there’s no reply. I tried calling, too, but no answer.”

“I’ve never seen a guy at your house.”

Everyone looked at Ford.

Yeah, maybe he shouldn’t have said that. Wasn’t like he kept watch on her or anything.

His buddies eyed him as if they’d never seen him before. Skye just lifted a shoulder. “You leave early for work, right? And a lot of times you only get home to turn around and head back out again.”

So . . . did that mean she was keeping watch on him? Ford wasn’t at all sure how he felt about that.

As if she expected the ex to show up at any second, Skye glanced back toward the street. “Once he’s here, it’s going to be hard for me to get rid of him.”

Marcus Bareden, a cop, made the obvious suggestion. “Maybe what you need to do is call the police.”

“Oh, no.” Dark blue eyes widening, she gave them her attention again. “I wouldn’t want to bother the police just because he’s being a pest. He’s not dangerous or anything.” She came closer, bringing with her the scent of sunshine and spice and all things delicious. “I have a different idea, but it requires a single guy.”

Again, everyone looked at Ford. He scowled back at them.

Still calmly reasonable, Bray asked, “A single guy to . . . ?”

“Pretend he’s my new guy. See, any one of you would do. I mean, Clyde would probably be intimidated by all the good looks and buff bods. Totally extra, if you know what I mean.”

Like a bunch of preening buffoons, his friends grinned.

“He’s persistent because I haven’t started dating anyone else. I’m thinking he’d take one look at any of you and accept that he has no chance of getting me back, and then he’d finally, hopefully, move on.” She put her hands together in mock prayer. “I promise it’ll be painless. All you’d need to do is hang around while he’s there, smile as if you like me—”

“We do like you,” Knox said, which prompted immediate agreement from the others.

“Aw, thanks, guys.” She beamed at them. “Wow, I should have intro’d myself before jumping in for favors, right? Sorry.”

Actually, Ford should have done that, but she’d taken him by surprise, showing up as she had, and then asking who was single.

Coming closer still, her slim hand extended, she said, “I’m Skye Fairchild. I live next door.”

Marcus took her hand first. “Marcus Bareden, happily married, but still glad to help if I can. In fact, my wife would be the first to insist.”

“He’s a cop,” Bray said, taking her hand next. “I’m Bray Barlow, fortunately married though it wasn’t easy.” They all laughed because, seriously, Bray had fought hard to win over Karen, and now they were both delirious about being together. “Also glad to lend a hand.”

“He’s an MMA fighter,” Knox explained. “Plenty of muscle if you like that sort of thing.”

“Which my wife does,” Bray said with satisfaction.

“Wow, a fighter, a cop.” Skye looked at them with awe. “You guys are impressive.”

“I’m Knox Nial, just a roofer, but ditto on what the others said.” He slung his arm around Ford. “I take it you know Ford Caruso, the one who lives here?”

She gave him a wary glance. “We’ve met.”

“He’s a pharmaceutical rep,” Knox explained—very unnecessarily. “A little too slick, too quick to schmooze, but still an okay guy.”

“There’s no just to it.” Ford nudged Knox, hoping to deflect attention away from himself. “Knox has worked in his dad’s company since he was a kid. Don’t let him fool you. He’s strong as an ox.”

Skye’s attention went back and forth between Knox and Ford. “So I was right? You two are a couple?”

Ford sputtered. “You’ve lived next door to me for a year now!”

“Has it been a year?”

She knew damn well it had. “You’ve seen me bring women here.”

Her nose lifted. “I don’t make note of your comings and goings.”

He took great pleasure in pointing out the obvious. “You just said you noticed me coming and going.”

“To work and such. I don’t pay attention to your dates.”

What bull. They each had nice yards, but there wasn’t that much space between their houses. “There’s no way you’ve missed every woman.”

She lifted a shoulder. “I’ve seen you with a few. So? You didn’t seem as close to any of them as you are with him.” She nodded at Knox.

With a totally different attitude, Knox slung his heavy arm around Ford’s shoulders again. “You don’t think I could do better than him?”

Ford ignored his grin. “You wish.”

“I know all his worst habits, and believe me, he has plenty. I would never live with him. As a friend, though, he’s not a bad guy.”

“Gee, thanks for the glowing endorsement.” Ford shoved him away. “I’m not into guys. How about you?”

“Sure,” Skye said. “But not my ex, and not you guys, either.”

Clutching his heart, Knox lamented, “Damned by association.”

“I’m glad you’re finding this all so amusing.” To Ford, it was just confusing. “He’s a friend—though that could end at any moment.”

“You two bicker like a married couple.”

Loving it, Knox hauled Ford nearer again, practically crushing him into his side. “How women put up with him, I have no idea.”

Again, Ford freed himself. His brain was working overtime trying to figure out Skye’s motivation. In all the time she’d lived next door, never, not once, had she just moseyed over for a favor, much less a “single guy” favor. To him, it felt suspicious.

Apparently, Knox had a different take, because he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “So who’s it to be? One of us going to help her out?”

“As a cop,” Marcus said, “I should only get involved in an official capacity, but she doesn’t want that.”

“Sorry, no,” she said. “The police have enough to do without concerning themselves with my social calamities.”

“If he needs to be pulverized”—Bray shrugged—“I’d be happy to help.”

“I promise he doesn’t.” Skye grinned. “But if it’s ever an issue, I know who to call.”

Knox opened his mouth—and his phone dinged. He pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the screen, and said, “Sorry, but I gotta roll.”

Frowning, Ford asked, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. An elderly homeowner just asked if I could come by tonight instead of tomorrow to give an estimate on a new roof. Her husband’s medical appointment changed.” He texted a reply, then glanced up at the sun, which was hanging low in the sky. “I’d better get to it.”

Knowing Knox would always put his customers first, Ford watched him head back to his lawn chair to grab up his shirt and shrug into it.

“Well.” Skye looked at him. “I guess that leaves only you, but if you’d rather not, I promise I understand.”

“I’d rather not.”

Her smile only slipped a tiny bit.

Marcus and Bray glared at him as if he’d just kicked a puppy.

From behind him, Knox growled, “Screw it. I’ll tell the homeowner I can’t make it after all.”

With a roll of his eyes, Ford gave up. “I’d rather not—but I will.” There. He’d be benevolent. He’d play her savior. He’d lend a hand to scare off her nuisance ex. Feeling selflessly smug, he bestowed a smile on her.

But this time, Skye was the one to balk. “I’m not sure Clyde would believe that you like me. You’re a pharmaceutical rep, not an actor.” Heaving a sigh, she said, “I thank you all, but I knew it was a long shot anyway. I promise, it’ll be fine.” She started backing up. “No worries at all. I’ve totally got this.” Going for a look of confidence, she said, “It was great meeting you all. Again, so sorry I interrupted.”

Then she had the audacity to turn around and sashay off. And yes, the woman absolutely did sashay, whether it was intentional or not.

Ford watched as she crossed the yard and reentered her house through the back door. When he realized everyone was staring after her, he said, “Ahem, married men, remember?”

“Go to hell,” Marcus said, looking extremely disappointed in him. “I wasn’t ogling her. I’m worried.”

“I ogled,” Knox admitted. “Not sure I’ve ever seen a supermodel up close and personal.”

“She’s not,” Ford groused. He seemed to remember mention of her being a buyer or merchandiser or something like that.

“She’s model-worthy, and nice, too. Which makes me wonder what’s wrong with you.”

Ford ignored him.

Bray said, “I was watching her, waiting for you to stop her. Now I just realize how bullheaded you are for letting her walk away.”

If Bray wasn’t such an enormous ape, Ford might take offense. “Me, bullheaded? Am I the only one who sees that for the trap it was?”

Marcus and Bray shared a look.

“They’re doing it,” Knox said. “That silent exchange thing that means they’re seeing something we don’t see.”

Well, hell. Marcus and Bray had both come from abusive homes, so they often picked up on clues that others might miss.

Ford, however, wasn’t as intuitive as they.

Was Skye afraid of her ex? She hadn’t seemed to be. Surely a woman as gorgeous as she could have her pick of heroes to hang around and play protector.

Provided she wanted that sort of thing. She’d claimed the ex was only a nuisance. That she didn’t want to get serious. But maybe he’d read the situation all wrong. If she’d truly only wanted a friendly neighbor to lend a hand, then yeah, that made him a jerk. Damn it, now he was starting to feel guilty.

“He’s coming around,” Knox said low, as if confiding a secret to the others. “I know the way his mind works.”

Bray said, “You know, you two do your own silent communicating. Skye was right about that. You could pass yourselves off as a couple.”

“Hate to repeat myself, but he’s not my type.” With mock regret, Knox said, “Too fussy.” With a whack to Ford’s shoulder, he added, “Do the right thing, and let me know later how it goes.”

“Yeah, all right.”

Grinning, Marcus said, “I gotta go, too, but call me.”

Ford reached for him, but Bray got in his way. “Ease up there, Gas Pedal. You’re pissed at yourself, not anyone else.”

True. After glancing at Skye’s house, Ford blew out a breath. “I wouldn’t have hurt him—much.”

Marcus snorted. None of them took such threats seriously—they’d been friends for too long. Sharing insults was practically the same as a friendly greeting.

Bray said, “Jokes aside, keep us informed. If her ex turns out to be a bigger problem than she thinks, don’t take. . .