Lots of kissing.
It would be a shame if Daniel wasted the whole evening using that sexy mouth of his only for talking.
No. More kissing was needed.
Strains of music came from my pocket, and I dug out my phone, confused. I started to laugh. Beth had added a ringtone for Daniel: If I Could Talk to the Animals from Doctor Doolittle. She was vastly amusing.
I’d have to find one for Ryan and add it next time I saw her. I had passed him in the hall as I left the building. He told me with a huge smirk, he was there to have lunch, but there had been no bag in his hand. Recalling Beth’s earlier words, I had to clamp my lips together in order not to laugh and hurry away. Maybe Afternoon Delight would work for her.
I was still chuckling when I answered the call.
Daniel’s low, husky voice made me shiver. “You sound like you’re in a good mood, Sprite.”
“Beth was being funny.”
“You’re still at the studio?”
“No, ah, I’ll explain later.”
“Okay. Um, listen, Avery, I hate to do this—”
“No,” I breathed, pain lancing through my chest. I sat down as my legs gave out. He was canceling. He had thought it over and realized how inane the whole situation was. He had come to his senses.
As if he could read my mind, his voice became louder. “No! No! Listen—please!”
“Okay.”
“I don’t want to cancel. That is the last thing I want to do. But the dog—Lucy—the one I operated on? She’s having a rough time recovering. I can’t leave her alone, so I have to stay. All I’m asking is if we could postpone until tomorrow.” He paused. “Please?”
I exhaled as relief flowed through me. “Oh.”
Daniel chuckled. “Did you honestly think I would call and cancel on you unless I had a choice? God, I’m so disappointed, I can taste it.”
“So you’ll just sit there all evening in the clinic and watch over her?”
“Well, sort of.”
“Sort of?”
“My house is attached to the clinic, so I’ll bring Lucy there and make her comfortable. But I’ll stay with her all night, yes.”
“You live at the vet clinic?”
“I own the vet clinic.”
“Oh. I didn’t know.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet. It was one of my goals for tonight. I can’t tell you how much I was looking forward to seeing you again. But, Lucy is—”
I interrupted him. “Daniel, it’s fine. I understand. I think it’s wonderful you care about your patients so much.”
“I do. Tonight was important. I wanted to see you—more than I can say—but, I have to stay. Unless . . .”
“Unless?”
“Unless I could convince you to come here? I know it’s not like a date date, but I could order in dinner, and we could talk while I make sure Lucy’s okay? She’ll probably sleep all evening from the pain meds, but I need to keep a close eye on her.” His voice dropped to almost a whisper. “I’d make it up to you tomorrow. I want to see you, Avery. So much.”
It wasn’t a tough decision. I wanted to see him, as well. “Yes. On one condition.”
“You want more peppermints?”
I chuckled. “No. I’ll bring something and make dinner.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to. I like to cook.”
“What about your fingers?”
“They’re fine. A little sore, but still working.”
“Okay. I want to look them over again.”
“Fine. So dinner?”
“As if I’d pass up the chance to see you? Dinner for sure. I’ll text you directions.”
“You want me to come around six?”
“Would you think less of me if I said I wanted you to pick up whatever you’re making and come as soon as you can?”
“Really?”
“The thought of walking in my door and seeing you in my kitchen making dinner for us, is kind of, ah, doing things to me. So, yeah, I’d like that. A lot.”
“Do I get a kiss hello?” I whispered.
“Hello, good evening, how are you, nice skirt, dinner smells great—any and all of them.”
“I’ll go shopping.”
“Perfect.”
“You didn’t ask me if I was a good cook, Daniel.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“Maybe what I make will be inedible.”
The sexiest chuckle came over the line. “Then I guess I’ll just have to eat you.”
I dropped the phone.
I sat in my car, looking at Daniel’s clinic. It was a little way out of town, but still close enough to be convenient for his clients. Built to look like a general store, it had a homey, country feel to it. It was set back from the road with ample parking in the front and a simple sign that said Veterinarian Clinic. There was another sign labeling the side driveway Private, and I assumed Daniel’s house was down there, behind the clinic. He told me it was attached to a big garage that made the clinic easy access for him.
When he texted earlier, he instructed me to park out front and he would drive around back with me. He would show me where everything was, then he’d return to work while I made dinner for us.
We’d have the evening alone.
The thought alone made me shiver.
There would definitely be some kissing involved, right?
My fingers fumbled as I pressed the button to lower the window. The temperature had suddenly risen in my body again. I wasn’t sure I had felt anything but warm and flushed since I hung up from Daniel earlier.
When I picked up the phone, after dropping it, stuttering out an apology, he started chuckling. He snickered even harder when I asked him if he kept fava beans and Chianti on hand for eating guests. Once he stopped laughing, he assured me—in a very low, sexy voice—that was not the kind of eating he meant. He planned to devour me in an entirely different manner.
I dropped the phone again. He was howling so loud he could barely say goodbye.
A few minutes later he texted me, and I retrieved my phone from the floor.
Nom, nom, Avery.
Once again, the phone hit the ground.
I sighed when I picked it up. It wasn’t going to last at this rate.
I left the window open for a few minutes, needing the cool air on my overheated cheeks. I popped another peppermint in my mouth and chewed it, savoring the sweet, minty taste. Finally calmer, I walked up the path and into Daniel’s clinic.
I hesitated, stopping in the front entranceway. Should I ask for Daniel? Dr. Spencer?
Would they find it strange I didn’t have an animal with me?
A woman came out, holding a carrier with a small cat inside, and held the inner door for me.
Unable to stall anymore, I walked into the clinic. The waiting room was empty, but from behind the reception desk, a tall woman with long brown hair and a friendly face, greeted me cheerfully.
“Hello! Can I help you?”
I stepped forward to ask for Daniel just as he came around the corner.
Our eyes met, and he hurried toward me, dropping a file on the counter. “Sprite.” He breathed out my nickname, wrapping an arm around my waist, tugging me close. Without hesitating, he lifted me as if I weighed nothing, cupping my head as he captured my lips with his.
I was on fire in an instant. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I weaved my fingers into his thick hair.
Our glasses mashed together, digging into my skin.
I didn’t care—neither did Daniel.
I whimpered at his possessive grip, almost weeping in relief at the feel of his mouth working mine. He tasted less minty now and more coffee-ish, and if possible, it was even more of a turn-on than earlier. He still tasted like Daniel. He must have liked how I tasted as well, since he groaned deep in the back of his throat, his hold becoming tighter.
A throat clearing behind him was like a gunshot in the room. I jerked
back, my eyes panicked, remembering we weren’t alone.
“Is that the new ‘let’s make the clients more welcome policy’ you were talking about, Daniel? Or can I assume this is Avery?” An amused voice chuckled.
Not letting me go, Daniel turned around. “Avery,” he rasped. “This is my sister, Caitlin.”
“Hi,” I squeaked, my face burning with embarrassment.
She grinned. “I think you owe me huge for this morning, brother.”
“I do.”
“Can I keep one of the ponies?”
“Yes. Take your pick from the stable. Any one you want is yours.”
I gaped up at him. He had ponies?
I liked ponies.
“I’ll give you one. Two if you want, Avery,” he murmured, nuzzling my hair.
Oh. Had I said that out loud?
“Are you gonna put her down?” Caitlin queried, looking as though she were trying not to laugh.
I glanced down. I was wrapped in one strong arm, crushed close to his chest, my feet dangling mid-air. I had one hand buried in his hair and the other gripped his white coat. We had to look ridiculous.
Daniel seemed to disagree. “Nope. When’s my next appointment?”
“Ten minutes. Mrs. Mueller is coming in with Sam. She wants him neutered.”
I had to ask. “Sam’s a dog, right?”
Daniel looked down, his eyes glittering under the lights. “No, Sam’s her husband. We do that on the side for special patients.”
My eyebrows shot up, and both Daniel and Caitlin laughed. Daniel pressed another kiss to my head. "Yes, Sam is her dog.”
“Ten minutes?” he asked Caitlin.
She shrugged one shoulder. “Mrs. Mueller often runs late.”
“A trait I love about that woman; particularly if she runs late today. I’m gonna show Avery my office.”
Then, with my feet still dangling, he strode past his very amused sister. “Nice to meet you,” I called over Daniel’s shoulder.
“You, too!” she shouted.
Daniel walked into a room I assumed was his office. Hooking the door with his foot, it slammed behind us, and in one move, I was pressed between two solid surfaces for the second time that day.
Daniel and a wall.
I was okay with that.
“Take off my glasses,” he instructed. “Yours, too.”
I did as he asked with shaky hands, laying them on top of the filing cabinet beside us. “Nice office,” I whispered.
“You know what the best part is?”
“No.”
He moved his hand, and I heard a click.
“The door locks.”
Then his mouth descended on mine.
Yeah. It was a great office.
Avery
A quick rap on the locked door startled me, and I pulled back from Daniel’s sexy, talented mouth.
His head moved forward, following my movement, as his hand tugged my face back to his lips.
“No, not yet,” he whispered, his breath washing over my face. “More.”
“Daniel, Mrs. Mueller called,” Caitlin’s voice rang out, her laughter barely hidden. “She is running a little late, but I think you need to show Avery where things are? At your house?” She paused. “Right, big brother?”
Daniel muttered a low curse, and his head fell back. “Yeah, thanks, Caitlin. I’ll take Avery to the house.”
I smothered a giggle at his disgruntled voice. Stretching up, I grabbed our glasses, sliding mine into place. Once Daniel set me on my feet, albeit grudgingly, I stood on my tiptoes, and I slipped his on to his head.
“I need to cook us dinner.” I tapped his chin. “And you need to get to work, Doctor.”
His expression changed, his frown melting into a sincere, affectionate smile. “What must you think of me, Avery?” He shook his head. “I can’t seem to keep my hands off you.”
“I think you’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met,” I responded. “I don’t want you to try to stay away.”
Cupping my face, he gazed at me with an expression so filled with emotion and tenderness my eyes became misty. “How did I get so lucky?” He touched his lips to my forehead, sweetly ghosting my temple, drew back, and held out his hand. “C’mon, Sprite. Let’s do the making-out walk of shame in front of my sister. No doubt she has Steven waiting with her.”
“Steven?”
“My partner and brother-in-law.”
“Oh.”
He wrapped his large hand around mine, smirking. “Don’t look them in the eye. They’ll sense fear and pounce. Just keep walking.”
I ducked my head, trying not to laugh at his instructions.
He unlocked the door. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
I shivered a little, trying to warm up my feet. The ceramic tiles in Daniel’s kitchen were cold on my bare feet, but when we had walked into his house, he had removed his shoes, so I did, as well.
He checked out my fingers, assuring himself they weren’t broken, then insisted on wrapping them up to protect them while I cooked.
Our making-out walk of shame, as Daniel called it, turned out easy, because a client had walked in to pick up food for their pet and Caitlin was busy. Steven had grinned knowingly at us, waggling his fingers, but Daniel pulled me along and we never stopped.
Once at the house, he gave me a quick tour of his large, state-of-the-art kitchen. He told me to make myself comfortable and help myself to anything I needed.
Then he left me—but not before bestowing my mouth with another one of his blistering kisses, this time with me lifted to the counter, him standing between my legs. It was a perfect height for him, and he showed his pleasure in a most generous fashion.
I sat there long after he left, trying to calm myself down. Never had I met a man like Daniel. Never had someone kissed me the way he did. It felt as though every time his lips touched mine, he stole another little piece of my heart and took it with him.
He possessed me, completely.
I shook my head at my strange thoughts and looked around his kitchen in awe. Rich, mahogany-stained maple cupboards, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances all shone under the recessed lights. Cool tones of taupe and cream showed off the deep satin and black surfaces. His stove made me want to weep, thinking of my small one, and I could hardly wait to use it. I was making spaghetti, hoping Daniel liked pasta, as well as salad and my garlic-cheese bread. Luckily, it had been my turn to bring baked goods to work last week, so I had cupcakes in my freezer, and I brought those along, as well. Men always liked cupcakes. They were my dad’s favorite.
After preparing the spaghetti sauce and leaving it to simmer, I was a little chilly. I had removed my shrug, to avoid a random tomato sauce accident, so with bare arms and no shoes, I was cold. I padded into the living room, taking in the sizable room and clean lines. The oversized window seat was inviting, and I sat down carefully, offering my hand to the big, gray cat sitting in the sun. Daniel had introduced us earlier.
“This is Dex.” He bent down to pick up the large cat weaving around his legs, demanding attention. The cat’s fur was short, with a few patches almost bare, part of his tail was missing, and the tips of his ears were gone. He looked like an alley cat that had lost more than his share of fights, but his golden eyes were gentle and he let me pat him.
“Hello, Dex,” I murmured, running my fingers over his back.
“I found him one night on my way home from school. There was a storm, and he was lying in the snow, obviously hurt. I took him back to the apartment I was living in at the time, and nursed him back to health,” Daniel explained. “He’s been with me ever since. He sort of owns the place.”
I laughed. “I’ll remember that.”
Daniel chuckled as Dex licked my hand and allowed me to scratch his head. “He likes you.”
“Is he not a people cat?”
“I think he was mistreated before I found him. I assume he was abandoned and left to fend for himself,
which is why he fared so poorly. He is a bit cautious of other people aside from me. Somehow, I don’t see that as an issue with you.”
The way he spoke, I knew how fond he was of the creature who lay so content in his arms.
“He’s lucky you found him.”
Daniel nodded. “He’s been a great companion.”
Dex let me stroke him as I took in the details of the room.
A huge sofa and matching chair in a deep green filled the space. I ran my hand over the curved back of the sofa, touching the lushness of the weave in the fabric. The same color palette as the kitchen, made the room feel inviting and cozy. A massive fireplace graced one wall, a large TV hung over it.
After a final pat to Dex’s head, I stood and studied the fireplace, but had no idea how to use it, or if I should be so forward. The thick rug in the center of the room offered some respite to my cold feet, yet I was still chilly. I hesitated, not wanting to snoop around Daniel’s house, then pulled out my phone and texted him.
Do you have a pair of socks I could borrow?
His reply was swift.
Top drawer in dresser. R U OK?
I could sense his concern in the short message.
Feet are chilly. I didn’t want to snoop.
Bedroom at end of hall. Snoop all you want.
Thanks.
I stood in his doorway, breathing in the room. Daniel’s room. It smelled just like him.
Warm. Citrusy. Clean. Sexy.
The whole room was dark blue and cream. It was huge and airy, and like the rest of the house: neat, tidy, and well cared-for. The king-size bed situated in the middle of the long wall was covered in a plush duvet. I swallowed deeply, thinking of Daniel sleeping in it, of me sleeping in it with him—or maybe not sleeping. The image of Daniel pressing me down into that deep mattress, his toned body covering mine, his sexy mouth doing wicked things to me everywhere . . .
Suddenly, I wasn’t as cold as I had been a few minutes ago.
Shaking my head, I crossed over to the dresser, opened the top drawer, and giggled as I stood on my tiptoes to be able to reach a pair of his socks. The man was ridiculously tall—and so was his dresser.
As I turned, I gasped in pleasure. A set of double French doors, centered on the end wall, showcased the view. As if pulled by an invisible string, I drifted toward them and looked out onto Daniel’s back property. Rolling hills, woods, and open fields met my eyes. In the distance, an expanse of shimmering water glistened in the sunlight. Closer to the house, a red barn and paddock were to the left, and a couple horses grazed in the fields. He really did have ponies. The whole scene resembled a charming painting—scenic, peaceful, and lovely.
It Started With a Kiss Page 4