I stood there mesmerized. I could envision a future here.
A small table and two chairs sat on the attached deck, and I could see myself sitting beside Daniel, sipping coffee, on lazy summer mornings. I shook my head at the peculiar thoughts as my gaze drifted back to the beautiful vista in front of me. What a wonderful place to live. It suited Daniel with its open, serene ambience.
I was startled when warm arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me back to a firm chest.
“You like?” Daniel murmured into my ear, his lips grazing over the sensitive curve.
“It’s breathtaking. So peaceful,” I whispered, not wanting to break the silence.
“I love it here.”
“Is it all yours?”
“Yes. I had an inheritance from my grandfather, which I used it to buy the property and start the clinic. I love to ride, and when I bought the land, the barn and paddock were already here. I tore down the old house and built the clinic and this house. I breed horses and stable them for people. Sort of a sideline.”
“Wow.”
“Do you ride?”
“No. I’ve never even been that close to a horse. They’re, ah, kinda big and intimidating.”
“I’ll take you out and show you soon.” He squeezed me. “I can teach you to ride, if you want—you’ll love it.” He turned me in his arms. “Now, about you being cold. Can I do anything to warm you up?”
“I found some socks.”
“Holding them won’t make your feet warm, Avery.” He smirked. “You need to put them on for them to actually work, you know.”
I grinned. “I was going to do that, but the view caught my attention.”
He drew me to the bed, lifting me up on the mattress, taking the socks. “Let me help.”
Kneeling in front of me, he tsked as he felt how cold my feet were. He rubbed them briskly, then slipped the socks over my toes, smiling as I sighed at the instant relief they offered. They were too big, but he rolled them around my ankle a few times.
I felt warmer already. Although, I wasn’t sure if it was the socks or the fact he was kneeling in front of me, his hands still on my legs.
His fingers traced a pattern on my skin.
“So soft, Avery,” he crooned. “Your skin is so soft.” His hands crept higher, slipping over my knees, caressing.
Our eyes locked, and the passion and desire I saw in them caused a wanton, almost pleading groan to escape my lips.
He was on his feet in an instant, towering over me, dragging me up to his chest as he kissed me.
Deep.
Wet.
Hard.
I clung to him, wanting more.
He gave it to me.
Sinking together into the mattress, he felt better than I had imagined.
He claimed me, branding me with his touch. His hands were everywhere, stroking my arms, slipping under my tank to caress the skin, ghosting up my side, making me shiver and my body hum in ways it never had with anyone else.
His phone vibrated, and we pulled apart, gasping for air. He dropped his face into my neck, his hot, heavy breath on my skin, then pushed off me and answered his phone.
“On my way.”
We stared at each other.
A tender, loving expression crossed his face, while the sweetest smile curved his lips. He leaned down, pressing a series of light, affectionate kisses on my face. My cheeks, nose, and forehead all were swept with his full lips, then he brushed three tender kisses on my mouth. He slipped my glasses back in place—I hadn’t even noticed him taking them off.
“Forgive me. I can’t seem to stop myself where you’re concerned. I see you and all I want . . . all I need, is to feel you against me.”
“I feel it, too, Daniel.”
“Good. But, I’ll try to behave like the gentleman my mother taught me to be and less like a raving sex-starved Neanderthal when I come back, okay?” His fingers danced across my cheek. “I want to know you. All of you. It’s not just about this intense draw I have to you.” He inhaled. “I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life. Ever.”
“Me either.”
He lifted me up so I was standing in front of him. He frowned and rubbed my arms. “You’re still cold. Where is your little jacket thingy?”
“Oh. It’s rather old and delicate so I didn’t want it stained. I took it off while I cooked.”
He disappeared through a door and came back holding a beige knitted sweater. He helped me shrug it on and laughed as he rolled up the sleeves. “That will keep you warm. Plus, I turned on the fireplace in the living room. Since I’m not home in the day, I didn’t think about how chilly it would be in here.”
“I feel much better now.”
“Good. Now before I leave, I need three—”
He didn’t need to finish his sentence. I peered up at him, knowing what he wanted.
“I love watermelon.”
He beamed and nodded for me to continue.
“I love animals, but never had a pet growing up.”
“Your parents didn’t like them?”
“No, they were fine with it, but that sort of ties into number three. My grandmother lived with us, and she was allergic.”
“Ah. Is she . . . ?” He let the question hang in the air.
I shook my head. “She died when I was fourteen.” I swallowed the lump in my throat I always got when I thought about her. “I still miss her.”
“I’m sorry.”
I shrugged, unsure what to say next.
“I didn’t mean to make you feel sad.”
“I’m not. She was wonderful and a huge part of my life.”
“You can tell me about her later.”
“I’d like that.”
He pulled me in for a quick, tight hug. “I’ll be back soon.”
He crossed the room, pausing at the door. “Help yourself to anything you need. Look around, find whatever you want.” He reassured me with a wink. “I plan on you being here a lot, so settle in, Sprite. Make yourself comfortable. By the way, you look adorable in my socks and sweater. I like it.”
Then he was gone—leaving me feeling cared-for, adored, and anxious for him to return.
I heard the side door open and slid the garlic bread into the oven to heat through. Daniel had texted to say he would arrive soon, and he only needed ten minutes for a quick shower.
He walked in, pushing a cushioned basket on a trolley. He beckoned with his hand for me to join him. “Come meet Lucy,” he spoke quietly.
Curled up inside was a lovely Collie dog, who let me stroke her with a small thump of her tail. “How is she?”
He pulled his glasses off his head, tossing them on the counter. “Doing better. I’m pleased.” He heaved a sigh. “And relieved.”
“Good.”
He hugged me close. “Hello.”
I glanced up, feeling shy. “Hi.”
“I think I owe you a kiss with that—do I not?”
I slid my hands up his chest and around his neck. With a low groan, his lips met mine tenderly.
“How are you?”
“Good,” I whispered. “Better now.”
“Excellent.” His lips touched mine again, this time with more pressure.
“Find everything?”
“Yes.”
His tongue dipped in, teasing and light.
“Warmer now?”
“Much.”
“Perfect.”
And I was lost.
His mouth moved, molding itself to mine. His taste overwhelmed me, making me moan low in my throat. With the lightest of caresses, his hand cupped my cheek, his fingers dancing on my skin. When he leaned back, he tucked me under his chin and held me close. His heart was thumping in his chest—its accelerated rhythm matching mine. “God, what you do to me,” he murmured. “It’s so intense.”
I snuggled closer in silent agreement. Never had I experienced such a connection with someone until now. His touch felt like home to me.
&
nbsp; Finally, he pulled back, beaming down at me. “I thought it smelled good in here earlier, now, however, it smells incredible.”
“It’s only spaghetti.”
“I love spaghetti. I suck at making the sauce, though. Mine comes from a jar.”
“Hungry?”
His tongue traced over his bottom lip as his eyes narrowed. “Starving.”
My breathing faltered. I sensed he didn’t only mean for dinner.
I might have whimpered.
“Do I have time for a shower?”
I nodded, unable to speak.
“I’ll get Lucy settled and be back in a few minutes.”
“How will Dex feel about a dog being here?”
“Dex is an old mother hen. He’ll sit close to Lucy all night and watch over her, just as I will. He always does when I bring injured animals home with me. I think, because he was hurt, he just gets it. It’s as though he senses their pain.” Daniel shrugged. “Or maybe not. He is very gentle, regardless.”
“That’s amazing.”
He dropped another kiss on my head. “Yeah.”
I watched as he took Lucy into the living room, settling her basket by the fire where she would be warm. Dex jumped down, investigating the basket, and Lucy lifted her head, the two animals sniffing warily at each other. Lucy snuffled and laid her head back down, while Dex curled up on the floor beside the basket as Daniel murmured to them both, stroking their fur.
I smiled and turned to the stove to stir the sauce. My own Doctor Doolittle, talking to the animals. He reappeared in the doorway, and I noticed his grimace as he reached around and rubbed the center of his back.
“Are you okay?” I asked, feeling guilty. He had picked me up a lot today. “I’m not the lightest of things to pick up.”
He shook his head. “You barely weigh anything. You fit perfectly in my arms, so stop thinking like that. I love how you fit around me.”
His words caught me unaware, and I stared at him. No one had ever told me I was perfect.
“You are.”
Oh.
Obviously, I spoke out loud.
“But, you’re sore?” I asked, still worried.
“I’m good—just a little stiff. I am by the end of the day, bending over the exam table so much—a drawback of being tall. It has nothing to do with picking you up. That has been the very best part of my day—so far.” He winked. “I hope I don’t drop my shampoo, though. I’m not sure I could bend down and pick it up.” His face broke into a wicked grin. “If I did, would you come and . . . help me in the shower, Sprite?”
A strange noise came out of my throat, even as my face grew hot.
Help him?
In the shower?
He’d be naked.
Wet and naked.
In the shower.
“I–I . . .” The only words I was able to gasp out.
My gaze flew to his amused, mischievous expression. He winked again, turned, and sauntered down the hall, laughing the entire time. He was only teasing me.
Cheeky, sexy man.
Unable to resist, I stepped in the hall. “Yes, I would!”
It was my turn to chuckle as his steps faltered.
Gotcha.
“Avery, dinner was awesome. You made too much, though.”
“I thought you could have some leftovers.”
“Great.” He bent over, kissing my cheek. “Thanks, Sprite.”
I giggled.
I giggled every damn time he called me Sprite—or teased me—or kissed my hand, cheek, or temple. I was like a schoolgirl, yet I couldn’t help myself.
Daniel sat back, taking a sip of wine. He had enjoyed his dinner thoroughly, eating two platefuls of spaghetti, plus salad, and a frightening amount of garlic bread.
“Did your mother teach you to cook?”
“No. My mom could cook, but it wasn’t her forte. My grandmother taught me. After my grandfather died, she came to live with us. My parents were worried about her being alone. I was about six when she moved in. She loved to cook and bake. It was how she showed her love for everyone.”
He smiled over the top of his glass, his eyes crinkling. “And how you show yours now?”
I nodded in agreement. “We’d spend hours in the kitchen. She’d be waiting when I got home from school, and I would do my homework and she would cook. When I finished, I got to help. It was my favorite thing to do—then and now.”
“Your mom worked, too?”
“She was a financial planner. She worked from home a lot. I loved to sit and listen to her talk about market trends, interest rates, and investments. I found it fascinating. I think that was where I got my love of numbers.”
“So you became an accountant.”
“Yes.”
“You were very close to your grandmother.”
I sighed, thinking about her and all we did together. “She was a force. I don’t think there was anything she couldn’t do. If she didn’t know how, she would teach herself. She was petite, a ball of energy, and always on the go. She had a kind word for everyone, and everyone who met her loved her.” I tapped my beauty mark on my cheek. “She had the same beauty mark, and she was blonde and fair-skinned. She used to call me her twin—except she was open and beautiful.”
Daniel frowned. “You are, too.”
I let his remark pass. I lifted my leg, the charms of my anklet twinkling. “This was hers. She wore it long before anklets were even popular. I never take it off.”
He reached down, fingering the silver, his touch warm on my skin. “It suits you.” He glanced up, meeting my gaze with a tender look. “You’re very sentimental.”
“I am.”
His grip on my ankle tightened. “I like that, Avery. That suits me.”
My gaze fell to my plate as my cheeks flushed.
I liked suiting Daniel.
Lucy was sleeping with Dex curled up in the same basket, watching over her. She was doing much better, and Daniel relaxed.
We cleared the table together and I made coffee, which I brought to the living room with the cupcakes.
His eyes lit up when he saw the small treats, and he eagerly reached out for one, popping it in his mouth. Daniel, it turned out, was a huge cupcake fan—especially, red velvet ones with cream cheese frosting.
I was well rewarded for my efforts.
He drew me close, kissing me thoroughly. The sweetness of the cupcakes heightened his taste, making me moan with desire.
He kissed me senseless.
To the point, I was dizzy with want.
Want for him.
We were moving so fast, my head was spinning.
He groaned at one point and moved me off his lap. “I promised to behave like a gentleman and I’m not doing such a fuck-hot job, am I?”
I lifted one shoulder and winked. “I dunno. I’m feeling rather hot myself.”
He laughed. “I’ll be good. I want to know about you. I want you to know me.” He ran his fingers over my cheek, his touch gentle. “Let’s talk.”
We spent the rest of the evening alternatively talking or making out. Sometimes, both at once. He asked more questions about what I did as an accountant and about the office where I worked. He admitted he found numbers and spreadsheets way over his head. He smiled a little too wide when he innocently stated he might be looking for accounting advice for his clinic. Ignoring his little hint, I asked him about his practice. I was eager to learn how he decided to become a vet.
His face lit up as he explained he knew he wanted to work with animals when he was only seven years old. He spent every weekend and summer from the time he was ten, volunteering at animal shelters and clinics, soaking up everything he could learn from the staff and vets themselves, when they had time to spare. Shyly, he confessed he had always been a favorite at the places he volunteered, which allowed him to learn freely. He was first in his class at vet school, and he never once wavered on his career choice.
I could see how much he loved his clinic and a
ll his patients. His face glowed as he talked about his practice.
“You spent all your time in clinics?” I teased. “No time for dating? The girls must have been heartbroken.”
He shook his head at my teasing. “I was too tall and awkward for girls when I was a teenager. I was all legs and long arms, tripping over my own feet. I wore glasses and studied too much.”
“I bet you were cuter than you think.”
“I grew into my body late in senior high. I discovered the gym and I liked to work out. Dating didn’t really happen until I was almost seventeen.”
“Wow.”
“What about you? Tell me more about teenage Avery.”
“I wasn’t allowed to date until I was sixteen. I was a bit of a surprise to my parents, and my father was pretty strict.”
“A surprise?”
“My parents tried for years to have kids with no success. They sort of gave up and my mom got pregnant with me when she was forty-four.”
“Surprise, indeed.”
“She thought she was going into early menopause, but she got me instead.”
“A good surprise.”
“I think so. They’re great parents—older, but very active.”
“Do they live here?”
“No, they’re retired and live in British Columbia now. The winters are easier to deal with there. I see them a couple times a year.” I paused, wistful. “I miss them a lot.”
“Names?”
“Mom and Dad.”
He chuckled.
“Janett and Doug.” I spelled it out for him. “Janett with two ‘t’s. It’s pronounced Jeanette, but spelled differently. It’s a family name.”
“Huh. It is different. I like that.” He relaxed, crossing his ankles. “And Janett and Doug were quite protective?”
“My dad especially. He was a principal at the local school and pretty tough. All the kids were scared of him. My mom was more lenient. But, they were fair and loving, even if my dad went overboard at times.”
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