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I swallowed the lump in my throat. Why can’t I trust people? Why am I so wary all the time? Cody’s betrayal came to mind. Is he the reason, or is this just another side effect of PTSD? “Sorry.” My chin dipping, I mumbled into my chest. “Didn’t mean to—”
****
“Hey, our emotions got the best of us…both of us.” He placed a contrite hand on her shoulder.
Instead of flinching, she radiated a warmth through her shirt.
Encouraged by her body heat, he turned her toward him and inhaled her subtle lemony scent.
Her gaze connected with his as she leaned into him.
His libido rising, he lifted her chin until her parted lips were millimeters from his. What began as a consoling embrace, graduated to tentative exploration, and exploded in a melding of lips and tongues.
What am I doing? He pulled back his head, gasping for air. Staring into her dilated eyes, he blinked and loosened his grip. “Sorry…something came over me.”
“Me, too…” She gave an edgy laugh. “I take it we’re not mad at each other, anymore.”
“That’s a given. I…” His groin aching, he stepped back. “That won’t happen again.”
“It was mutual, so…” She took a deep breath. “Let’s just try to forget it.”
“Are you okay with pruning the vines on your own today?”
“Relatively. Why?”
Collecting his wits, he swiped his hand across his chin. “I’d better start pouring the slab—after I check the cabin’s air ducts.” How can I work alongside her when I can’t keep my hands off her?
****
Just before noon, a high-pitched whine pierced the air.
Ears perking, I searched the grapevines. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary—just swaths of dried grass between rows of reedy vines. Am I’m hearing things?
Another sharp whine sliced the air. What looked like a small mound of hay slowly approached. Then yipping, a tawny fluffball of a puppy hunkered down as if wanting to play.
“Oh, you little cutie.” I stooped to pet the fur baby, its curly coat matted with straw and caliche dust.
The puppy lifted its front paws, begging to be picked up.
Its coat was so puffy, I expected a heavy butterball, but it lifted effortlessly, and beneath the bushy fur was nothing but bones. “You’re all fluff. You can’t weigh more than a few ounces.” Cuddling the pup, I glanced about for its owner or mother, but nothing else moved among the vines.
The puppy wriggled, tickling my ears with his velvety tongue.
I laughed as goosebumps broke out on my neck. “I’d better get you scanned for a microchip. In the meantime, let’s get some meat on those bones.” Nuzzling the pup, I whispered in its floppy ears as I walked back for lunch. “You can stay with me until we find your owner. Just need to check.”
“Where’d you find him?” Trowel in hand, Luke straightened his back.
“He found me.” Avoiding the wet cement, I stepped closer. “Want to hold him?”
“Sure, let me wipe off my hands first. Just finished floating this concrete.” A moment later, he reached for the puppy.
As I leaned toward him in the exchange, his fingertips accidentally grazed my breast. My nipples stiffened, and I stepped back. Then avoiding his gaze, I pretended not to notice. “He’s a sweetie, isn’t he?”
“And cuddly as a teddy bear.” The puppy licked his ears, and he laughed aloud. “What are you going to call him?”
“How ’bout Teddy for teddy bear.” I smiled at the idea. “I’ll try to find his owner—make signs to place around town—but in the meantime, do you mind if I keep him in the cabin?”
“Not a problem.” He laughed as the pup reached for his ears. “No, you don’t, you little stinker.” Then he turned toward me. “I’m going to town this afternoon. Want to come along?”
