Page 34 of Lead Me A Stray

What started as an adoption day for Stray to My Heart became a multi-county collaboration, uniting several shelters through networking and the desire to rehome as many dogs as possible. The relationships we cultivated today will undoubtedly serve us well in the future. And despite Rory wanting to hit on one of the other owners, I know she’s just as thrilled about today’s success.

“What are you talking about?” Mack asks, pressing a kiss to my temple, his palm pressed lightly to the small of my back.

“Hot guys sweeping us off our feet.”

“I’d say you’ve been properly swept. But I don’t mind a little after-hours sweeping just to make sure everything is in top shape,” he deadpans, and Rory wrinkles her nose.

“I think I’m going to throw up.”

She gags at the same time I say, “You’re ridiculous,” with a swat to his chest.

“I’m going to go check on Layla.” Rory sighs with a wave over her shoulder. Layla has been an incredible hit today, memorializing each adoption and turning an afternoon into an unforgettable moment.

“You did great today,” Mack whispers, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into his chest. I go willingly, inhaling the spicy scent of his cologne and nuzzling my face against the soft fabric of his Stray to My Heart shirt.

“You look sexy in my shirt.”

“Is that right?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I was thinkin’ that after everything settles down, we might get away for a little while.”

“That sounds nice. I think my brother wants to come around Christmas, so we just need to plan around that.”

“Christmas, huh?”

Leaning back a little, I stare up at him, his dark brown eyes sparkling under the brim of his Stetson. “Yes, Christmas. The holiday in December.”

“I know when Christmas is, Honey Girl. I just like hearin’ you talk about the future.”

I blush furiously. His mother had been over the moon when we went over there for dinner. She cried and told me she always hoped we’d end up together.

Mack had alternated between looking real pleased with himself and counting the tiles on the backsplash when she started talkin’ about the best months for a Texas wedding. Mack had apologized profusely when we got back to my house. Then with his mouth between my legs, he negotiated moving in with me.

It wasn’t really a hardship considering he’s been at my house every night since the night he kissed me in the rain outside the Neon Saloon.

“Who will watch Arrow?”

“My sister. You’ve both turned him into an office dog who likes air conditioning and all the available amenities.”

“He’s such a good boy.”

“Hey,” he murmurs, leaning down to whisper in my ear, “I thoughtIwas your good boy.”

“You need to go find something to do before you get us in trouble,” I plead, arching into him, my words completely lacking conviction.

“Fine. But after dinner with Rory, I have plans for you.”

“Does it include a shower? Because I’m gross after runnin’ around all day.”

“Shower, massage, and as many orgasms as you can handle.”

“It sounds like a dream.”

Chuckling, he presses a sweet kiss to my lips. “It’s real, Honey Girl, just like us.”

“Then it’s perfect.”