Page 27 of Hard to Love

“Good day at the office?” I ask offhandedly as I focus on his fine ass bending over to take his boots off. “Come in and do that; we’re not leaving that outside.” I reach to grab them.

“Really? You don’t want that inside; I’ve sweated in them all day.” He tugs them from my arms.

“They’re fine. Don’t argue.” Slipping my hand in the waistband of his jeans, I pull him into a kiss. He releases the boots as he fists my dress in one hand.

“Tell me you’re naked under this,” he mumbles against my lips.

“I am. Although, a little sore.” He grins against my lips.

“Good. Now, take me to bed, and let’s work that out.” Ask, and ye shall receive.

Taking him by the shoulders, I wrap around him.

An hour later, we shower and change. It’s late, so I check the fridge for dinner. Not much in here; I need to change that if we plan on doing this every night. Just as I’m about to offer to make a store run, Hardy walks through the door.

“Would it be okay if we go get Lulu? I’d hate to leave her alone another night.” His face is soft, his eyes downcast as if he expects a negative answer.

“Perfect. I need to grab a few things from the grocery store. Is that okay?” Reflecting his face like a mirror, his eyes light up. It worked.

“Really? Yeah, sure. That’ll work. Are you sure?” he questions me as if my answer has changed.

“Positive.” He kisses me quickly and runs off.

“Grabbing my wallet.” He jogs back and opens the door.

We take his truck since we’re bringing Lulu back. I didn’t care; either way, this allows me to get a good look at his place. The last time I was here, I just ducked out and ran. It’s big, at least a four-bedroom. Near the ocean, so it’s on stilts with a double garage under it. He opens the door to help me out before keying in his alarm code.

“Uh, do you want the code? I mean, it’s always good someone else has it in case I forget. It’s new.” It’s like he keeps expecting me to leave.

“Sounds good.” Pulling out my phone to edit his information.

“Five, twelve, sixteen.” He stands there with his hands in his pockets, twisting his mouth like he needs to say something.

“Got it. Anything else?” Hardy peaks over at my phone, then shake his head.

“Nah, let’s get Lulu.” His eyes fall with his face; I can’t hold out. Taking his hand in mine, we walk up the stairs.

“I know.”

“You know what?” He squints as he appraises me.

“It’s the day we met.” A coy smile plays on my lips.

Stopping on the stairs, we kiss as if it’s the first time. Hardy thinks of himself as such a tough guy, not worthy of much. He’s so much more if only he’d believe it. If One agreeing he’s a good man doesn’t do it, I’ll have to find another way.

“Hey, girl. Hi, Lulu.” Hardy greets her.

Lulu jumps on him, kissing him however she can. I’m not sure who’s more excited, Lulu or Hardy. She turns to me, as happy to see me as her daddy. She runs from him back to me, kissing and jumping as we walk through the house. Hardy puts Lulu’s food and bowls with a few toys in a bag. Picking up her leash, he bends to put it on her when my phone receives a text. It’s One.

One: Hey.

Me: What’s up?

One: It’s Hadlea. She’s been hurt at the ER with the boys.

Me: OMW.

“What is it?” Hardy asks.