Page 34 of Property of Mongrel

“Oh, my,” she whispers, her voice breathless.

“Sorry about that, sometimes my internal thoughts burst through my mouth before I can stop them,” I reply.

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

Addy

I think my underwear just burst into flames at his words. I can feel the wetness between my legs and wonder if he’s willing to put out the fire he started. My brain whispers, It’s too soon, Addy, so I shut that shit down as quickly as possible. I’m not one to jump into bed with every guy that strikes my fancy, so I’m somewhat inexperienced, but I know what desire is and Mongrel lit the proverbial match.

“Thank you for tonight, I’ve really enjoyed myself,” I tell him as we pull into a parking spot and park.

“I have too, but I knew I would just from our interactions during physical therapy,” he replies. “Just let me know about tomorrow. I can come and pick you up or give you the address so you can drive yourself.”

I like that he’s giving me a choice. If things get too crazy, I can always make an excuse about getting ready for the work week and leave. Even though everything is already done except for putting my lunch together, and I plan to make myself a salad from the leftover fajita guts, so my prepping will be minimal.

“I’ll do that, but I think once I’m done with my housework tomorrow, it shouldn’t be an issue. What time?”

“I’d say any time after three. That way I can introduce you around and show you the horses. Gretchen may wanna show you her crafting room as well, who knows?” he states.

“Then it’s a date,” I tease, smiling at him as he helps me out of the truck.

A drop of rain hits me, and I look up in surprise. We don’t get a lot of rain here, but we need it so if I get drenched walking to my front door, I’ll just change once I’m inside. “I didn’t see this on the forecast,” he murmurs as he takes my keys and unlocks my door.

“Let me turn off my alarm,” I say as I walk over the threshold and silence the beep.

“Glad you’ve got security,” he tells me as he comes in behind me and closes the door.

“Would you… do you want something to drink?”

I don’t want tonight to end but I’m not going to jump into bed with him. Yet. That’ll come, I’m almost positive of it, but it won’t be tonight.

“No, babe, I wanted to make sure you got in okay. Can I kiss you good night or is it too soon?” he asks.

Consent. Holy shit, I may be in love with him! None of my other dates in the past asked me. They just assumed it was a given, yet here this man is asking if he can. I know for some women that kissing is no big deal, but I find it very intimate since you’re sharing bodily fluids. Weird, I know, but I blame it on how I was raised for the first ten years of my life.

“I’d like that,” I finally say.

He pulls me into his arms, the heat from his touch immediately settling my nerves. As his head descends, I send up a silent prayer that what I’m feeling is true and not just wishful thinking.

When his lips touch mine, I realize that I’ve met the man I was meant to find. His lips are full but firm, and as he deepens the kiss, I follow his lead, relaxing into his embrace. I could honestly do this for the rest of my life. Granted, I’m going to need to breathe at some point but right now, I’m so entranced, breathing is the last thing on my mind.

We finally pull our lips apart and he leans in to place a soft kiss on my forehead. “Better than I anticipated,” he whispers.

“Same,” I reply, my voice just as soft as his.

“I’m going to leave now, because I’m not going to push you for more than either of us is ready to have happen yet.”

“Yet.”

“Yeah, Addy, it’s going to happen, sweetheart, but it’s not a race to the end zone. I liked what I saw on my first appointment, and I want us to get to know each other,” he says. “I’m gonna kiss you again then leave, okay?”

“Perfectly fine,” I murmur.

I’m still in awe as I soak in a bubble bath, my face mask on and a glass of wine at my side. I have a podcast on, but I’m going to have to listen to it again because I’ve dissected every minute of our time together.

“Get a grip, Addy, you’re not a lovestruck teenager. You’re a grown ass adult.”