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“What do you normally do with Slayer when you work a twenty-four-hour shift?” I asked.

“Normally Luke and I work the same shift, so Sheryl from next door comes over and walks him and feeds him.”

I had an immediate picture of Sheryl and I didn’t like it. She would be tall, blonde and endowed. Therefore, everything that I wasn’t.

“Why haven’t I met her?”

“You didn’t seem in the mood for company. She’s a doll. She’s wanted to come over and meet you, plus she’s missed Slayer. Would you mind if she came over for a visit tomorrow after school while I’m on shift?”

“After school?”

“Yeah, she’s in ninth grade. She’s been babysitting Slayer since he was a puppy. They’re great friends.”

Great, now I was jealous that a teenager was best friends with the dog. I needed to get my shit together.

“Chloe, are you okay? You have a funny look on your face.”

“I’m fine. You’re probably right, I’m just nervous about meeting someone new.”

Zarek stepped close. “You look like you need a hug.”

So why was he hesitating? Did I have cooties? Oh yeah, I was crazy. “I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do,” I said sarcastically.

“Come here, you.” He wrapped me up in his big arms, and I smelled the fresh scent of fabric softener and man. I inhaled, wanting to take him in deeper, wanting this moment to never end. I felt his chin rubbing against the top of my head.

“Don’t go.”

Shit, did I say that?

He went still.

“I can call in.”

I tipped my head back to look at him. “I didn’t mean it. I’m being silly. Of course you have to go in.”

“Chloe, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know. Blame it on that damned doctor. He stirred up crap. I’m all feely. I don’t like it. I don’t even feel like Candy Crush. I’m thinking about cooking.”

Zarek shuddered.

“Well at least my homeowner’s insurance is up to date.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.” He moved his hands so he was cupping my cheeks. “Cupcake, I have plenty of leave, I can take the day off.”

I saw his hesitancy. “You don’t want to leave your team in the lurch at the last minute, do you?”

“I don’t,” he admitted. His thumb brushed my lower lip and butterflies took flight in my tummy. It was like that kiss all over again. I saw his green eyes darken. I realized I wasn’t the only one affected by the small caress.

“You pack a punch, Cupcake.”

“You’re the one doing the touching.” My breath warmed his thumb. I rose up on my toes, hoping he would get the message. He did.

Zarek’s head lowered and all I could see was his face as his mouth took mine. Heat exploded. I lost all ability to stand, but Zarek was there, he was always there to catch me. Hold me. He molded our bodies together as his tongue swept inside my mouth and took away all semblance of reality. I moaned and clung, desperate for more of his taste, his essence.

My head swirled, my body throbbed as our tongues tangled. I pressed my breasts against his chest, trying to relieve the ache. I felt his fingers spear through my hair, pulling at the strands. I needed him to pull harder, more sensation, I needed more.