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She steps inside, and her lips part in awe. Her eyes go wide as she takes in the open floor plan, the wall of windows looking out over the backyard, and the massive stone fireplace.

“Wow,” Star says, eyebrows up. “This is beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I can’t hide the pride in my voice. “You want the grand tour?”

She grins. “I’d love one.”

We get exactly two steps before Bruno finds the water bowl I put down for him. He slurps so loud it echoes, then, with a look of pure malice, tips it over with one paw. Water sluices across the kitchen tile and straight into a floor vent.

Star covers her mouth, trying not to laugh. “He does that on purpose, you know.”

“I got that impression,” I say, grabbing a towel from the oven handle. Star looks around, taking in the new bone-shaped treat jar on the counter and the basket of dog toys in the corner.

Star stares at me for a second, eyes shining. “You’re such a softie.”

Bruno grabs a squeaky toy and immediately starts shaking it to death.

“While the little gremlin is occupied,” I gesture toward the stairs, “do you want to see the rest?”

Her mouth curves, and damn, I could stare at it forever. “Lead the way.”

I grab her hand, tugging her close, because I can’t go a single minute without touching her. Halfway up the stairs, I pause and drag her in for a kiss. She melts against me, all warm curves and sunshine, and my brain short-circuits.

Yeah. I’m fucking addicted.

We hit the top landing, and I lead her to my bedroom, Bruno’s little paws tap-dancing after us. I open the door and watch her face as she takes it all in—the king bed, the wall of windows, the fireplace. Her eyes go wide, and then she notices the brand new, ridiculously plush dog bed with “BRUNO” stitched in green right next to my side of the bed.

She bursts out laughing. “I can’t believe you did all this for us.”

Fuck yes, I did. And I plan on convincing her to stay here with me. Permanently. “Believe it, baby.” I wrap my arms around her and hug her close while the dog sniffs every corner of my bedroom.

I’m standing on the back patio, putting steaks on the grill next to the foil-wrapped potatoes while Bruno sprints across the yard, paws flying, and the sound of Star’s laughter mixes with his high-pitched barking. “Those steaks smell delicious.” Star walks up and wraps her arms around me. God, I could get used to this. Warm arms around my waist, soft hair brushing my neck, her body pressed flush against my back, and her happy little sigh soaking straight into my bones.

I turn in her arms and pull her close to my body. Leaning over, I cover her lips with mine. Her mouth is soft, lush, and instantly addictive. I kiss her hard, tongue sweeping in deep, teeth grazing her bottom lip until she moans. God, I love those sounds.

My hands grip her waist, and her sundress shifts under my fingers, flimsy as tissue, and I can feel the heat of her skin right through the fabric. Fuck. I’m half a second from tearing the thing right off, but I force myself to slow down, to savor.

I pull back and lay my forehead against hers. Her breath comes in these soft, hitching little gasps. I can feel her heart thudding against my chest. Jesus, I want her so bad I’m about to self-combust. I brush my thumb along her jaw, just to feel the shiver run through her.

“God. I’m tempted to say fuck the steaks and eat you for dinner instead,” I growl.

She laughs, a little breathless. “As much as I love the sound of that, it would be a shame to waste those yummy steaks.”

“Then I guess I’ll just have to leave room to have you for dessert.” I dip down and kiss her again, slow and deep, sliding my hands lower until I’ve got a solid grip on her ass.

Behind us, Bruno yips, but I tune him out. I am on a mission. Until the steaks catch fire on the grill. “You save our dinner while I go and chase down the gremlin.” Star laughs.

I flip the meat over and turn down the flame. Then I lean against the railing and watch Star chasing the little demon around my backyard.

I can’t get enough of her. Like, genuinely, I could watch Star chase Bruno around my backyard for the rest of my life and never get bored. She’s barefoot and laughing, sundress fluttering around her thighs while the little gremlin dodges and jukes like a pro.

I’m so distracted I nearly burn the steaks. Once everything is done, I plate the steaks and potatoes and carry them to the patio table, where Star’s already waiting, cheeks flushed and eyes bright. Bruno circles our feet like a furry shark, hoping someone drops a bite.

We eat out there while the sky melts from gold to dusky pink. Star moans over the food like it’s the best thing she’s ever tasted. My chest goes all stupid-hot. I want to bottle this moment forever.

Bruno darts between our chairs, occasionally launching himself onto the grass to bark at shadows.

The sun slips away, and the outdoor lights kick on, illuminating the entire backyard.

Bruno finally runs out of energy and curls up at Star’s feet, snoring like a busted muffler.

“Ready for dessert?” I ask, stacking our plates.

She arches an eyebrow. “Depends. Is this a real dessert, or a euphemism?”

“Both.”

She grins, a wicked spark lighting up her whole face. “I’m too full for actual dessert, but I’m always ready for bedroom dessert.”

I stand, offer her my hand, and she takes it. The skin-to-skin shock is instant, electric.