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She’d thrown out all her rules. Rules meant to protect her heart. Rules that, perhaps, she didn’t need any more. Not with Dakota.
Ginger sloshed her tongue across Leah’s fingers again, a little whine indicating the pooch’s frustration with the fact that her daddy and his friend were still sleeping.
Leah scratched Ginger’s nose, earning more tail wags, but the moment she stopped, the whining started again.
“You don’t have to whine, Leah. I’ll kiss you good morning.” Dakota’s voice was all scratchy and sexy and low.
“It’s not me that wants the kisses.” Leah poked her finger into Dakota’s ribs, making him grab her hand and flatten it on his bare chest. His deliciously chiseled, tattooed bare chest. “It’s your poor puppy.”
Dakota lifted his head to look at Ginger who barked, her tail reaching pinwheel-on-a-blustery-day level. He leaned over and rubbed noses with the dog, making Leah melt beside him. Was there anything sweeter than a man who loved his dog?
“Who’s Daddy’s girl?” He scratched Ginger’s furry cheek then smoothed her ears back, reducing her eyes to mere slits. A long pink tongue lolled over the dog’s bottom jaw as she panted her appreciation.
“Is there a female species you can’t excite with your touch, Mr. Adventure?” Leah let her fingers walk along the ridges of his abs.
She let out a squeak when Dakota rotated them so she was on the bottom now. “There’s only one female I’m interested in exciting.” He teased her lips with a kiss so hot she wouldn’t need a coat today to keep her warm. Might not need any clothes at all.
“Now this is the way to wake up.” She cupped his cheeks and stole a few more kisses.
He propped himself up on one elbow. “I like having you here, Leah.” The sincerity in his voice hit her square in the chest. She had no doubt he meant what he’d said. Meant it deeply.
“I like being here.” She combed his hair with her fingers. “Actually, I like—”
The house phone rang, cutting her off. Good thing too. She’d been about to tell him she liked being wherever he was… even if that meant going on a trip with him. He was a man who could help her overcome her fears. He was a man who could help her experience the world.
Noah’s voice filled the cabin when the answering machine picked up. “Dude, I’m at Brenton Lake Hall, decorating with your sisters and Krista. Maybe you could get your ass over here as promised? I tried calling your cell phone, but you’re either ignoring me or… otherwise engaged. I’m going with choice B and choosing to forgive you.” A moment of silence sounded then he said, “And bring Leah.” Noah’s chuckle ended the message.
“He thinks you didn’t show because we were doing it.” Leah put her hand over her mouth as they both sat up on the couch.
Dakota stretched, momentarily distracting Leah from any coherent thinking. “He’s not wrong.”
Leah sailed a fist into his bicep, but he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap before she could beat him up any further.
“We may not have been actually doing it when he called, but our activities from last night caused me to have the best sleep.” He gestured to the mantle above the fireplace where an antique clock ticked away. “I never sleep until nine o’clock on a Saturday. Never.”
“Do you have any adventures scheduled today?”
“Just one at two o’clock. A quick hike. Didn’t want to book too much because of volunteering to help with and then attending Nana’s birthday bash.”
“Sorry I threw your entire schedule off.”
“I’m not. Schedules need to be thrown off every now and again, don’t you think?”
The old Leah would have shouted,Hell, no!That woman lived by orderly schedules where expected things happened at predetermined times.
This woman though. The one who was unquestionably falling for Dakota? She agreed whole-heartedly. Schedule? What schedule?
“You’d better go,” she said. “It sounds as if he needs your help.” She made a move to get off the couch, but he stopped her with a hand to her thigh.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He pushed her hair behind her ear and nuzzled the curve of her neck. She could really forget her name around this guy. Easily.
“I’m letting you get on with your day. I’ll see you tonight.”
He shook his head. “Noah’s message said to bring you.”
“He was busting your balls. Wasn’t he?”
“Knowing Noah, yes, he was busting my balls, but I’m sure he also wants another hand in decorating for Nana’s bash.” He took her hands and interlaced his fingers with hers. “Oh, look, there’s two more hands right here.” He pressed kisses to each palm then placed them on his shoulders so she’d hold on as he stood.
