One Day in Apple Grove(50)

He chuckled at her reference to making love in front of the dog. “I think he’s impressed by my mad skills.”

Her delighted laughter wrapped around his heart, tugging him the rest of the way into love. “I wish you could stay the night.”

Jack pulled her against him and reveled in the feel of her whisper-soft skin slowly heating against his. “I love the way you feel in my arms. If I talk to your father, do you think he’d let you stay?”

“So his darling daughter could engage in another mind-boggling bout of heart-stopping sex?”

He chuckled even though he tried to be stern. “I thought we made love?”

Her eyes softened. “We did, and it was amazing.”

He had to agree. “But we need—”

“To get going,” she finished for him. “I know.” She looked him in the eye and tried to frown as she said, “Someone told my dad he’d give me a ride home.”

With a sigh of frustrated regret, he released her. “The last thing I want to do is give your dad a reason to doubt my word.”

“Hmmm…I guess so. Hey, do you think he thinks we’re playing canasta?”

Jack just shook his head. “I hate to burst your bubble, babe, but I don’t think so.” He looked down at Jamie and asked, “You want to go for a ride?” Jamie bounced up and down before settling down when Jack told him to sit.

“Can I go too?” Caitlin asked, brushing up against him again, skin to skin teasing him to the point of madness.

“Quit teasing me,” he grumbled. “I’ve got to take you home, woman.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“Come on,” he urged. “Go get dressed.”

She paused in the doorway. “Aren’t you coming?”

He shook his head at her. “If I go with you, one of us will definitely be coming, but then we’ll be late.”

Her eyes darkened to forest green and he fought against the need to grab her, toss her over his shoulder, and sprint for the stairs. He wanted her in his house, in his bed…in his life. But it was too soon to tell her without her wondering if it was just great sex talking, wasn’t it? They’d been drawn together because of Jamie, but the sparks and tension between them had been there from the first, tempting him.

Finally, she dragged her feet, but left the room and returned dressed.

“OK, my turn,” he said, easing past her so they didn’t touch. If they did, he wouldn’t be able to keep from grabbing her and burying his face in her hair, then one thing would lead to another, and they’d end up where they both wanted to be—his bed.

When they were finally ready, he grabbed Jamie’s leash. “Ready to go for a ride, boy?”

Once they had the dog clipped to his leash, they walked out the back door. “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to sleep tonight,” she confessed. “I’ll be thinking of you, wishing you were there beside me.”

They got in the car and his hands clenched the wheel, desperate to touch the woman who’d turned him inside out, knowing if he did, he’d yank on the wheel, pull a one-eighty, and head back to his house. Yep, he’d lock the door and keep her.

As they drove along Eden Church Road, she talked to the dog as if she expected him to answer. Much to Jack’s surprise, the dog barked or whined in response to Cait’s questions. He chuckled until he realized he was in way over his head. Could she be real? Did his scars only bother him? He needed Cait in his life, not just in his bed. All he had to do was convince her.

Cait was watching him out of the corner of her eye.

“What?” he asked.

“You have a great laugh.”

When he didn’t say anything, she nuzzled the top of Jamie’s head. “Has Sheriff Wallace heard from anyone yet?”

“No,” Jack said with a glance at Jamie. “Looks like this guy is here to stay.”

“Good,” Cait said.

Jack echoed that sentiment. “I’m used to having him in my life…it would too quiet without him.”

She agreed. “It’s become part of my routine, stopping by a few times a day to make sure he’s all right. He’s always ready with a happy bark and busy tongue.” They fell into a comfortable silence as he turned onto Peat Moss Road. “My dad really liked him.”

He grinned. “What’s not to like?” He patted Jamie on the top of his head. “He’s a great dog.”

“Are you both going to walk me to the door?”

Jamie barked and Jack laughed. “Sorry, boy, not this time.” One at a time, they slipped out so Jamie didn’t escape. They walked hand in hand to the door and Jamie started to howl.