So Toxic(Bad Boy Next Door Book 4)(134)

As we approach Kelsey’s front walk, Spike bounds around the corner of my house.

Fuck. He’s loose again.

He dance-bounces his way across the yard toward Gina.

“Oh my. What a happy pup.” She tries to block his attempts to jump high enough to lick her face.

I deepen my voice, while trying not to wake Clarissa. “Spike. No. Get down.”

His doggie smile seems to grow, as though he thinks I’m encouraging him to maul Kelsey’s mother.

I stick out my foot, trying to slow his jumping. He leaps over my leg and takes off to make a lap around the front yard.

“We should get on inside.” I try to move her along a bit faster. But damn, the woman moves in slow motion.

As Spike approaches from the side, I holler. “Spike, no! Gina, wat—”

But it’s too late.

He makes a flying leap for her. His clod-hopping feet hit her square in the back. She flies forward, landing in a heap of towels with a great oomph. Her hat flips off and lands in the grass next to her.

Spike must take my momentary, shocked silence as consent. He grabs the back of Gina’s thigh between his paws and straddles her calf. She tries to roll over, but he must be too heavy.

Hell, he probably doesn’t even realize she’s not enjoying even one moment of his undivided attention. I should’ve gotten him neutered months ago, but after my own injuries, I just didn’t have the heart.

If ever there was a decision I’ll regret.

Kelsey’s front door opens.

Shit. My dog all but attacked her mom. Now I’ll never make her see that she loves me.





NINETEEN





Mom lies prone on my front lawn while Spike humps away on her leg. His half-lidded eyes make him look like he’s smoked a joint and had his fill from the snack bar.

I rush outside, waving my hands, trying to save my poor mother. “Bad dog! Shoo!”

Adam has his arms full of Clarissa. He juggles his pool gear and manages to set her down on the edge of the porch. “Stay here, Pip.”

I grab Spike’s collar, also throwing my arm around his neck, not trusting the piece of leather to hold. I learned my lesson on that one already. I roll away, dragging the dog with me.

Adam comes toward me, but I shake my head.

“Get Mom up, would you?” I grit through my teeth.

I wrap the dog’s torso with my legs. His hips are still pumping, and I suddenly feel weirdly dirty.

Adam manages to get Mom upright. But her girls have sprung free of their confines. By her dazed expression, I assume she doesn’t even realize that she’s giving the neighborhood a show.

Well, better her than me this time. Serves her right for tempting Murphy by squeezing into that suit.

Adam smartly nabs her oversized hat from the ground and holds it over her—womanly assets. “Let’s get you inside, Gina. Hold your hat.”

Mom moves to put her hat on her head, but Adam grabs it, thrusting it against her chest. “No. Let’s hold it right here.”

Once Adam has deposited Mom and Clarissa inside, he comes back out and takes a slightly calmer Spike off my hands. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what got into him. He never does that.”

I get to my feet and brush the grass from my behind. “I just hope she’s all right.”

Mom calls from the front porch. “Oh, I’m fine. That’s the most action I’ve had since the last time your father and I went at it—you know, before he up and left.”

I close my eyes and shake my head, but there is no getting rid of that mental image now that it’s lodged in my brain.

I let out a sigh and mumble, “At least she covered herself with a towel.”

Adam nods and grins. “Okay. I’m going to take Don Juan here to his kennel. He’s grounded—again.”

“I’m going to shower and wash off the—grit.” I move toward the house.

Adam gets a glint in his eyes. “Think of me.”

He has no idea how much I’ve thought of him lately, especially today.

All I can think of is the baby nestled in my womb and Adam.

No. I don’t think I want to think of him. Not any time soon—but I have to.

How do I tell him? Will he bolt? Will he be happy?

Will I end up with another Matt situation?

Wiser choices?

Yeah. That worked out great, didn’t it?

I have to tell him. But when?

I can’t just spring it on him, not with Clarissa right here to witness whatever fallout erupts.

I turn to him. “So, Adam…”

His gaze meets mine, his hazel eyes bright. “Yeah?”

“I—I was thinking of throwing a couple of steaks on the grill later. Want to come over and help me eat them?”

His eyebrows rise. “Steak? Sure. I’m always up for a good steak. Throw in some time with you, and there’s no way I’d turn that down.”