Page 15 of River

“That’s what happens with dogs. You don’t think they find one home for all of them, do you?” I asked frowning.

“I hadn’t really thought about it, but now that you mention it, I guess you’re right. They’ll all go to different homes if they go to the pound. That’s why I will get their mommy so they can stay together.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, trying to gather up the puppies. I held two while Gage and Tag took care of the others.

“They can live with me,” she said, her chin quivering. And damn, she wasn’t wearing a bra.

“Do you plan to go to the pound dressed like this?” I asked, pointing to her outfit.

She looked down and realized she was wearing pink furry house shoes. “I didn’t have time to change. Damn, can you go get the mama dog for me?” She pleaded, with those beautiful eyes gazing into mine.

“No. First, they keep the animals for three days before letting them be adopted. Second, I once dated the woman who runs the shelter, and I don’t want to see her again.”

“Why am I not surprised? Fine, I’ll take the puppies to the pound myself. Can you at least help me get them to my car?”

“If you think I didn’t hear the first part of your sentence, you’re sadly mistaken. I heard all of it.” There was that grin again. I wondered what she’d do if I leaned down and kissed her. Then her bottom lip slipped into her mouth, making her look nervous.

My gut clenched, and something inside me snapped. I did what I said I’d never do: I leaned in and took that bottom lip between my teeth, ready to drop the puppies before Gage took them from me. With my arms free, I wrapped them around Kat and pulled her as close as I could. I plundered her mouth, biting her plump bottom lip before sliding my tongue into the sweetness of her mouth.

I’ve kissed a lot of women in my life, but knowing I was kissing Kat right now nearly pushed me over the edge.

She let out a hot, sexy moan and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. I cupped her ass with one hand, feeling her cheek through those short shorts, while my other hand tangled in her hair, pulling her head back to deepen the kiss until I heard her whimper.

Kat’s hands slipped under my shirt, and her nails traileddown to the top of my jeans. I felt her hand moving lower. I had to stop this right now.

“You taste so damn good,” I murmured against her ear. “I wish we could finish this, sweetheart, but this is as far as it goes. We work together, and it’s against the rules.”

“Fine, then you take the puppies to their mommy,” she said, leaving me standing there with a hard-on.

“Do you want me to throw some ice water on you?” Gage said, stepping out of his office.

“No, I’m taking that job in Iran. I’m getting those men out of there, and I’ll take two guys with me. I’ll be in my office working out the plan.”

“What about the puppies?”

“Can you please take them to the animal shelter? I was serious when I said I didn’t want to see the woman who runs the place.”

“Yeah, I’ll take them, but I’m going with you to Iran.”

“Okay, I’ll write down your name. I might step out of the office. I need to apologize to Kat for that… attack.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. She might not want you to apologize.”

“I’ll think about it,” I said, heading into my office and shutting the door. Ten minutes later, I was pounding the punching bag, planning everything out in my head for what we’d do once we got to Iran. All I could think of was how soft Kat’s skin was.

7

Kat

I heldmy hand over my mouth; I licked my lips, and I could still taste him. My body craved release, and I was sure River needed it, too. I chuckled as I drove my little car home. I knew a few things about making love. Alex didn’t have much experience, but he did understand that I needed an orgasm just as much as he did—because I told him.

I finally gathered the courage to ask one of my married friends about having an orgasm. She told me everything I wanted to know and even more than I needed to know. So, I told Alex that he needed to please me, just as he did himself. Sex wasn’t a big deal for Alex, my poor, sweet Alex.

For a long time, I never thought I would get over blaming myself for his death. But after talking with Myrtle, who’s a psychologist, I began to understand. She helped me realize that his mother had planted that guilt in my head. I wasn’t to blame for his or my baby’s death.

I hoped someone had taken care of those puppies. Maybe I’d visit the animal shelter and adopt one, but which one? I knew they’d all jump around, wanting to come homewith me, and I wasn’t sure what to do. I knew they were happy to see their mother again.

I’m going to be so embarrassed facing the guys tomorrow. I would have let River drag me into his office and do anything he wanted. I’ve dreamed of that kiss for two years; he was even better than I imagined.

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