Page 42 of Must Love Dogs… and Hockey

I’m reminding myself of that when I get to his place the next morning, having walked over there with Otis. The weather’s ugly, with a steely sky and biting wind. It’s a relief to stumble through the brass revolving door into the elegant lobby of Easton’s building. I recognize Javier at the security desk, and he smiles. “Good morning, Ms. Evans. And Otis.”

“Good morning.” I tug my scarf looser around my neck and cross the marble floor toward Javier and the elevators behind him.

“Chilly day, isn’t it?”

“It sure is!”

As usual, Otis starts to freak out as we near the elevators and I have to pick him up. He trembles in my arms all the way to Easton’s floor. What a baby.

Once off the elevator, he prances down the hall directly to Easton’s door.

“You know your home, don’t you?” He stops at the door, tongue hanging out of his mouth, and I give a knock.

Easton opens it right away. Otis predictably goes nuts, jumping Easton. I don’t blame him for that. Easton is absolutely jumpable. His tousled hair makes me want to slide my fingers into it and see if it’s as thick and silky as it looks. His beard stubble darkens his jaw in a way that makes me imagine morning sex and what those whiskers would feel like against my skin. As usual, he flashes a cocky smile. “Hey!”

He tries to calm Otis, picking him up, letting him slobber his tongue all over his chin. There are two kinds of people in the world—those who let dogs lick their faces and those who don’t. I don’t judge anyone for their preferences, but I’m glad Easton lets Otis kiss him.

I set Otis’s bag on the hardwood floor and close the apartment door.

Best not to think about kissing Easton. Even though his lips are sexy as hell.

Ahem.

He rubs the back of his hand across said sexy mouth as he sets Otis down. “How was he?”

“Good. Only one pee accident.”

Easton grimaces. “Sorry.”

“He’s getting better! Still freaks out over the elevator, though.”

“Yeah. Hopefully that will get better too. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

He knows my soft spot. “Sure. Thanks.” I follow him to his kitchen while Otis sniffs around. “Nice win last night.”

“Thanks. It felt like things were clicking for us.”

“I missed your assist. My dad called right in the middle of the game.” I make a face. “I watched the replay, though.”

A slow smile stretches his beautiful mouth as he leans against the counter waiting for my coffee to brew. He crosses his arms, and I’m immediately distracted by the bulge of his biceps at the sleeves of his T-shirt. “You watched the game again.”

Ohhhh. Maybe I shouldn’t have admitted to that. I toss my hair back. “Sure. I’m a Bears fan.”

He smirks. “I think you’re a fan of me.”

“Apparently your biggest appendage is your ego.”

He laughs. “Oh, babe, you don’t want to challenge me on that.”

Heat washes down through me but I maintain my unimpressed expression. “You’re right, I don’t.”

The coffee’s ready and he hands me the cup. I meet his eyes and a quiver of awareness vibrates through me. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The heat in his eyes makes my nipples tingle. I push away from the counter and turn to watch Otis. “Hey, Otis! Should we show Easton your tricks?”

“Tricks?” Easton moves out of the kitchen, also holding a mug. “Wow.”

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