Page 116 of Unlawful Seduction

The little boy tipped his head to stare at Mallory, finally nodding a few times emphatically. “Yeah. She’s been good.”

Now Mallory was close to choking, doing her best to hide behind her drink. I couldn’t keep a smile off my face.

“Brady, honey. Take the pups inside. We’ll be there in just a couple minutes. Okay?”

“O-tay, Mommy.” He called to the pups and I’ll be damned if the two dogs didn’t obey the kid right away, trailing behind him and inside.

She let out an intense breath as she stood. “I told you he’s a handful, but so damn intelligent. He’s going to be a doctor or lawyer or something. I just know it.”

“He’s going to be everything you teach him to be.” I rose to my full height, crowding her space just a little.

“Maybe he’ll be everything we teach him to be.”

“I’d like that, Mallory. I really would.”

She placed her hand on my chest and I sensed she was quivering. “I kinda blurted that out. One step at a time. Okay?”

“That’s a deal.”

“By the way, there’s a little carnival on Friday night. I promised Brady we’d go. Maybe you’d like to come. With us?” She lifted her head, the same hopeful look in her eyes.

“I’d love to go. Never been to a carnival.”

“You haven’t?” She laughed and my cock ached from hearing the sound.

“Nope.”

“Then you’re in for a treat.” We heard squealing coming from inside and both of us laughed.

“I think we need to order some pizza,” I told her.

“I think you’re right.”

She sidestepped me, but I jerked her back, incapable of letting her go that easily. “Hold on, Doc.”

“What?”

“I wasn’t finished with you yet.” As soon as I captured her mouth, I felt the very sense of peace she’d mentioned. She was everything I wanted and didn’t deserve, but I would do absolutely everything in my power to provide her with whatever her little heart desired.

No matter what that took or what I’d need to do to ensure her safety and happiness.

CHAPTER 29

Mallory

“Dr. McGregor. There’s a delivery for you.”

Groaning, I’d yet to figure out why I needed to be involved with the deliveries. I had an amazing staff. So why… No, I wasn’t going down that road. It had been a long day. Very long. With two surgeries. Thankfully, both had had excellent outcomes.

“Okay, Sally. I’ll be right there.” I dropped my head into my hands, unable to keep a smile from my face. All week long, I’d done nothing but think about Beckett.

I’d rushed around all day, scheduling the appointments so I could take off early. Another veterinarian was working so there wouldn’t be a problem. I’d realized over the years I was a control freak.

My thoughts returned to the rugged man with the killer smile. He’d been so kind, taking me to lunch and fixing a couple of boards that had come loose on the barn. And Brady adored him, Sampson as well. But Beckett hadn’t been pushy, just sweet. Iwas still having a difficult time thinking of him as sweet, not dangerous, but I was getting used to it.

Besides, the notion was sexy.

As long as I put aside my thoughts about all the terrible things he’d done in his life. There was no need to get into that. Was there?

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