Page 32 of The Geography of Happiness

“Shhh.” I pressed a finger to his lips. “What did I say about not apologising for spending time with me? Now can we do that again?”

Terry’s teeth nabbed his lower lip but I released it with my finger.

“Yes? No?” I pressed.

The pulse in his neck throbbed and I caught another drift of that tantalising body wash and slightly floral cologne. I leaned a little closer and ran my nose up the side of Terry’s face, hearing his sharp intake of breath.

“You smell so damn good.” I pulled back to look at him again, my thumb tracing the contour of his lips, his tongue darting out to catch the tip as it passed, sending a jolt of electricity to my balls. “What’s it going to be?” I whispered, rubbing my nose against his.

He leaned in and put his lips next to my ear. “Yes.”

Exhilaration rushed through my body, and I leaned back so I could watch his face as we kissed. Then slowly, slowly I lowered my mouth to his, knowing this would change everything. Our lips touched, and as I sank into the pillowy softness, a fierce desire powered through my body, the strength of it taking me by surprise. I wanted this quiet, worried, gentle man in a way I didn’t understand. In a way that frightened me. In a way I couldn’t control.

I crowded Terry back against the cottage door, his mouth warm and tender, pliant, and so fucking inviting, I wanted nothing more than to bury my tongue inside as deep and fast as I could. A growl rumbled up my throat as I fought the urge, and Terry answered with a soft needy groan of his own that sent a shiver of excitement up my spine.

He melted against me, and I slid my arms around his waist, fusing our bodies together. He fisted the front of my jersey, his dick firming against my thigh, mine already thick on his belly, and just like that, my control began to slip. It was a rabbit hole I figured neither of us was ready for—which was news to my dick—and I pulled my lips from his and rested our foreheads together as I caught my breath.

“Well, damn,” I breathed the words against his lips. “Aren’t you just the best kind of surprise?”

He was equally short of breath but chuckled and let go of my jersey, smoothing it flat over my chest. “I’m not so sure that was a good decision.”

I leaned back and tipped his chin up, offering him an understanding smile that I didn’t quite feel. “Well, you just let me know when you decide, because I’d be down for a bit more of that if you’re interested.”

He stepped back, putting some distance between us, and took a deep breath. “Let’s stick with texting me to start.”

I grinned and cupped his cheek. “Sounds good.”

“Hey, Spencer.”

I instantly dropped my hand from Terry’s face like the thing was on fire and spun to find Gil strolling toward us down the homestead lawn with a willow basket swinging from his hand.

“I saw your truck parked, but I thought you weren’t due in the shed until tomorrow?” Gil said as he neared the cottage.

I turned to check on Terry who was, thankfully, partially hidden from view inside the house. I shot him a wink and then made my way over to Gil with Terry following at a discreet distance.

“Good morning, Terry. I’ve been in the garden and thought I’d drop off some fresh provisions.” Gil held the basket aloft, looking between us with a smirk on his lips and a million questions jumping in his eyes. “I hope you slept well.”

I almost rolled my eyes at my friend.

“Yes, I did, thank you,” Terry answered smoothly, surprising me with his easy manner for a guy who’d just been kissed to within an inch of his life. “Those beds are excellent, by the way.”

“Good to know.” Gil continued to look bemused as he refocused his attention on me. “So, to what do we owe the pleasure of our esteemed vet’s company this bright and early on a Tuesday morning?” Crafty little fucker.

I was about to spin him some line, but Terry beat me to it. “Spencer kindly dropped by to return my windbreaker. I’d left it in the clinic yesterday.”

“Really?” Gil studied me with a wolfish grin. “How kind of you.”

That time I did roll my eyes. “That’s me all over. Kind to a fault.”

Gil’s shrewd gaze held mine a moment longer and I almost groaned. The man was truly annoying and far too clever for his own good. Finally, his attention shifted back to Terry. “Yes, we heard all about your knight-in-shining-armour trick. Saving the world one puppy at a time, right?”

Terry flushed adorably. “Oh, I don’t know about that. And man, I thought the gossip mill in Painted Bay was fast, but that’s pretty impressive.”

Gil laughed. “Sonya’s mother makes that rhubarb jam I stock in the guest cottages. She dropped off a fresh supply last evening, along with all the latest news. Holden and I are honoured you chose such a majestic name for your pup.”

“Oh boy.” Terry’s gaze bounced between us, his cheeks reddening further, if that was possible. “Now I feel kind of silly. And also, he’s notmypup.”

Gil’s eyes danced wickedly. “Yet. Not your pup yet. And don’t feel silly. It’s a cool name. We approve.”

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