Page 21 of Unexpected Adventures

Chapter Six

Is someone slapping me with a wet noodle?

My ears register whimpers before I open my eyes to see two little fur balls dancing around my head, furiously taking turns licking my face. I also hear more whining coming from the foot of the bed.

“How did you little rascals get up on this big ol’ bed?” I start baby-talk with Eva and Ginger as I’m trying to sit up while they’re vying for my attention. I’m petting and rubbing them, causing their excitement to grow. “Yes, yes, you sweet little girls. And are those your other partners in crime dancing around down there? Huh? Well, why couldn’t they make their way up here? Let’s go have a look.”

Just as I throw back the covers and begin to shift to the side of the bed, I notice the bedroom door ajar. And standing in the doorway is the man of my dreams. Well, I did dream about him last night, so, technically…

“So, this is where they ran off to,” Shaun says. He’s leaning against the door, arms crossed in front of him, an appealing smile on his face. He looks refreshed, like he’s been up for a while. He’s dressed in casual shorts and a T-shirt, his hair looks damp and he’s clean-shaven.“Sarah was looking for them to take them on a walk.”

I look over to the other bed to see if Denise is there, only to find it empty. “Denise must’ve left the door open.”

“Must have.” Shaun’s gaze never leaves me as he slowly scans down my body and back up again. Is that amusement I see? Or something else?

It’s then I realize I’m in the nightgown, which has ridden up high on my thighs as I was shifting in bed. I can only imagine what my hair must look like. I self-consciously pull the nightgown as far down my legs as I can. Only it doesn’t go much more than a dang inch. All the while, the dogs are yapping and prancing, waiting for more attention.

“Guess they’re ready to go out,” I say.

“Guess so.” Still, he doesn’t move.

“Okay, then, well, if you could just back out of the room and let me get dressed, I’ll…”

My words stop as Shaun pushes himself away from the door and strides toward me. My eyes widen with curiosity. And, truth be told, a little bit of nervousness. He continues his determined march toward the bed, his eyes never leaving mine. Is this what prey feels like when being stalked? I can understand the fear.

Only… why do I feel excitement lurking on the other side of that little bit of fear?

My heart is racing, threatening to beat out of my chest. I’m almost sure he can hear it as his smile changes, his eyes narrow.

Weren’t there some dogs in here a moment ago? My concentration focuses on the man coming toward me with intent in his gaze.

“Eva, Ginger, down.” With that command, the terriers run down to the end of the bed, onto the sitting bench, and down onto the floor, joining the other three little yappers. Shaun’s tone, although not harsh, told them they’d better fall in line. And they do just that. All five of them line up side by side, awaiting their next command.

As I look from the dogs back up to Shaun, he’s already in front of me so I have to lean back to look up at his face. He reaches out, gently taking my arms and pulling me off the bed.We’re standing chest to chest, again, and there’s no mistaking the sexual awareness between us.I can feel the warmth of his body radiating through both of our clothes. And I’m sure he can feel the perkiness of my nipples as they press into him.

“I’d like nothing better than to take off that gown and see all of you.” He doesn’t even wait for any lame response that my brain is trying to formulate before he dips his head to mine and takes my lips in a possessive kiss.

If I thought last night was intense, it’s nothing compared to what’s happening now. And if I didn’t have half my wits about me, because, believe me, they’re almost already gone, I’d let him do as he pleases. Because I’m also sure it’d please me too.

With his hands still on my arms, I can’t even engage in anything more than the kiss. And although it’s to die for, I’d love to have my hands roaming over his body, discovering every contour of his sculpted physique.

Just as those thoughts are wiped out of my brain due to the toe-curling onslaught of his mouth, he pulls away, leaving me gasping for breath. I watch him war with himself as he’s assessing me.

“Whatever you’re waiting for me to say, I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. I can hardly tell you my own name.” My words come out ragged and I’m breathless. “If I had on any panties, they’d certainly be on fire right about now.”

Oops. Did I just say that?

His groan is feral as his mouth takes mine once again in a quick kiss before he says, “What I really want…”

“Ah, good morning, you two.”

Denise’s greeting startles me so that I jump and peer around Shaun at her. Shaun, however, is unaffected as his gaze continues to stay on me.

“Uh, hi, Denise. Where ya been?” I ask all casual-like. As if I wasn’t about to be ravaged in the guest room of her co-worker’s home by said co-worker’s brother.

Shaun politely takes a step back from me as Denise approaches us. The dogs take the opportunity to go wild again, forgetting Shaun’s earlier command. They rush around our feet, clearly not wanting to be forgotten. Denise bends down to play with them as Shaun cautiously takes another step back.

“Shaun was just here to round up the little tribe for a walk, weren’t you?”

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