Page 27 of Unexpected Adventures

“Really? Isn’t that interesting?” Denise drawls.

“You’ve never noticed?” Sarah asks of Denise.

“This is actually the first time I’ve met him. In all the times I’ve been here, it never coincided with his visits.”

I guess Sherri says he makes it down about two or three times a year.”

“I can relate,” I say. “Even with me and Denise not that far away from one another, it’s only worked out to once or twice a year for us since she moved down here.”

“Families are funny that way,” Sarah says. “I still keep a room at my parents’ home, but I may only get there once or twice myself.”

My thoughts are turned away from that subject as Shaun notices me standing by the sliding glass doors. He grins and waves me out to join him. Which, I have every intention of doing.

“See you gals in a bit.” I reach for the handle as Denise and Sarah both tell me to have fun.

By Shaun’s side, how could I not?

As I open the door and step out onto the patio, the dogs notice my arrival and launch themselves my way. I bend down, trying to lavish each one with my attention. “Are you little cuties ready for your walk? I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but I’m sure you’ve had fun with Shaun out here on this gorgeous morning.”

“They’re chomping at the bit. They wanted to join me on my run earlier. Wouldn’t stop whining at the door.”

I stand, looking at Shaun. I can just picture him running, toned muscles flexing with every stride. “Can’t blame them,” I hear myself say. To that, Shaun just chuckles.

“Shall we?” He holds up the leashes for the dogs.

“We shall. Which ones should I take?”

He walks to me, giving me two leashes which are color-coordinated with the dogs’ collars. “Need you ask?” he says, and makes it sound so seductive.

Guess it’s Gypsy and Mysty for me. Shaun latches on to Eva, Ginger, and Greta, and we all set out across the grass, heading toward the front of the house.

“Figured we’d just stick to the neighborhood where the sidewalks are. Their little legs can only do so much. It won’t take long before they get tired.”

“Got it.”

We walk for a while in comfortable silence, letting the dogs concentrate on sniffing everything the length of their leashes will allow. The morning is indeed beautiful, with the sun out and the sky devoid of clouds. The blue is amazing. Only slightly deeper than Shaun’s eyes. I chuckle to myself, causing Shaun to turn his head toward me. I resist the urge to look his way.It’s pretty heady to think that this man at my side is interested in me.

“Abby, about this morning,” Shaun starts.

“Yeah, sorry about my panty comment. Didn’t mean to let that one slip.” Why I felt the need to bring that up, I have no idea.

I hear him groan and it sends a thrill through me. He reaches my side in an instant, leaning down to whisper in my ear. “One more comment about panties and I may have to see if you’re a commando kinda girl.”

I gasp and look at him with surprise. “Well, I wasn’t expecting you to say that. We’re on a public sidewalk. And for your information, I never go commando.”

“Too bad,” he whispers again.

I look back at him and can’t help but laugh. “What are you doing to me?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing. I don’t know what got into me this morning, saying what I did, treating you the way I did. I’m sorry if it was too much.”

“No, you’re not,” I state frankly. “I’m pretty sure you enjoyed it. I know I did,” I confess.

I can see I’ve clearly surprised him with my words. “While I’m glad to hear that, I know you think we hardly know one another, so I’d like to change that.”

“I’d like that too.”

“So, do you think Denise could spare you for the evening so we can do something together?”

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