Page 15 of Loving Hard on the Highway

“I thought you said you were going to win me a stuffed animal.”

“I lied,” he admitted. “I’ll lie about anything if it gets you to laugh like that again.”

I looked at him then, really looked at him, and for a heartbeat, I felt something more than wow, this guy is hot. I felt something more than maybe a crush.

We found ourselves on the Ferris wheel just before closing time. The air felt cooler, and I snuggled into his side without saying a word. From the top, the park looked like a dazzling little world, distant from everything else. I rested my head on his shoulder, exhaling slowly.

“Thank you,” I sighed softly, wondering if he heard me over the creaking of the wheel.

He didn’t say “for what?” He just wrapped his arm around me and held me close.

?

The door clicked shut behind us with a soft finality. I dropped my bag by the dresser and glanced around the room, feeling my stomach tighten. One bed. Queen-sized. Crisp white sheets and two identical pillows. An awkward silence formed like fog around us.

Sean scratched the back of his neck. “I didn’t realize they meant only one bed in the one available room.”

“We can make do,” I said, trying to sound casual. I turned toward the window and gazed out at the night sky—anything to keep my face from betraying the naughty thoughts that briefly ran through my head.

The problem was that I was really starting to like Seanway too much. It was hard to hide the blossoming feelings while on the Ferris wheel. Much harder now, in a room where the only bed had a decorative towel swan and chocolates on the pillows.

“I can sleep on the reclining chair,” he offered, voice too casual.

“And risk waking up with your neck all jacked up? No way. I like having you do most of the driving.” I laughed too quickly, then waved my hand. “It’s fine. We’re adults. It’s just a bed. I won’t kick you.”

Sean looked at me for a beat too long. “You sure?”

I met his eyes. They were darker in the low light. “Left side or right?”

Chapter 8

Sean

What a morning. Slowly waking to the feel of Gabbie’s soft skin against mine as she snuggled up into my arms was amazing. She smelled incredible, like lavender and coconut.

Wait a minute.

I eased out of my dreamy haze as I realized Gabbie and I were sleeping in each other’s arms. Last night she had been on the right, and I was on the left. Hopefully, I could pull my arm from beneath her before she felt my morning wood.

I gently pulled my arm, only to have her snuggle closer to me. It felt fucking amazing until I felt her suddenly tense and jolt back.

“Good morning, beautiful.” I gave her a groggy smile as I shook my arm, which was completely numb.

She rubbed her face. “Sorry.”

Fortunately, my watch alarm went off, ending the very awkward moment. It was time to get Ollie.

?

The clinic was abuzz this morning, unlike last night, with just one vet and an assistant. A half dozen pet owners waited for their early morning appointments, and the smell of antiseptic and fur filled the air. Light filtered through frosted windows, painting soft stripes on the checker tile floor.

Gabbie glanced at me, my hand brushing hers as the assistant approached us with Ollie in her arms. She didn’t take my hand, not yet, but the nearness felt deliberate and pleasantly familiar.

Gabbie stepped forward, and the woman transferred the now clean and fluffy puppy gently into her arms. Ollie gave a faint bark, much improved from the soft whine he had yesterday. His tiny head and ears perked at the sight of her.

“He was dehydrated and a little underweight, but he’s going to be fine,” the vet said. “We gave him his rabies shot and started him on his vaccines. You’ll need to continue when you get home.”

Gabbie’s eyes brimmed. “How much do I owe you?”

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