Page 110 of Chasing Shelter

Gabriel

Did you just say the F-word?

Me

I typed it, but regretting it now.

“What happened?” Ellie asked. She wasn’t looking at my phone, even though she could’ve easily read the texts. She was looking at me. Because what mattered to her was my reaction to whatever it was.

“Gabriel heard back from Jasper’s parole officer on the more in-depth drug panel. He’s clean.”

Her face screwed up. “Is it wrong that I want to plant something so he gets in trouble? Maybe Lolli can loan me some psychedelic mushrooms.”

“The two of you are a disaster waiting to happen,” I muttered.

“Hey!”

I squeezed her waist as I set down my phone. “I appreciate you wanting to do illegal things for me more than I can say.”

“Maybe I just want a pat down from the chief.”

My dick twitched. “Sheriff.”

“Prove it. Show me your badge.”

“You make that sound dirty.”

“I meant it to.” Ellie leaned forward to kiss me, but just before our lips met, a voice called from upstairs.

“Ready, Daddy!”

I pressed my forehead to Ellie’s. “Feeling the urge to kidnap you and take you somewhere there’s no cell reception.” My fingers tightened on her hips. “Need my hands on you. My mouth. Dying for more of your taste.”

Ellie’s breaths came faster. “Don’t make promises you’re not going to keep.”

I rolled my hips against her.

“Daaaaaaaad!”

“Fuck my life,” I muttered.

33

ELLIE

The momentI stepped off the back deck, Bumper came running. She charged right into my legs, which were now littered with bruises, but I couldn’t find it in me to care.

I laughed as I bent to scratch her head, Gremlin dancing around us. “Hi, Bumps. How are you feeling?”

Grem let out a low bark, and then he and Bumper were off, racing around the yard. Bumper made a few jumps that looked like she was doing parkour off invisible objects, and Gremlin started to copy her moves. I grinned as I watched their antics. “It’s supposed to be bedtime.”

They just raced around the yard again in answer. I moved to the little garden shed I’d made into a night shelter for Bumper. Unlatching it, I grabbed the treats I’d set up on the shelf inside.

It only took two shakes of the container, and Bumper came running. She skidded to a halt right in front of me. I laughed and gave her a few scratches. “Don’t worry, I’m a ho for treats, too.” I gave her one that she gobbled up. “Up you go.”

Bumper knew the drill by now. She hopped into the shed andmade her way toward the nest of hay. I knew Trace would have the water and power on at the barn before long, and I’d have to move her out there, but I’d miss having my sweet girl right here. I worried she might get lonely out there. Maybe I needed to get Bumper a friend.

She butted my hand as if to sayyes. Or maybe she just wanted more treats. I gave her one more and then bent to kiss the top of her head. “Sweet dreams.”

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