His light chuckle as he turned and walked out sent shivers through her.
Holy mother of pearl.
Convinced she was the biggest fool to ever strap on a bra, she cleared the table. Thunder rolled outside as she put the kitchen to rights and prepped the coffee pot for the next day.
She wanted to watch the storm roll in from the porch off her bedroom. A quick glance at Jack said he wasn’t stressed, at least for the moment. For whatever reason, he sometimes became antsy during storms, and wouldn’t leave her side. Tonight, however, he didn’t appear upset. Yet.
She refilled her mug and headed upstairs, stopping dead in her tracks as Coop exited the bathroom across the hall, shirtless, his baggy sweatpants resting low on his hips. A rush of awareness so intense her breath caught, crashed through her. Of their own volition, her eyes dropped to the broad expanse of his chest, the dark mat of curls tapering down to a thin line that disappeared below his waistband. She fought for air, fingers curling tightly into her left palm, then snapped her eyes back to meet his intense gaze.
In a flash, a slender, delicate thread formed between them; a mutual understanding.
She wanted him.
He wanted her.
They may not be happy about it, but neither could they deny it. The only question being, who caved first?
The spell broke when Jack padded up to Coop, tail wagging, and pushed his nose into the hand hanging at his side.
“Get a grip,” she whispered as she fled to the relative safety of her room, leaving the door ajar for Jack in case he wanted company.
Wrapped in a light blanket and ensconced in a comfy rocker on the porch, she pushed the disturbing encounter to a darkened corner of her mind as she watched the late season tempest approach. The lightning flashes, the deep rumble of thunder, and the sound of rain on the roof were hypnotic. Memories of other storms, enjoyed from the safety of Granny’s lap, filled her with a quiet peace. “I miss you,” she whispered. “I miss your sage advice.” A hard swallow kept the tears at bay. “Jack’s a good listener, but he isn’t much for talking.”
Coffee forgotten, she pulled the blanket tighter around her.
It’s going to be all right, child.
Surrounded by fond memories and the faint smell of gardenias, sleep claimed her.
A scratching sound, like nails on wood, penetrated the veil of exhausted slumber. Coop concentrated to pinpoint the origin. There it was again, followed by a low whine. Jack?
He stumbled to the door and pulled it open. The dog padded into the room and made himself a spot on the foot of the bed.
Coop glanced across the hall and saw her door open. He looked at Jack, curled up on the bed, seemingly content. If something were wrong, he would indicate it. Wouldn’t he?
He gave a disgusted grunt, and stepped across the hall to peek inside Sam’s room. A soft night light showed the covers turned back on an empty bed. He looked back toward his new roommate who now occupied one whole side of the bed. Shaking his head in disgust, stepped into the room. “Doc?” When he got no answer, he turned to leave and saw the open French doors to the balcony. He crept forward, not wanting to startle her, but concerned because Jack came to his room, maybe because hers was empty. Who knew how a dog’s mind worked?
She sat wrapped in a quilt in one the rockers, sound asleep. The storm had passed and the waning moon bathed her face in a soft glow, her enticing mouth slightly open.
He needed to wake her so she could get in bed. Her bed. Not his. Unless she wanted to, of course. He shook his head, silently muttering a curse. “Doc,” he crooned, “come on, wake up. You’ll catch your death out here.”
A soft snore greeted his entreaty.
The sudden cool breeze reminded him he stood there wearing only his boxers. “Sam,” he touched her lightly on the shoulder. “Wake up.” When he got no response, he muttered another heartfelt curse, then slid one arm under her knees, the other behind her shoulders and pulled her toward him. Her head nestled against his chest as he stood. One hand poked out of the blanket to skim across his chest accompanied by a soft sigh.
Desire, hot and potent, seized him. He struggled for control as slender fingers worked their way through the dark whorls on his chest. Ebony tendrils tickled his chin and an enticing floral scent tested his control. Eyes closed, he tried not to think about her in his arms as a more powerful surge of need engulfed him. His groin tightened, anticipating what his mind conjured, and a frustrated groan rumbled in his throat.
Shit. Leaden feet moved forward. Arms trembling as he struggled for control, he eased her down.
Her hand slid down his chest, brushing a taunt nipple, and he gasped. You’re killing me, Doc.
She lay on her back, Coop’s arm trapped under her neck, face turned toward him, as she blew out a heavy sigh.
His store of self-discipline vanished in a heartbeat. He lowered his head and kissed her softly, a light brushing of the lips because he couldn’t bear not to.
A sound from the doorway made him jerk back.
Jack’s gaze appeared more curious than distressed. Thank God.
As gently as he could, he extricated his arm and stood on shaky legs before pulling the covers up to her chin.
No wonder she doesn’t trust me. Hell, I don’t trust me.
He stepped away from the bed, and Jack led the way back to his room.
Once inside, the dog reclaimed his spot, chocolate colored eyes spearing a hole in him as he left the door ajar.
“What the hell did you expect me to do you crazy-assed mutt?” He gestured with his hands as he stomped into the room. “I’m not made of stone. And what are you doing in here, anyway?”
Head cocked to one side, Jack’s ears twitched.
“I kissed her. I couldn’t help myself.” He plopped down on the bed, one arm over his eyes. “I couldn’t.”
Jack rested his massive head on Coop’s shoulder as though he understood the torment his new friend endured.
