Page 63 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“Wow. Get a room you two.” Nathan chuckles.

“Don’t be jealous. Dogs just love me.” Jamie’s attention stays focused on the doting dog. “You go get changed. I can take her outside.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” He gazes into her big googly eyes. “We’re buds.”

“Her leash is here.” Nathan pulls it from the hook on the wall and passes it to Jamie. “Take her around back. Don’t let her see people on the street. She’ll bark and drag you down the sidewalk.”

“We’ll be fine.” Jamie latches the strap to her collar and they trot down the stairs. Out the door and around the back.

She pays no attention to the handful of people out and about. Just strolls to the back of the building and does her business.

Jamie rewards her with more nuzzles before they climb back upstairs.

Nathan is just pulling blue scrubs up over his bum. Black boxer briefs on full display with his bare back and delicious belly.

Jamie gawks and averts his eyes when the sexy bear of a man turns around.

Nathan pulls the blue scrub top over his head and down his torso. Then slips on a white coat, borrowed from the clinic and stethoscope over his neck. “It’s the best I could come up with, short notice.”

“It’s perfect. I just have a flannel and tool belt to add to this outfit.” He giggles.

“Hot.” Nathan flatters.

Jamie’s face turns hot. No words.

“Mabel did her business. No problems with the neighbors.’’ He reports.

“Good.” Nathan leans around Jamie. His warm breath sweeps over his arm, raising hairs on goosebumps. He gathers two bone shaped treats from the box and tosses them to Mabel.

She gathers them into her mouth and trots to the couch. Happily grumbling and crushing them up in her teeth.

“Shall we get going?” Nathan pulls his jacket back on.

“Yes.” Jamie shakes from a brief trance under heat, goosebumps and citrus musk.

They both descend the stairs. Jamie grabs the additions to his halfhearted costume from a bag on the back seat and gears up before hopping into the Jeep.

Nathan growls and winks.

“Shut up.” Jamie laughs.

“Butch fix-it guy, suits you.” He teases.

“If we don’t show up in costume, there’ll be hell to pay. This is as dressed up as I get.”

“You could chop those jeans up and lets those sexy legs out.” Nathan teases more.

“Not on your life.” He giggles, pink cheeked. “These legs stay covered.” He bites his lip. “This body is not suitable for public consumption.”

Nathan’s eyes narrow. “What?”

“It’s not!”

“You’re absurd.” The pretend Doctor shakes his head.

“Hop onto the interstate and head north to Falmouth. Dennis and Robbie don’t live far from the exit. It’s a swanky housing development.”

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