Page 7 of Alistair

“I know. Five-feet-one and barely a hundred pounds. I had to fight to get them to let me learn to fly.”

“You’re a helluva pilot,” he said, placing his hand on her back and guiding her inside the cafeteria. She sucked in a breath, and he looked down at her. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, umm, yes. It’s just, well, I felt your fingers on my back, and they…”

“Did I scare you?” he frowned.

“No. No, not at all. It’s just that, well, they felt nice. I haven’t dated anyone in a very long time, so I haven’t had a man touch me like that. It was great.”

Alistair smiled at her and continued to press his hand on her back, guiding her to their seats. Over dinner, they talked about everything from the military to football, fashion and food, and even about children.

“I’m kind of surprised you’re not already married with a few kids,” she said softly.

“Why?”

“Why?” she said with a confused expression. “Because you’re like a freaking Roman warrior, Alistair. You’re tall, strong, well-built, handsome, smart, and one of the sweetest men I’ve ever known. I can’t believe someone hasn’t married you and started spewing out babies.”

“First of all,” he laughed, “no one is spewing babies around here. But thank you for the compliment. I could say the same about you, Clark. You’re the total package. Brains, beauty, courage. I’m attracted to it all.”

“Then maybe we could have a second date,” she grinned.

“Oh, I think that’s a definite yes.”

They were turning off the lights in the cafeteria when they realized how late it was. Alistair walked her back to her cottage, opening her door for her and giving her a sweet goodnight kiss.

“Tomorrow?” he smiled.

“I think that’s a given,” she laughed. “We do live in the same community. But it wouldn’t matter if you lived in Dallas, Alistair. I would want to see you tomorrow.”

“That’s a damn good thing, Clark.” He kissed her again, waving as she went inside and locked her door. He practically skipped all the way to his cottage.

“Hot damn.”

CHAPTER FOUR

“Hey, Clark, can we get you to take Rose and Baptiste up to Philly and bring them back?” asked Cam.

“Sure. Not a problem.” She smiled at her new boss. In the last few weeks, she’d gone from being unsure of whether or not she fit in here to knowing without a doubt that it was her home and where she belonged.

“She’s speaking at a conference on senior healthcare. Once she’s done, they will be waiting for you at the airport. No rush, just come on back when you’ve got them.”

“No problem. I’m just going to let Alistair know.”

“Alistair,” he smirked. “You two an item?”

“Is that not okay?” she frowned. “I mean, I just thought with all of you marrying one another that it was alright.”

“Relax, Clark. It’s totally fine. Alistair is a good dude from a great family,” said Luke. “I’m glad you two connected.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you guys later.” The relief flooded her body, solidifying the fact that this was where she should be.

She took the path toward the kennels, knowing that Alistair was going to be out there working with Goliath and Atlas, the new dogs. When she approached the fenced-in area, she stopped, smiling at his big body rolling on the ground with Goliath.

“Let me up, you big animal,” he laughed. “Come on. You’re making me look bad in front of my girl.” He pushed the dog off of him and walked toward her, covered in slobber and grass.

“Your girl, huh?” she smirked.

“Yep. I damn sure hope so.” He kissed her, and she scrunched her nose.

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