Page 74 of Training His Pet

Chapter Twenty-Five

“Let me just grab a hair tie.” Erika pulled her hand from Dax’s grip and jogged back up the front porch steps and into the cabin.

He checked the time on his watch and sighed. He’d told Devin they’d be up at the main house by seven. It was already a few minutes past.

Erika bounded back down the steps in her jean shorts and light purple tank top, her hair still hanging loose around her shoulders.

“I thought you were getting a hair thing?” he asked when she stepped back up to him and slipped her hand in his.

“I did.” She showed him the black elastic band on her right wrist. “In case I get hot and I want to put it up,” she explained.

“We’re late,” he said and tugged her along. She jolted at first, but then caught up to his step.

“You sure you’re okay with me going up there?”

He glanced down at her. “Of course. So long as you keep to the rules. No interviewing anyone and no digging around about them.”

She cast her glance away. “Got it.”

She’d been quiet most of the afternoon, working on her laptop on the couch while he flipped through the satellite channels. Whatever she was working on had her full attention; she only stopped long enough to make sandwiches for lunch. And then she had gone right back to it.

“You been working on your article?” he asked when they broke through the tree line and were getting closer to the main house.

Her fingers fluttered in his hand.

“Just organizing notes today,” she answered.

“Hmm, anything you want to talk through? Maybe work out some of the things you’re thinking... feeling?”

She slipped her hand from his and pointed to the house. “I think Devin’s wife is waiting for us.” She waved.

Kara was sitting on the swing on the porch, her hand waving at them as they approached the stairs.

“Hey.” She had a bright smile to greet them with. “Trevor just got here a second ago, and Addison is closing up the toy store and will be over.”

Erika stepped onto the porch and Kara grinned at her. “You must be Erika.”

“Yes, and you’re Kara.” Erika put her hand out and Kara took it. “Thank you for letting us crash the cabin.”

Kara opened the screen door, gesturing for them to go inside. “Not a problem.” She smiled at Dax when he passed her. “Hope it’s secluded enough for you.” She winked.

Dax paused in his step. “You wouldn’t be teasing us, would you?”

Kara’s lips twisted and she gave him a playful shove. “Don’t start causing trouble. I can tease if I want.” She let the screen door close behind her when she stepped inside.

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