Page 32 of Say Yes

He regretted like hell that they wouldn’t be making love after all. He’d damn near worked himself into a frenzy just thinking about it. Then she’d showed up with that silly dog and he’d almost forgot what he wanted.

But maybe this would work out better.

He wanted to break through all her defenses, and this was a surefire way to get to sleep with her, without becoming sexually intimate. They could talk, and he could hold her, and he could show her how much she meant to him, how special she was.

She watched him over the rim of the teacup, and he smiled. “The animals seemed to be getting along. They actually started playing a little. That is, if you can call Satan chasing that little squirt playing. The dog didn’t seemed frightened, though, even if Satan did sound a bit annoyed.”

Sara picked up the plate with her sandwich on it and broke off a piece of the crust. “About the dog, Gavin…”

“Does she have a name?”

“I don’t know. When Jess and Lou found her, she didn’t have a collar.”

“Maybe you should name her, then.”

Sara hesitated, then bit her lip. He could see her mentally girding herself, and he anxiously waited to see what argument she would present.

“Gavin, I know I said a lot about this being my house, and I could do what I want, but I didn’t mean to say I wouldn’t take your feelings into consideration. I want you to be comfortable here.”

He couldn’t help smiling inside. This was the closest she’d come to admitting she wanted him to stick around.

“After I left today, I regretted losing my temper. I sort of thought you might decide it wasn’t worth the convenience and be gone when I got home.”

“I’m not going anywhere, babe.”

She looked dubious. “It’s not like me to be so emotional, but—” She stopped when he started grinning again. “Despite what you think, Gavin, I am not an emotional woman. At least, not in the normal course of things.”

“I wasn’t exactly a prince this morning, myself. I had planned to finesse you with my great cooking ability, but I couldn’t get you out of bed. I ended up feeding your very excellent omelet to the damn cat. Then Satan needed brushing, and it turned into a much bigger chore than I’d intended.”

Sara looked very chagrined. “You fixed me a special breakfast?”

He leaned forward and kissed her. “Don’t worry about it. Satan showed appropriate appreciation of my efforts.”

“I’m sure it was delicious.” She peeked up at him, then sighed. “No man has ever cooked me breakfast before.”

He’d be willing to bet no man had ever played hard to get with her before, either! He merely smiled.

A few minutes later she had finished the sandwich and was once again yawning. Gavin removed the plate from her lap and stretched out beside her. She sent him a horrified look.

“Come here. I’ll make you feel better.”

“A man of many talents?” She looked uncertain, but she did lay down beside him. Gavin moved her around until she was situated against his body, spoon fashion. He laid his large palm over her abdomen and began to gently rub her. Sara groaned.

“Feel good?”

“Mmm.”

She nestled closer and Gavin had to bite back his own groan as her rounded buttocks rubbed against his groin. He kissed her on the side of her neck, then whispered, “Now that I’m here, you’ll be able to rest more.” It wasn’t a very subtle hint, but it was true. She’d realize her good fortune if he had to point it out to her every damn day.

“I don’t want to take advantage of you, Gavin.”

Her voice edged toward sleep. Gavin kissed her again, hugged her a little tighter. “You can’t use someone who’s willing, honey. I want to be here, with you.”

“And with the pets?”

“Yeah. Even with the damn pets.”

Her sigh was soft and dreamy and a bit hopeful, then she said, “I’ve never known anyone like you, Gavin.”

He was counting on that being the case, because he knew, even if she didn’t, he had been a goddamn saint!

---