Page 64 of Dashing for Love

Laughing, she agrees. “That’sexactlywhat I mean.”

When Carmen comes by after our meal to see if we’d like a round of shots, we decline. “You sure? Last time you were here…” She trails off and smirks.

Yeah, last time I was here was my birthday, when I was beyond drunk. “I’m sure,” I say. Carmen leaves and I meet Goldie’s gaze. “You know, that’s the night I created my profile.”

Her eyes flare. “Your birthday?”

I nod. “I kept looking at Willa and Reid and thinking how much I wanted what they have.” An embarrassed snicker comes out of me. “Sorry. I shouldn’t?—”

“I’m glad you did,” Goldie interrupts me. She looks around furtively, then reaches her hand out to touch my knuckles. “I can’t imagine this past month without…” She clears her throat. “Without you.”

My heart swells.This could really be happening.“Yeah?”

Her expression is soft. “Yeah.”

I grab the check and stand. “C’mon. Let’s get out of here.”

She rises. “Your place or mine?”

“Is mine okay? The dogs…”

“Of course,” she agrees.

I pay and we leave, and this time, her hand rests in mine all the way home. I’d like to say I don’t think about how well our hands fit together, but I do.

Inside, I let the dogs out and Goldie wanders over to Hedgie’s tank, cooing over him as though he’s the cutest thing she’s ever seen.

“Wanna let him out?”

She looks over at me, her face pure delight, but it’s gone a second later. “Not right now.”

I cross the room. “Something wrong?”

Her cheeks redden again and she looks down. “It’s just…”

I hook my fingers through her belt loops and pull her to me, inhaling her summery scent. “Just what?” I murmur, leaning down to kiss her.

She sighs against my lips. “This is why.”

I pepper her chin with kisses as I make my way to her ear, kissing the skin just below it. “Why what?” I prompt.

Killer barks and scratches on the door. Goldie giggles. “Because I’m not interested in playing with a hedgehog when I can play with you.”

My dick agrees with that, twitching as I continue kissing her neck. “Fair,” I mutter.

Killer yips again.

“You gonna let him in?” Goldie asks, amused.

I groan. “Hold that thought.” When I return to the living room, Killer and Kitty hot on my heels, Goldie pulls off the sheer top she’d had on over the tank, revealing a sliver of skin above her jeans. My mouth dries.

She drops the shirt onto the couch with a smile. “I like that look.”

I take a step toward her. “And what’s that?”

“Like you want to devour me.” Her voice is breathy.

“Because I do.”

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