Page 56 of The Seal's Promise

“Actually, I think you read my mind, Max. I just set the table for three and happen to know there isn’t a nacho Dr. Dalton doesn’t like.”

Max looked up at him with shock. “You love nachos too! It’s like we were made to be buds.”

A lump caught in Dalton’s throat as Max gave him a side hug and pulled him toward the door.

“Come on, my mom makes the best, most amazing homemade store-bought nachos ever,” Max said.

Brooke and Dalton both laughed.

Dalton stepped inside the small house that oozed family and love, with a wall of family pictures in the entry, a cozy living room filled with toys, and a fridge covered in Max’s art, pictures, and a list of activities for the week.

“Are you sure you have enough for me too?” Dalton asked, giving Brooke a last chance to change her mind.

“We definitely do, because someone always thinks he can eat more than he actually can.”

Dalton stepped farther in and closed the door behind him, then he and Max followed Brooke to the kitchen. It was a small galley-style kitchen at the back of the house, but he would bet her dad had remodeled it for her when she moved in: all white cabinets and light gray countertops, with new appliances.

She already had all the typical nacho ingredients out on the counter.

“First things first—you two need to clean up,” Brooke said.

“Aww, Mom, I’m starving,” Max said.

“Go on, quick shower—and use soap.”

Max stomped off.

“A shower sounds good, if that’s not too intrusive,” Dalton said.

“I think we’ve gone beyond that,” she said in a low tone. Which meant she might also be thinking about how he’d explored every inch of her body between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

“Okay, I’ll just grab my change of clothes from the truck.”

She nodded.

He’d have to change back into his scrubs, but that beat wearing sweaty clothes to eat and watch a movie.

Once he was back inside she showed him to her room, a light and airy space painted a pale mint green. There were a few books on the nightstand and several pieces of art on the walls.

“Fresh towels on the shelf, and you’ll have to settle for my soap in the shower.”

“I like the idea of smelling you on my skin,” he said in a whisper.

She didn’t move to leave, so he pushed the door closed behind her and pulled her into him. He covered her mouth with his, and within seconds she was in his arms as he hoisted her up on the edge of the sink. Moving his mouth down her throat, he continued to kiss her but then gave them both a chance to breathe and get their desire under control.

“I have been wanting to do that since the last time I kissed you,” Dalton said.

“Max will be out of the shower any moment,” Brooke sighed.

But he couldn’t resist slipping his hand up under her shirt and sliding his thumb over her already taut nipple.

“Any chance your sister or parents could watch Max tomorrow night?”

“Maybe. I’ll ask.”

He bit her lip before kissing her one more time then gently lifting her off the counter to stand. With her hands on his biceps, she didn’t make a move to walk away. But he heard the water cut off; Max would be looking for them any minute.

She turned away without saying whatever she was thinking, and he swatted her full bottom before she exited.

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