Page 27 of Pick Yourself Up
She had no idea how long they stood kissing in front of the farmhouse. Minutes or hours?
They were breathing hard when they pulled back. Gray’s smile brightened, and he tugged her in for a hug. A warm, comforting hug that told her without words that he wasn’t about to rush her into taking things further.
Which was good. Someone needed to be in charge of their emotions and right now, that wasn’t her.
Which was a first.
Amber always controlled her emotions. More than that, she contained them. Right now, she wanted to let them loose and follow up that kiss with lots more. Right until they were naked, sated, and panting for more.
She’d never felt so amped up. And never felt so sure that a man wouldn’t take advantage of her.
Gray pulled back from the hug so he could see her but kept his arms around her. “No regrets about that kiss?”
She laughed. “Not a chance. That was a kiss that all other kisses should aspire to be.”
His rough chuckle sent shivers exploding over her skin. Everywhere. “Agreed. We’ll have to see if we can improve on things next time.”
“I like the sound of that.” Then she reached up on her toes and kissed him softly, making them both smile.
Finally, he brushed his finger over her lips and then stood back with a sigh. He took her hand and squeezed. “Can I come with you and Boomer while you check out your farmhouse?”
“I’d like that.”
When they moved, Boomer stood from where he’d been napping at their feet. He yawned and stretched before wagging his tail as he looked at them.
Gray reached down and patted the dog’s head. “I’m glad you approve, because I’d like to do a lot more of that.”
Amber knew her skin was flushed, and she couldn’t stop smiling, but she didn’t care. This really good, really sexy man who kissed like a dream wanted to do it again.
Sign her up.
Gray squeezed her hand again, and they moved up the porch stairs.
Amber had to let go of his hand to pull the keys out of her pocket. “Ford hasn’t spent any time in here yet. In fact, no one has been inside here since before Thea moved onto the property. I hope the floors are safe for Boomer.”
Gray frowned. “He’s well trained. If it’s not a construction zone inside, he’ll probably be safe. I’m guessing he’d stress if he had to wait here while we checked it out.”
She worried her bottom lip as she nodded. “We’re better when we’re together.”
Gray nodded and didn’t seem to think it was weird. That made it easier to tell him the whole story. “After what happened at The Sidderlight, I didn’t feel safe anywhere. Not even in my room at the hospital or the hotel once they released me.”
“You didn’t have to stay long in the hospital, I hope.”
She smiled. “Only a couple of days. Because of the concussion, they took out the bullet with a local anesthetic rather than putting me under. I didn’t have much recovery time to deal with.”
He frowned. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t quick enough. I should have been able to save you from all that.”
Amber laughed. “None of it was your fault. If it weren’t for you, things would have been much, much worse.”
He kissed her softly again. “I’m still sorry.”
She hugged him. “Seriously, not your fault. I’m fine. Well, most of the time. I’m working on it. You and Boomer help me through it.”
He raised one eyebrow. Sexy move.
She patted his chest. “Whenever the fear tries to overwhelm me, I picture you and those dark eyes. Calm, steady, determined. It helps.”
“When did you get Boomer?”
