Page 35 of One Unexpected Kiss

“It’s not nice to call people names,” Sophia said primly, no doubt repeating what she’d heard from her mom or teachers. Since I was neither of those, I could be a bad influence in the best way.

“Good point,” I agreed, “but all the same, stay away from stupid boys for a long, long time.”

She giggled. “Uncle Bennett, you called boys stupid again.”

I donned an innocent expression. “Did I?”

“Uncle Bennett!” she protested, still giggling. “Did you bring Larry?”

“You know it. It wouldn’t be a family dinner without all members of the family, including the four-legged ones. He’s in the backyard.”

She turned to Paul. “Can we go play with Larry and Sadie?”

“Sure, sweetheart,” he said.

She hopped off his lap, and he braced his hands on the arms of the chair to help himself stand. Although he tried to hide his grimace, I could tell he was in pain. The surgery wouldn’t be pleasant, but it was what he needed in the long term. Eventually, my siblings would supply more grandchildren—though not soon enough, according to my mom—and I wanted him healthy enough to enjoy them.

The doorbell rang, and then a few things happened all at once—Sophia opened the sliding glass door as my mom opened the front door. Two flashes of fur went streaking past, followed by a feminine shriek and a loud thud.

Oh shit. My mangy mutt better not have knocked my mother down the porch steps.I shot to my feet and rushed to the front door, as did my brothers and sisters. Mom was upright—thank God—but she wore a horrified expression. I followed her gaze to see Claire lying on her back at the bottom of the porch steps. Larry was sprawled on top of her, wagging his tail and looking rather pleased with himself. Ice shot through my veins, and my fear shifted.

Then Claire groaned, and Larry enthusiastically licked her face. My shoulders slumped in relief that she hadn’t broken her neck. She put her hands up to shield herself from Larry’s slobber, but she was no match for my exuberant canine.

My mom, who had rushed down the porch steps while the rest of us were frozen in place, tugged on his collar. “Larry, bad boy. Get off.” His weight was no match for my mom’s petite frame, and he didn’t budge. “I’m so sorry! He won’t bite you. He’s a lover, not a fighter.”

“I gathered that.” Claire spat, turning her head from side to side. “Ugh, he just tongued me.”

Under other circumstances that didn’t include Claire almost cracking her skull open on account of my dog, this would have been funny. As it was, I couldn’t help but marvel that my dog had made it to first base with Claire before I did.

Not that I’m keeping score. For fuck’s sake.

I broke out of my stupor, rushed down the steps, and pulled my stupid dog off Claire.Obedience training.It was happening this time. No more excuses.

“Sorry,” I said. “He’s a moron.”

He looked up at me with a goofy grin and continued to wag his tail. He probably thought I’d paid him a compliment. Good thing I loved this stupid dog.

“Like owner, like dog,” Carmen sang behind me. I glared at her. “Oops, did I say that out loud?” Her eyes widened, and she put a hand over her mouth.

Little sisters. Who have I pissed off in this universe to be cursed with four of them?

I returned my attention to Claire, who had pulled herself to a sitting position and was dusting herself off. She seemed unhurt, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to pat her down to make sure.Just because it’s my dog’s fault, no other reason.

“Are you okay? Declan, can you take Larry to the yard?” I helped Claire to her feet once my brother had control of my dog, and she winced. “Are you okay?” I asked again.

Stupid question.My dog had just knocked her on her ass, and my whole family had witnessed the aftermath. While she only seemed to have gotten the wind knocked out of her, she’d probably have some nasty bruises to show for the fall.

“My butt probably has bruises on top of bruises now.” She gingerly patted her ass, and I wanted to do the same.

Such an inappropriate thought, especially given the circumstances and the audience, but she had a nice ass. Hell, she had a nice everything. Maybe I needed to do a thorough inspection. After all, it was my dog’s fault…

Jesus H. Christ. Pull yourself together.Something about this woman brought out primal instincts. Not trusting myself to keep them in check, I shoved my hands into my pockets.

“But the wine is safe!” Stephanie said cheerfully. I hadn’t even noticed she was standing off to the side, holding two bottles of wine.

Claire shot her a wry look. “Well, thank goodness for your quick reflexes.”

Stephanie clucked her tongue. “Priorities, my dear sister. Priorities.” Maybe I wasn’t the only one with a little sister curse.

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