Dylan grinned at me when I laughed. “They likely would have because that would have upset Hamburger, and we can’t have our moonshiner unhappy.”
“God forbid. Then all y’all would have been asking, who shot the sheriff?”
“You said ‘y’all.’ We’ll make a southern boy out of you yet.”
He winked. “After the time I spent with Granny and Old Man Scroggins today, I can y’all with the best of them.”
“So all’s good and peace has been restored in the valley?” At his nod, I put my hand on his thigh. “It was a nice surprise to see you waiting for me.”
“I just wanted to be with you tonight, Red. Even if all we do is hold each other.”
How was I supposed to guard my heart when he said things like that?
As soon as we got inside his apartment, I sent him to take a shower. I doubted he’d had a chance to eat dinner, so I rummaged in his fridge, looking for something I could make for him.
“Ah-ha,” I said to Daisy at finding cheese and bacon. In the pantry I found a loaf of sourdough bread. “Perfect.” When Dylan walked into the kitchen, I glanced over to tell him to sit down at the counter. The words died on my lips.
He had on a pair of black lounge pants that rode low on his hips and nothing else, leaving his beautiful chest on full display. My fingers tingled, wanting to touch him, to explore every inch of his incredible body.
“Ah…I’ve made you a little something to eat. Figured with everything going on today that you probably didn’t have time to grab something.”
A slow smile curved his lips. “Is this the beginning of my TLC?”
“Could be. Sit.” Daisy eyed him as if she wanted to go to him—not that I blamed her—but I had bacon that I’d been feeding her little bites of. The bacon won out.
He slid onto the bar stool. “You didn’t have to cook for me.”
“Wanted to.” I cut the grilled cheese and bacon sandwich in half, piled some chips on the plate and put it in front of him. “Beer?”
He wrapped his hand around my wrist, pulling me to him. “That would be my second choice.”
“What would be your first?” I asked even though I saw the answer in his eyes. He slowly slid his hand up my arm, and after spreading his fingers around the back of my neck, he pulled me to him.
“You,” he whispered. His mouth covered mine, teasing me with little flicks of his tongue over my lips.
I couldn’t resist any longer. I had to touch him, and I trailed the tips of my fingers across his chest and ribs, marveling at the smoothness of his skin over all those muscles. He slipped one hand under the back of my shirt, and as he kissed me, he stroked along the curve of my spine. His other hand fisted my hair, keeping me right where he wanted me.
A wet nose pushed against my knee, making me laugh. “Someone’s jealous.” I stepped away. It was either that or climb right on top of him. The only reason I didn’t—and I didn’t think he’d mind at all—was because he’d had a long, exhausting day, and he really did need something in his stomach.
I grabbed a bottle of beer from his fridge and opened it. “Here you go.” After giving it to him, I opened another one and sat across from him.
He picked up one of the sandwich halves. “You’re not eating?”
“Had a couple of slices of pizza while I was working.” Since I was coming straight to Dylan’s, I had changed into a pair of lightweight sweatpants, and a long-sleeve cotton top with five buttons that I’d left undone. I hadn’t bothered putting on a bra since I was sure it’d come right back off soon.
As Dylan ate, his gaze kept landing on the exposed flesh where my shirt parted at the top. The man wasn’t only hungry to fill his belly. I could see that in the way his eyes devoured me. He tore off a small piece of crust, tossing it in the air. Daisy deftly snapped it up.
I tsked. “You’re going to spoil her.” Never mind that I’d been sneaking her bacon.
“Maybe she deserves a little spoiling.” He studied the dog looking back at him with pure adoration. “I don’t think she’s led a charmed life.”
That was obvious by the ribs showing through her skin. It wouldn’t be long before she fattened up under Dylan’s care. In the short time I’d known him, I had already learned that he was a giver, taking care of those he felt responsible for. He’d told me how he’d convinced the town council and mayor to approve new uniforms and raises for his officers. Whenever Chad had shown up, causing me trouble, Dylan had been there for me, making sure I stayed safe. Who had taken care of him?
He finished the last bite of his grilled cheese, and I took the plate to the sink. After tossing the two beer bottles in the trash, I crooked my finger. “Follow me.” As I walked down the hall toward his bedroom, I heard the soft pad of his bare feet and the clicks of Daisy’s toenails on the wood floor.
“What are you up to, Red?”
He was only inches behind me, and his warm breath tickled the hair on my neck. “Just a little TLC, Chief.” I glanced over my shoulder. “Tonight I’m going to take care of you.” Because someone should, and I wanted that someone to be me.
