The soft sheen caught the light. Lip balm. For dog training. Was that too much?
Before she could wipe it off, a sharp knock sounded at the door.
Too late.
Jake raced to the door and flung it open with dramatic enthusiasm. “Deputy Pike! We’re ready! Bash practiced his spin this morning! Well… half of it!”
Doreen shoved her lip balm back in her pocket and turned around. Oh my!
James filled the doorway, framed by soft falling snow and early morning light. Snowflakes clung to his dark hair and shoulders, glittering like tiny stars, and the sight stole her breath.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice warm but a little rough as his gaze settled on her and lingered just a little too long. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything. You look…” He paused and swallowed once. “Really nice.”
The compliment was slightly awkward, utterly genuine, and made her stomach flip.
“Are you saying I looked better than yesterday?” Doreen teased. “When I was chasing Bash through the woods like a maniac?”
His grin was immediate and boyish. “Actually, yes. You looked pretty great doing that, too.”
He laughed, and she laughed too, hoping it didn’t sound as high-pitched to him as it did to her. Why did he make her feel so nervous?
In a good way, of course. But she was usually calm and unflappable.
“We should head outside,” Doreen said quickly, reaching for her coat before she melted into a puddle at his feet. “Jake has great plans for the dog show.”
“Then let’s get started.” James stepped back to let her pass, his eyes darkening as she brushed by him.
Outside, the cold air kissed her cheeks, sharp and refreshing. Overnight, a fresh layer of snow had transformed the clearing into a pristine white canvas. Jake barreled ahead, Bash spinning around him in delighted circles.
“We’re ready!” Jake shouted, snapping himself into a soldier-stiff posture before wobbling sideways when Bash bumped his knee.
James chuckled. “All right, first step…we need Bash to focus. Jake, do you think you can help me with that?”
Jake puffed up proudly. “I can do anything.”
“Mmm,” Doreen murmured. “Except remember where you put your gloves.”
“That was one time!” Jake protested.
James kneeled, his voice calm and patient. “Bash. Sit.”
Bash paused, tail a fast metronome, then—slowly, like he had to consider it—lowered himself to the snow.
“Good boy,” James murmured, giving him a gentle scratch behind the ears.
Doreen’s gaze settled on James’s hands—steady, capable, strong but never harsh—and warmth curled through her. How she would love to feel those hands on her body… stroking… caressing…
Dangerous, whispered a part of her.But lovely,murmured another.
James must have felt her watching; he glanced up, caught her eye, and offered a slow smile that made heat rise in her cheeks.
“Doreen,” he murmured, rising, “want to try?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she started, already flustered. “He might not…”
“Let’s find out.”
James demonstrated the gesture again. A simple downward motion of his palm, and then he nodded for her to try.
