“I was just going to say I hope she didn’t break your?—”
“She didn’t.” Her green eyes flash, and she’s fucking adorably embarrassed. “Let’s just drop it, okay?”
“Okay,” I say, nodding. “I guess we’re even now.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then her nose wrinkles and she looks up at me. “Are we? I mean, I saw you naked. You only know I have apersonal massager.”
“Ah, yes. Amassager.” I nod, crossing my arms. “I did, however, see your bare ass under that T-shirt. It’s cute, and Ihave a great imagination. Maybe Spanky will do me a solid and let me see the rest of you one of these nights.”
“My dog would never betray me like that.” She lifts her chin in a cute, superior way. “And I will never give him the chance.”
Laughter ripples from my throat, and a big smile breaks across her face as she blinks up at me. She reaches up and pushes the hoodie off her head, then takes a long sip of coffee before setting it on the counter.
“Meet you in the grooming station in five.”
“I’ll bring the dog treats.”
“Seehow holding the warm water close to her skin is more soothing?” Gigi moves the sprayer in slow circles over Ladybird’s coat.
My dog is secured to the side of the tub by a short leash attached to her collar, but it won’t be enough to stop her from covering us in dog water if she decides to shake.
“I mean, it’s possible she could still get us,” Gigi continues. “But that’s what the treats are for.”
“Got ‘em.” I pull a plastic baggie from my pocket on cue. “I’ve got jerky, milk bones, and at your suggestion, apple slices, which I still think is weird.”
“Dogs like apples,” she argues, keeping her tone low and steady. “Peanut butter is another really good distraction.”
“Oh, yeah.” I exhale a chuckle, wondering why I didn’t think of that. “Ready for the soap?”
“Yes… here.” She rises slowly, keeping the sprayer close to Ladybird’s coat. “I’ll let you take over with the scrubber. Just move it in slow circles, soothing, not stressful.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever treated her with such kid glovesbefore.” I carry the small bucket with the plastic scrubber to where the dog is standing.
“And you’ve gotten pelted with grimy dog water every time, I bet.” Gigi laughs, but somehow, on the way up, she gets tangled in the sprayer hose. “Oh!”
A little yelp rips from her throat as she spins, heading straight for the tiles. I drop the bucket, sending soapy water flying into the air, and lunge forward, pulling her quickly into my arms.
Her hands grip my shoulders, and I look down at her face so close to mine. Her body is soft and warm, and she’s breathing fast, her full lips parted. Our eyes meet, a flash of heat shoots through my stomach.
I should let her go, but I can’t seem to force my arms to relax. I want to go on holding her this way. I want to dip my chin and cover her mouth with mine. I want to slide my tongue with hers, curl it together, nibble her lips…
Which are now parted. Her breasts rise and fall rapidly with her breath, and her pink tongue slips out to touch her bottom lip. Is it possible she feels the same way?
What would happen if I did it? The thought presses against my temples just as Ladybird lifts her head and lets out a low “Yowl!” before turning her head and shaking her entire body as hard as she can.
“Oh, Ladybird, no!” Gigi cries, pushing out of my arms and holding both hands over her face.
Dog water flies all over us, and I hold up a hand as I laugh. “So much for soothing!”
“It’s because I fell.” She steps over to grab a towel off a nearby shelf. “Here…”
She presses one end to her face, and I use the other, cleaning myself as best as I can. “Looks like I’ll need a shower before the shoot as well.”
“Go on up.” She shakes her head. “I’ll finish up with her, and we’ll be ready when you are.”
“You sure?” I hesitate a moment, still thinking about how good she felt in my arms. “I can help you. I don’t need a lot of time…”
“Go on.” She waves her hands at me. “Ryan will be here any minute, and you need to be ready.”
