“It’s not surprising if you know them. They’re pretty great people.”
“I’m glad you have them,” she said. “And I’m glad to have met them.”
They made their way back to the table and took over for Ruby and Elle, who headed off into the crowd for lunch and a break. He and Megan finished their ice cream cones and rinsed their hands from the jug of water under the table for the dogs. Barnaby settled at his feet, tail thumping happily against the grass.
“You know, maybe I will put in an adoption application for him,” Jake said, surprising even himself. Maybe it was time for someone—or something—permanent in his life, and Barnaby seemed like a good place to start.
“Well, spoiler alert, but I have some pull at the shelter,” Megan told him with a delighted grin. “So, if you want him, he’s yours. In fact, we can tell Priya right now if you want.” She gestured toward the woman sitting at the next table, speaking to a family with two small children who were fawning over a gray and white spotted cat in a cage.
Jake looked down at the dog at his feet. “Yeah, you know, why not? He’s proved his skills as a farm dog the last few days, and he’s good company too. I’d be glad to call him mine.”
* * *
It was lateby the time they made it back to the castle, and Megan was exhausted, but it was the good kind of tired, the kind that left a smile on her face, no matter how weary.
“Stay over tonight?” Jake asked as his truck approached the fork in the drive separating the farmhouse from the main castle.
“Yeah.” She had enough of her things stashed at his place now that it was an easy decision logistically, and after spending two nights alone in her bed at the castle, she was craving his company tonight. “I’d like that.”
“So would I.” He reached over and gripped her thigh, his fingers warm and strong. A thrill ran through her system at the contact. Yeah, it had been too long since she’d been in his bed. Two nights too long.
Which meant, what? She wanted to spend every night in Jake’s bed? She swallowed over the uncomfortable realization, because she was a woman who liked her space, her independence. Apparently, love made her a clingy sap.
“You okay?” he asked as he pulled up in front of the farmhouse.
“Just tired.” She pressed her hand over his.
“It was a long day.”
“A big day for this guy.” She turned to look at Barnaby, who was passed out on the backseat. “I guess getting adopted is exhausting.”
“You’ll need two new foster dogs now.”
“Yeah.” That thought was somewhat exhausting too. Constantly bringing in new dogs to foster was equal parts exciting and overwhelming. The new dogs always took time to adjust. But then, she looked at Barnaby again. She’d never gotten to see this part before, one of her foster dogs after his or her adoption. It filled her heart with warmth. This was exactly what they’d set out to accomplish with their Fairy Tails program. “I’m glad I’ll still get to see Barnaby around. He’s a great dog.”
“He is. But he’s not the only one I’m glad to have around.” He squeezed her fingers.
“No?” she asked, hating the neediness she heard in her voice.
“I’ve grown pretty fond of you both, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
“I noticed,” she whispered.
He parked the truck in front of the farmhouse. When they made it inside, Jake pushed her up against the wall in the hallway, his lips covering hers. “Missed this.”
“It’s only been two days,” she breathed, her breasts pressed against the firm wall of his chest.
“Two very long days.” He gripped her ass, angling her hips so that they met his, letting her feel how much he’d missed her. “Missed you in my bed.”
“Is that all?” She gasped as he nipped at her neck.
He drew back to stare into her eyes, his expression serious even as his eyes blazed with heat. “Not nearly all. I missed you in my arms, on my couch, at the breakfast table. I missed talking to you and looking at your photos and hearing about your day.”
“Oh.” Her heart did some kind of acrobatics in her chest that left her dizzy. “I thought you might enjoy some peace and quiet.”
“I’ve had all the peace and quiet I want for this lifetime.” His hands slid beneath her shirt, skimming up her back to the hook of her bra. “It would suit me just fine if you wanted to move the rest of your stuff down here to the farmhouse.”
“Wait. What?” She froze, her eyes locked on his.
