“Because you love Buzz, and because in your line of work it could stay with you all day. Besides, the town is ready to love another dog.”
His chuckle was deep.
“How about you? Do you want one?”
“I can barely look after myself, let alone a puppy.”
“Maybe it would help take your mind off other things?”
“I’m not ready for a dog yet, but one day.”
The door behind them opened. “So what do you think?” Jeb asked.
“I want this one.” Fin lifted the black pup with the tan feet.
“I’ll put you down for him and let you know when he’s ready for pickup.”
They left and drove to her house. She thought seriously about asking him in. Thought about the way he made her feel when he touched and kissed her. But then hadn’t she just said they couldn’t do it again?
Her tension climbed as he parked outside, but he didn’t switch the car off. Just kept it idling as he turned in the seat to look at her.
“Been one hell of a day for you,” he said, touching the ends of her hair. “And I’m not sure I’ll ever recover from the Bob and Nancy sex talk. So you go on in and pack a few things, and we’ll leave.”
“What?”
“You heard.”
“That’s ridiculous, Fin. I’m fine here alone. I always have been.”Stay calm, Maggie.No good would come of shrieking at him, which was her first impulse.
“I’ll sleep here then.”
“No, you won’t.”
The look he gave her left Maggie in no doubt he’d sleep in his car if she made a run for her front door and locked it.
“Look, this is really good of you, Fin. Nice that you want to make sure I’m okay—”
“What can I say, I’m a nice guy.”
“You are, but I can take care of myself. Besides, this thing with the note is silly. Nothing will happen to me.”
“Whoever ransacked your gallery didn’t think it was silly.”
“We don’t know that was their motive.”
“I’m not willing to risk it.”
“Is there any way I can convince you just to leave?”
“No. I really need to stay at the cabin tonight, Maggie. I’m on call.”
“I’ll go and stay with Bailey and Joe then.”
“I want you to stay with me.” Simple words that had a flood of need filling her body. “Please.”
“I can’t stay with you every night.”
“Let’s take it one day at a time. Come home with me, Maggie. Let me touch you again. My head’s been full of you since we made love.”
