“Only every hockey movie known to man,” he says, waggling his eyebrows for emphasis. “But we can stream something else if you’re tired of hockey.”
“An old-school hockey movie sounds perfect—something funny likeSlapshot, maybe? Or we could watchMystery, Alaska. That’s one of my favorites.”
“Oh, come on. We have to go withSlapshot. It’s a classic,“ he replies, a playful expression on his face.
I giggle at his enthusiasm and agree that a classic comedy is the way to go.
“Does Abby need to go out? I can take her before we start the movie. We have a place for the dogs on the roof, so it’s no problem.”
“Oh, I can take her,” I say, moving to stand, but he stops me with a fierce look.
“You sit and relax. I’m happy to take her. She and I are buddies now.” Grabbing her leash, he calls her over. Abby trots to his side, tail wagging with affection as she gazes at him adoringly. She seems perfectly content to follow where he leads.
Me too, girl. Me too.
He hooks up her leash, and they head down the hall.
“I see how it is, Abby. Throw me over for the hot guy with all the treats, you traitor. Don’t think I don’t know you bribe her, Damon.” I call after them.
I hear a deep laugh before the door closes behind them. I can’t help but smile because I’ve never seen her act like this with anyone but me and the kids. It’s adorable and speaks highly of him.
They’re back in ten minutes. My poor girl really had to go, apparently. Content for now, she takes her usual spot at my feet.
“So, you think I’m hot?” he teases with a grin, as he places the leash next to my purse.
My face heats, but despite my usual reserve, I laugh before bantering back.
“I said Abby thinks you’re hot, but then again, she licks her own butt, so…” I leave it hanging. The genuine belly laugh I get from that comment makes me smirk, even as it warms my heart. Surely, the man knows how handsome he is.
“Ouch! That one hurt.” He brings his hand to his heart while looking at me with mock sorrow, lips twitching as he holds back a grin.
“I may never recover. Abby, help me!” He gives my dog a plaintive look. She cocks her head at him and then looks away.
I can’t help but laugh.
“She’s not rushing to your defense.”
“Maybe I need to invest in more treats?” he says, his expression calculating.
I shake my head with mock disapproval. He and Jacob are never going to stop spoiling her, but I’d be lying if I said I hated it.
“Hah! Hardly, she gets more than enough from you.”
“Is there such a thing as too many treats? Abby? What do you think?”
He looks pointedly at my dog, as if she would reply. She just cocks her head to the side in that adorable way that dogs do.
He chuckles as he gets me settled beneath his soft throw on his enormous sofa and starts the movie. We’re sitting at opposite ends of his sectional, and I don’t like it. I’m snuggled into one corner, and he’s spread out over the other. I’d rather be cuddled up next to him, but I’ve already crossed way too many lines today, so I’ll have to be happy with the soft blanket instead.
Not even five minutes in, we’re laughing and quoting movie lines to each other. Before I know it, he’s sitting much closer. Secretly, I love it, so I don’t say a word. I stretch my feet out, and without missing a beat, he moves them to his lap and begins to gently massage the right one. I practically purr; it feels delicious. I could get used to this.
He shoots me his signature smirk as if he’s privy to my thoughts before he turns his attention back to the movie. I relax against the cushions, closing my eyes to enjoy his strong hands kneading the tension out of my body through my feet.
Chapter Nineteen
Joslyn
I jolt awake but let out a relieved sigh when I see Damon asleep at the other end of the sofa. Looks like we were both exhausted. I check my watch—two in the morning. Abby pokes her head up from the pink donut bed in the corner under Damon. She’s adopted it as her own, and I’m amazed at how quickly she’s gotten comfortable here.
