“Yes, and she loves you.” Why was that so hard for him to understand? “If it’ll make you feel better, you can adopt both dogs. I’ll still let this little guy live with me, and I promise to share equally in all the responsibilities, both financially and by helping out with whatever they need.” For three seconds, she allowed herself the pleasure of leaning into him. “You can trust me to keep my word for . . . let’s say three months. That way if, or when, you decide I’m not the proper sort of pet owner, you’ll have all the control.”
New interest glowed in his eyes. “I like the idea of having control with you.”
Wow. Okay, yeah, heat just scorched her clear down to her toes. Wasn’t easy, but she forced a careless smile. “Was that a sexual innuendo? If so, that kind of thing can cause confusion.”
The corner of his mouth hitched. “Sorry. It comes naturally.”
“I’m sure.” He really was slick, making it tough to tell what he genuinely thought and felt. “If you’re ever serious, you might have to spell it out for me.”
He did a double take, his gaze searching hers. “Fair enough.”
The back door of the shelter opened, and Nikki leaned out. “Sorry to break up the visit, but we’re closing in fifteen minutes.” She looked at each dog, and then, with obvious hope, at Ford and Skye. “So, um, any decisions made?”
Pitching her voice low, Skye said, “I’ll even pay to have the yards fenced.”
“No, you won’t,” he said just as low. “And we’ll each adopt to keep it fair. I’m trusting you.”
Her heartbeat went into overdrive. “I’m trusting you, too.”
Somehow, his smile added to his already devastating appeal. He shifted his gaze to Nikki. “We’ve come up with a solution.”
Incredibly happy, Skye said, “I’d like the little ruffian.”
“And I’ll take Maybelline.” He grinned at the dog. “This way, they’ll still be able to visit.”
Bursting into a loud cheer, Nikki danced out to the yard. “That’s incredible! Such great news!” She twirled, which got Maybelline and the little dog doing the same.
Ford laughed, and because the excitement was contagious, he caught Skye’s hands and pulled her up to dance her around the yard, too.
The reason didn’t matter; she liked seeing him so happy.
She also liked touching him.
Huh. When was the last time that had happened to her? Forever ago. Maybe never. She honestly couldn’t remember being so drawn to a man.
Laughter got the better of Skye. Today had been a terrific day, and even facing her overwhelming twin wouldn’t dent her happiness.
Chapter 4
They’d both smiled a lot on the ride home. Skye had barely been able to contain herself.
From the other end of the couch, wearing only a T-shirt and panties, with a bowl of ice cream in hand, Laylee shot her another look. “You’re glowing.”
Skye grinned at her sister. “That’s the reflection of the TV screen.” Watching romantic movies with her sister was practically a tradition—one Skye generally didn’t favor. Tonight though, nothing could spoil her good mood or her anticipation.
“Pretty sure it’s something more.” Laylee tucked her feet up beside her and then set her bowl on the end table. “When do you get the dog?”
“Nikki, the woman working at the shelter, promised we could have them in a few days. They like to check out everything first, to make sure the pets are going to good homes.” She’d already explained the arrangement to Laylee, which had prompted her sister to give Ford a few longer, speculative looks.
She might not have gone into detail, at least not yet, but when Ford had carried in two dog beds, one small for her runt, and one massive for when Maybelline visited, well, Laylee had demanded answers.
Since then, she’d been mostly quiet and introspective.
“You’re serious about him.”
Pretending to misunderstand, Skye asked, “Who, Ford?”
“Who, Ford?”Laylee repeated in a silly voice. “Don’t play innocent with me. I know you too well. You actually like him.”
