Ford clutched his heart. “See, there’s that.”
“A heart attack?”
He laughed. “Oh, my God, and she’s funny, too. How am I supposed to resist that?”
Going for total honesty, she said, “I wish you wouldn’t resist. I wish you’d kiss me.”
He paused, smiled softly, and then leaned toward her. “That would be my pleasure.”
She met him halfway—and the second his mouth touched hers, that was it. In a nanosecond, they went from the “get to know you” tentative stage, to the carnal “let me devour you” phase of things. It was the kind of kiss that led to a quick stripping of clothes so naked skin could touch naked skin.
They each shifted, every small adjustment bringing them closer. His hand, so large and warm, left her neck for her shoulder, then down to her breast.
She opened several buttons of his shirt so her palm could connect with hot skin.
Then his phone buzzed, startling them both. Laboring for breath, Ford leaned back just enough to meet her gaze.
Her phone buzzed next.
“Now I’m curious,” she said. “Could it be the shelter?”
That got him moving fast, lifting a hip so he could dig his phone from his pocket. He swiped the screen, then let out a breath. “Maybelline is fine. I can pick her up tomorrow.”
Finally, she found her phone in her purse and checked her message. “Oh! Me, too. I mean, I get the little guy.” She lowered her phone. “Ford, I need a name for him!”
“The shelter calls him Scoundrel.”
She gasped. “That sweet little baby?”
It took him a second looking at her face, and then he laughed again. “Zing, right through my heart.” He opened his door and came around to her side, tugged her out, and kissed her again. This time it was more of a celebratory, happy kiss. “We’ll have dogs.”
“The two best dogs! It’s going to be so great.”
Slowly, his smile slipped away. “Great, yes, but this whole thing is going to be complicated, too.”
Knowing just what he meant, she agreed. “Neighbors. Maybe . . . involved?”
“I vote yes.” He took her mouth, and her breath, again. “We’ll be sharing our pets.”
She bit her lip. “Should we wait one more day before we—”
“That’s entirely up to you. I mean, I’m ready. Beyond ready. Severely ready. I was ready a week ago. But if you need more time—”
Grabbing him for another kiss was her way of answering. “Come in with me. I’ll grab a change of clothes and then we can go to your house.”
“Awesome plan.”
Together they went up the walkway to the door. It opened before Skye could even touch the knob.
Laylee stood there, hands on hips, her fair hair in a high ponytail, looking amazing as always. With a cheek-splitting grin on her face, she drawled, “Finally. I was starting to think we were back in high school, making out in the driveway before Dad made us come in.”
“That wasyou,” Skye said, drawing Ford in with her as Laylee stepped back. “I never made out in the driveway.”
“Fibber! You literally just did. Sucking face, pawing each other—such a show you put on for the neighbors.”
Ford laughed at Laylee. “You were the only one gawking.”
And still, all his smiles and teasing were for her. Practically floating with happiness, Skye said, “You two chat while I grab a few things.”
