“Maybe,” I said sheepishly.
She shook her head, laughing. “All for views, huh?”
“Hey, he has way more followers than me, remember? We’re even in talks to do some sponsored dog treat posts, so it’s not like it’s just for me. He’s definitely getting benefits.”
“As he should, he’s so cute.” She reached over and ruffled his ears. He nudged his head against her fingers when she stopped. “Don’t turn those eyes on me, mister. It won’t work.”
“Okay, fine. Do you have any treats?” she asked two seconds later. I laughed and handed her one before I got out of the car. I loved how much she loved Pucks already.
“If you’re done, we do have a hike to do,” I teased.
Today was exactly what both of us needed.
Chapter 17
DANI
Ihadn’t gone hiking in a while, and I missed it. It was one of the things I loved about Denver, being so close to mountains and trails, and Loch Lomond never disappointed. I couldn’t believe of all the places we could’ve gone, he’d taken me here. It was one of my favorite spots, and just like those iced snickerdoodles, I tried not to read into that.
I’d done this trail a handful of times, and it was always worth the climb. The views were great and, unless it was the middle of tourist season, usually not super crowded.
I’d been so nervous to spend the day with Gabe. I knew I’d blown hot and cold since we’d had sex, but my head was a jumble of emotions. The sex was amazing, but I didn’t want to want him too much. I didn’t really want to date anyone, especially a hockey player, no matter how nice he was to me. And I didn’t want to talk about my fucked-up father or ex, even though we were doingthis ruse because of them. I blew out a breath, annoyed with myself and our situation.
But then he kissed me this morning and I didn’t have the desire to tell him to stop. Being fuck buddies with my fake boyfriend wouldn’t be a disaster, right? I snorted. Yeah, I didn’t believe that for a second, but he was just so amazing to hook up with.
“You okay?” he asked, drawing my attention. It truly was unfair how gorgeous he was. That soft-as-hell hair curling over his brow. That stupid dimple when he smiled at me. Those lips that I couldn’t stop dreaming about and ached to nibble on.
Fuck my life.
“Dani?”
“Oh yeah, I’m fine. It’s so pretty here, and hey, we’re almost at the lake.”
He nodded in agreement, then said to Pucks running back toward us, “This is why you’re supposed to be on a leash. It’s the rules, and I don’t know why I let both of you convince me to let you free again.”
I snickered. This man was all about the rules, and yes, dogs were supposed to stay on leash, but the path wasn’t super busy and I’d spotted one or two other dogs running free, so I’d convinced him to let Pucks roam free for a bit.
He turned and quirked a brow at me while Pucks stayed at his feet, giving him some serious puppy-dog eyes. “It’s your fault if we get in trouble.”
“It’ll be fine. He’s obviously very well trained.”
“Stop trying to butter me up.”
I popped up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Rebel, Gabe. It’s good for you.”
“Until he rolls in bear poop or something.”
I laughed. “He would never. So gross.”
“We’ll see. So how many times have you hiked this? Is it boring to hike it again?” he asked.
“Actually, this is one of my favorites.”
His smile widened. “Really? Between that and the cookie, I totally know you.”
I snorted and almost told him to get out of my head. “Pretty sure it takes more than that to know a person.”
He stepped into me, running his finger down my cheek. “I also know how you gasp my name when my tongue is on your clit and that it will sound even better when you’re sitting on my face.”
