“I’d be happy to.” He found himself smiling again.
She smiled back, and a pretty flush of color filled her cheeks. “Thanks.”
Neither of them moved or blinked, just stood there smiling at each other, gazes locked, and he welcomed the warm sensations awakening his body.
“I should go clean the water bowls and refill them while you give the dogs a workout,” she said, remaining still.
He nodded. “Okay.”
The dogs returned with the ball. Dante bent down, retrieved it from a black Lab, then threw the ball again. When he turned, he found her still there.
“Did I move at all?” she asked.
Smiling, he shook his head. “No.”
“Darn. Could’ve sworn I made progress.”
“Oh, you did,” he said. “You’re making me feel good.”
It was the truth and it felt great to admit it out loud. And considering that her blush deepened, he was happy he’d shared it.
“Good. I’m glad,” she said, rubbing her shoulder. “And I’m also off to clean water bowls.”
“Hang on,” he said, reaching out to touch her shoulder. She jumped. “It’s okay. I can help. Just relax.”
She exhaled. “Thanks, but you don’t have—wow, what’d you do?” She rotated her shoulder. “It feels better now.”
He smiled. “Good. I’m glad,” he said, using her words. “You over-extended. I just found the right pressure point.”
“Thanks.”
The dogs returned and this time when he picked up the ball and threw it, he turned back to find she was no longer standing near him. She was opening the door and entering the building, and he couldn’t stop his gaze from dropping to her sweet, jean-clad ass.
So fine.
A shaft of heat stirred his groin. He immediately turned and focused his attention on the dogs.
After ten more minutes of playing fetch, doing his best to let each dog get the ball, he could tell they were starting to get tired because they barked less and slowed down.
“Okay!” Amanda called from behind him. “You can bring them in now. Everyone’s dish is clean and filled with water.”
“Roger that,” he said, happily walking toward the smiling woman holding the door open.
Within a minute, they had each pup in its assigned kennel and the ball back in the basket of toys.
“Thanks for the help,” she said, walking to the alcove in the back to wash her hands in the sink next to the toy basket.
He followed, and as they both washed and dried their hands, he thought about how enjoyable his day was so far, then she looked up at him and grinned.
“You were good with the dogs,” she said. “I was watching you.”
He lifted a brow. “You were?”
How come he hadn’t felt it? Was he slipping? An operator, law enforcement, whatever, should be able to tell when they’re being watched.
“Yeah, through the small window in the back door.” She blushed. “Have you worked with dogs before?”
He shrugged. “Not really. But I’ve picked up a few things from Holden.”
