balance. She felt a hand on her back to steady her and looked up into Dean’s dark eyes. She thanked him and stood up to get closer to the puppies. She smiled and watched Reggie sit down among the whimpering puppies, heedless of the dirt on her dress. Her face was a picture of delight; Lucy wished she had her phone with her so she could take a picture. Reggie looked so happy right now, just like she had when she sat in her mother’s lap. Max stepped past her and leaned down to pick up a rather boisterous pup. He had a big belly and he licked at his hands. Max came back to Lucy and placed the pup in her arms. He watched her when she giggled and pulled her bundle closer to her chest and he licked her neck. Max scrutinized her for a minute, her eyes glittered with humor, and she was very pretty. He glanced up and saw Dean watching at her. He had a hungry look in his eyes. Bummer, he would have to admire this lady from a distance. It had been a long time since he had seen Dean interested in a woman. Too bad it was this one. Max hated to admit defeat, but Dean was his friend as well as his boss. “Make sure you close the gate when you’re done Reggie.” Max said. He turned towards Lucy and nodded his head to her. “It was nice to meet you Lucy.” He looked at Dean when he glanced at him. “I have the ledgers done in the office; I have to head over to the other stables for a few minutes. I’ll be back after a bit.” Dean gave him a quick nod and then he left. “Do you like dogs Lucy?” Dean asked. He leaned against the doorjamb as he watched her. Lucy looked up and met Dean’s eyes. He stood in the middle of a stable and he could easily grace the cover of a GQ magazine. She still couldn’t believe that she had sex with him. She knew she was blushing when he gave her a very sexy smile. Great, here she was staring at him and he was waiting for her to answer his question. She licked her dry lips and just nodded yes to him. Dean’s gaze narrowed on her lips as her pink tongue peaked out for a second. Interesting, he made her nervous, even after they had spent the night together. “I think he likes you.” He nodded to the pup she held in her arms. Lucy smiled up at him and then looked down at the pup she held. His nose rested against her chest as he looked into her eyes, sighing as she rubbed his belly and murmured to him. Dean smiled; he would have to make sure that Lucy took this little guy home when she left. He felt odd thinking that way, but there was no way he could think long term with her. He’d never had any relationships that lasted. He didn’t think that Lucy would be any different. It didn’t help that most women were only interested in his money. He realized that after seeing her in Max’s arms he had to touch her somehow. He had to stake his claim on her now. He leaned out the doorway and called for Jimmy. Once the young man showed up he told him to take Reggie up to the house so she wouldn’t miss lunch. Lucy laid the now sleeping puppy next to Ruby. She stroked her silky ears and told her what a good mom she was. She stood back up prepared to leave with Reggie, but Dean held out his hand to her, stopping her from leaving. “Reggie go with Jimmy, you can see Lucy later.” Dean watched as Reggie carefully closed the gate. “Okay, I’ll see you later Lucy.” She waved to her as she took Jimmy’s hand and walked with him to the house, unconcerned that Dean was keeping her new friend behind with him. Dean took her hand and pulled her towards the office, he was in such a hurry he didn’t even realize that she was barely keeping up with him. “Dean, what the hell are you doing?” Lucy was gasping by the time he pulled her into a room and closed the door. “What…” that was all she got out before he pushed her up against the door and kissed her fiercely. Dean didn’t even