Read Online The Truth About Cats & Dogs by Lori Foster, Kristine Rolofson, Caroline Burnes - Free Book Online

flinched away.
    Buck’s voice was soft, hiding his frustration. “It’s okay, baby girl. No one’s going to hurt you.” He held out his hand, palm up. Tish sniffed, but wouldn’t rejoin them.
    Butch didn’t like being ignored and again insisted on going outside as promised.
    Very, very slowly, Buck caught Tish. She went spastic, howling and moaning and kicking.
    He held on to her, and she held on to his underwear.
    If it hadn’t been for the dog’s fear, Buck would have been amused. “You can keep my drawers, baby girl. Whatever you want.”
    Sadie, fretting like a worried mama, hurried to get the leash on her and open the door. Buck scanned the yard, thankful it was empty, and set Tish outside. To their surprise, she didn’t fight the leash as long as Butch stayed beside her.
    And Butch, bless his savage little animal instincts, didn’t move more than an inch away from Tish. Itwas almost comical watching them. They kept bumping into each other, tripping over Buck’s colorful boxers.
    Sadie sat in her one and only lawn chair, and Buck stood beside her, holding the reins on the dog. “Tish makes a better leash for Butch than the one Red usually uses for him.”
    Sadie grinned. “He’s protective.”
    Buck bent and kissed her temple. “Most of the male species suffers the same affliction.”
    Because the dogs were happy, they spent a long time outside. The sun shone directly on them, warming their skin and burning the chill out of the morning air until the day felt pleasant. The dogs were sometimes playing, sometimes just lying in the sun-warmed grass. Tish forgot all about her leash.
    Sadie watched the dogs with a pleased smile, and Buck watched Sadie.
    The sunlight did amazing things to her hair, and showed the perfection of her skin. In the bright light, Buck could see that her lashes were tipped with gold, and there were a few faint freckles over the bridge of her nose. He thought she looked beautiful, especially when she smiled so sweetly.
    After a while, he lifted her from the seat, sat down, then situated her on his lap.
    â€œWant to make out?”
    â€œHere?” Her scandalized gaze darted around the empty yard. “Someone might see us.”
    â€œWho? Most everyone is still in bed, and even if they’re not, they still couldn’t see us. My apartment is empty, and your apartment is on the corner.”
    He enjoyed seeing her face heat with guilt.
    â€œCome on, Sadie,” he teased. “You know you want to.”
    She hesitated only a moment. “I do.”
    The dogs were currently dozing, so Buck was able to engage all her attention.
    It was wonderful.
    True, he wore no more than a towel. But it was his vacation and doing nothing more important than smooching with Sadie just felt right. It was frustrating, to be sure. He hadn’t indulged in this much innocent kissing since junior high school. Sadie’s enthusiastic involvement made it even harder. She followed wherever he led. If he kissed her throat, she murmured in delight, then reciprocated, putting her soft lips against his heated skin. If he stroked her narrow waist, she followed suit by smoothing her hands over his chest to his abdomen.
    Her innocent exploration was more exciting to him than the lovemaking of other women.
    When enough time had passed, Buck reluctantly went inside to call Henry. The manager grumbled and groused, but finally agreed to meet Buck at the back of his apartment when Buck explained he was damn near naked.
    Sadie giggled at his predicament. But she quicklysobered when Buck picked up a disgruntled Butch and started to leave. She walked him to the door, her feet lagging, her eyes downcast.
    They stopped at the door. “Have lunch with me?” Buck asked.
    Immediately her expression brightened. “Yes.”
    He shook his head. She wore her heart on her sleeve, leaving herself so open to hurt. It worried him. “I have