Sit. Rick scowled at Josies dog, trying not to laugh while being firm.
It was difficult. The Labradoodle made him laugh every time he looked at his goofy face. Rick shook his head in wonderfor a woman who seemed so desperate for a dog grooming a few weeks ago, Josie sure hadnt been in a hurry to take him in for a trim. At this point, Genghis had the canine equivalent of dreadlocks, which only made him look funnier.
All right. Good boy. Rick bent down and rubbed behind his ear, then gave him a bite-sized dog biscuit he had in his pocket. Genghis continued to sit. He was rewarded with another biscuit.
Rick entered the apartment and smiled. It looked just like it had when he left in the middle of the nightunkempt. He could see into her bedroom, and noted that her suitcase was lying open on the floor, stuff spilling out. He hadnt even given the poor woman time to unpack, hed wanted her so badly.
Rick got the painting in safely, placing it in the center of the dining table, out of Genghiss reach. Then he put away the groceries. He got Genghiss leash on him and took him for a quick walk around the block, occasionally acknowledging the large Lexus crawling along the street next to him. Rick couldnt imagine what life would be like if, someday and somehow, Bennett Cummings was no longer a worry. Hed sure love to find out.
Rick gave Teeny a nod and a wave when he got back to the apartment.
Teeny rolled down the automatic window.
Page me when youre ready to go.
Rick nodded. Thanks, Teen.
Back in the apartment it was first things first. He went through Josies CD collection to find some inspiring tunes, and, after a brief shock at the sight of a bootleg live Clay Aiken recording, he found just the thing. Rick immediately went to work, Nat King Cole crooning from the living room.
He arranged the flowers in a nice glass vase. He sliced the tenderloin into thin strips, washed and sliced the cremini mushrooms and shallots, and rooted through Josies spice cabinet, relieved that she had tarragon and nutmeg, because hed forgotten to buy both. He started the water for the noodles.
Rick straightened the living room. His search for the perfect place to hang the painting took him into her bedroom. The sight of the disheveled bed sent a wave of heat through him. He couldnt help himselfhe buried his nose in the cool white sheets, smelling Josie and himself, their love and their sex, all blended together, like it had been all weekend.
Rick knew he was acting a fool. He was a fool in love. It was the most exhilarating experience of his life.
He decided to display the painting over the living room fireplace mantel, where Josie had hung a mirror. He would rearrange things later to her liking, but decided to go for maximum impact when she walked through the door.
He vacuumed and set the table. Then he looked at his watch and decided it was time to undress for dinner, an activity that held Genghis in rapt attention.
Ten minutes later, just as he was melting butter in a large skillet and singing,?Im happy as a king, and foolish though it may seem, to me thats everything… he heard the door open.
He didnt know who was more excitedhim or the dog.
Genghis greeted her happily at the door, along with the strains of Nat King Coles The Very Thought of You and the scent of what Josie swore was homemade beef Stroganoff. This could mean only one thing: Her mother had moved in. Now wouldnt that be the perfect end to a perfect day?
Welcome home, baby.
Josie shouted with surprise. Her boyfriendyes, her /boyfriend/stood in the kitchen doorway wearing nothing but a huge smile and a barbecue apron sporting the words DINNER IS READY WHEN THE SMOKE ALARM GOES OFF.
Her hand went to her mouth. She laughed. A few seconds later, she was in tears.
Did I scare you? Rick came to her and put his bare arms around her.
Maybe you dont like this kind of surprise. I should have Oh, my God! Josie pointed to the wall over the fireplace. What is that doing there?
We can move it wherever youd like.
She clutched her chest.
I hope I didnt scare you.
Josie threw herself against him, planting a big kiss right on his beautiful mouth. He didnt scare her. He astounded her. This surprise was thoughtful, fun, and so damn romantic it made her cry.
She pulled away from his embrace. Nobody has ever done something this wonderful for me, she said, trying her best to stop blubbering. Her eyes moved from the painting to the table set with flowers, candles, and a tablecloth. She cried harder.
Ah, Josie. Rick hugged her again and kissed the top of her head. This is nothing. Its the kind of thing you should get on a regular basis.
Josie shook her head and rubbed her sloppy tears all over the front of his apron. Nobodys ever gone to this much trouble for me. She looked up at him, his gorgeous green eyes filled with concern. Nobodys ever set the table like this. Nobody has ever cooked naked for me!
I am wearing an apron.
And the paintingRick, I cant accept that! She shook her head. Its too much. Its too valuable.
Rick frowned. Do you love it?
Yes!
Then it belongs here. It belongs with you.
Josie just stared for a moment, unable to think. Rick, I dont know what to say. Thank you. Thank you for all of it. Im blown away. And I love you. She kissed him again, but only briefly. Is something burning?
Oh, hell, Rick said, racing back to the kitchen, his hard and thoroughly naked man-ass on display for her viewing pleasure.
Were good! Rick called out. The butter just got a little brown!
Josie felt her dogs stare, and she looked down at Genghis. I know, she whispered. Im in shock, too. If you had opposable thumbs Id ask you to pinch me.
Rick came back into the living room, wide-eyed. Do you realize you just said you loved me?
After a moment of panic, Josie figured there was no point in denying it.
I did. And I do. But it wasnt the first time I told you.
No?
Josie giggled. In her wildest imaginationwhich would put anyone elses wild imagination to shameshed never dreamed that this life-changing moment would take place with a naked man in an apron. Then again, shed never imagined that the most important moment of her life would feel so effortless, so normal.
She went to Rick and reached for one of his hands. I told you I loved you when we were on your motorcycle yesterday, out in the vineyards.
Rick frowned. I didnt hear you.
I whispered it into your back, she said with a shy smile.
That would explain why I didnt hear you.
I whispered it because its what I was feeling at that momentI just had to say it or I would explode. But I didnt think you were ready to hear it.
Rick tilted his head and looked down on her, wonder on his face. But I am ready, Josie.
You are?
Yeah. Can you say it again?
She laughed. I love you, Rick. Youve changed everything, instantly, and Im so glad we found each other. I really love you.
He reached up and tenderly stroked her cheek. I started to fall in love with you the second you and Genghis walked into the grooming salon.
Seriously?
Oh, yes.
And how do you feel about me now?
Rick chuckled, then leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. I adore you, Josephine. Everything is more beautiful in your company. I marvel at how perceptive you are and how you make me laugh. I trust you completely, and thats coming from a man who hasnt trusted anyone but Teeny in a long, long time.
Josie nodded.
I cant get enough of the way your body feels in my hands and how you smell and look and taste. I love you, and it gets bigger and stronger every day we spend together.
It really does, she said.
Ricks gaze fell to her lips. He lowered his head and put his mouth on hers. She closed her eyes and let the sensation run hot through her center, amazed at how their kisses kept advancing to the next level, how with each new secret they shared or every additional layer they peeled away, their kisses grew deeper and wiser. That particular kiss was the bombhot, sweet, grateful, hungry, hopeful. The beef Stroganoff would have to be refrigerated.