Page 33 of Lead Me A Stray

I can’t get out his last name before he’s hauled me flush against him, his thigh nestled between my legs and his mouth crashing over mine in a bruising kiss. It’s indecent for this time of day, but I don’t care; the relief is worth whatever consequences there might be.

Because Mack is worth it.

“Dammit, I’m gonna get us arrested like this,” he growls, his thumb brushing over my cheek as he holds my gaze.

“I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“Say the other thing.”

“What? That your sister is currently on my shit list?”

He snorts out a laugh. “No, theotherthing.”

Rocking my hips just enough for him to notice, I lick my tongue over his bottom lip. “I’m falling for you, Mack, and I think that probably scares me too. It feels too fast, but maybe it’s finally right.”

“You’re going to have to make it up to me later.” He grins, one hand trailing down my spine and over my hip to cup my ass through my shorts.

“I promise.”

His mouth is back on mine, his tongue sweeping and licking and stealing my sanity on the side of the road.

“Fuck, I don’t care if it’s too soon. I’m so in love with you.”

“It’s not fair. You got a head start,” I joke, rubbing my nose playfully against his. “You gotta give me some time to catch up.”

Mack’s returning smile is everything, and my heart is ready to burst with happiness that I thought I might never have again. But it’s right here.

Becausehe’shere.

“Trust me, Honey Girl?”

“Yeah, Mack. I know you’d never lead me astray.”

“Does that extend to kickin’ my sister out of your house and fucking on every available surface so we can pretend like this morning never happened?”

“You drive a hard bargain, but I think it’s worth a shot,” I muse, throwing my arms around his neck and kissing him so he knows he’s mine.

So he knows he’s everything.

18

PIPER

NATIONAL DOG DAY

As far as events go, this one is the best kind of chaos.

It didn’t happen overnight, but in the couple of weeks since the incident in my kitchen, Rory, Mack, and I have created a new and different relationship.

A better one.

Which is why, on his day off, Mack is hauling more bags of ice to fill the coolers and restocking water bottles as everyone oohs and ahhs at the dogs still available for adoption.

“Oh my gosh,” Rory whispers conspiratorially, “have you seen the guy over there from Whiskers and Paws? He’sso hot.” She fans her face dramatically before she stops and points an accusatory finger at me. “Never mind; you’re with my brother. I’ll look for both of us.”

She winks and I laugh. “Just wait. Someday there will be ahotguy that turns your world upside down too.”

“That sounds horrible. Please keep all related thoughts to yourself.”