she’d let go of the counter and was grasping him around the neck. Her heart was beating like she’d run a mile, although this had been anything but dreadful. Mr. Longtail had abandoned the floor and was on the kitchen table, grooming himself.

Something between a laugh and a gasp escaped. “I’ve never done that before.” She was breathless and stunned and spent a split second debating whether she should clarify the statement before deciding not to.

It was an open-ended declaration, and she didn’t necessarily want Kurt to know how little experience she’d had. It would be surrendering a vulnerable part of herself, and she wasn’t ready to do that. Not until she was sure he wouldn’t pull a Steve. She wasn’t looking for a proposal, but she didn’t intend to give her heart away again unless she knew she wouldn’t be rejected.

Kurt pressed his lips against hers, drawing the kiss out as he buttoned her jeans. Things were beginning to intensify once again when Jim called Kurt’s name, the sound traveling clearly through the open windows.

They pulled apart, and Kurt let out a sigh. He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear and leaned close to whisper as a pair of feet could be heard bounding up the back porch steps. “It’s probably a good thing that we’re never alone, because I wouldn’t get any work done. Especially now that I’ve gotten a real taste of you.”

Chapter 19

Kurt watched the taillights of Kelsey’s Corolla until they disappeared in the darkness. The two of them had managed to find a spot behind one of the trees where they could stand without setting off the floodlights while saying good night after their evening at Ida’s. Knowing he’d trigger the lights and disturb the calm hush that had settled over the yard when he headed back toward the house, he stood in the quiet a while longer.

The great horned owl that hunted in the area was across the street in a tall pine. Its low hoots punctuated the crisp night, along with the sporadic chirps of a handful of crickets. It was forecast to be the coldest night yet as fall finally crept into the area. The dropping temps made Kurt contemplate closing the windows, even though he was always in favor of fresh air. However, with all the body heat around them and the brick insulation of the house, the dogs wouldn’t get cold.

In the darkness, Kurt studied the big, quiet house. Like the rustling leaves and the late-summer insects, the Sabrina Raven estate seemed to pulse a beat of its own into the night. For 114 years, it had stood watch over this quiet end of the street. The house might be up there in age and in need of some TLC, but it could shine again.

How he’d become so certain that this would happen under his watch, he didn’t know, but he felt that certainty deep in his bones.

He thought of the look of surprise that had come over Kelsey earlier tonight. It had been after a second glass of wine when he’d declared his intention to buy the house when it went up for sale. She’d looked at him as if he’d said he intended to purchase Cape Horn. He couldn’t blame her. Just a little over two weeks ago, she’d heard him declare to Rob that nothing could keep him from heading west. She’d likely been assuming he still intended to head that way when the rehab was over.

But like Nana had told him, when you got caught with your foot in your mouth, the best thing to do was take it out.

This house was meant for him. Or he was meant for it. He wasn’t entirely certain which was which. He wasn’t sure how, but he’d get the money. His credit was good, and he had solid savings and even a decent amount in investments from the money he’d earned the last eight years. He was confident he’d be able to get a loan when the time came.

It was the same way he felt about Kelsey. One way or another, they were supposed to be together. Every sorrow, every loss, every moment of bliss… They’d all been little moments leading him to her. He’d known it before now, had felt the truth of it in both waking and sleeping hours.

Then he’d walked into the kitchen this afternoon and Kelsey’d given him that happy grin and she’d been so at home in the house. Making him think his dreams might very well be becoming hers.

And then there’d been the feel of her. Half the evening had passed before his blood finally stopped boiling hot. He’d never get enough of her. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anything, but he also wanted her to be the last woman he brought into his bed. How could he start that without trusting himself to fall asleep beside her?

The last few years, he’d been wondering if he had it in him to fall in love the way his grandparents had. He’d been content being single. He could manage himself and his ADHD very well. Bringing Kelsey into his life the way he wanted to might cause complications, but he was confident they were complications worth experiencing. She’d also bring joy he’d scarcely believed he was capable of having.

When he’d appreciated the quiet yard long enough, Kurt headed into the house. Ida’s incredible meal sat heavy in his stomach, as did his two glasses of Syrah. He was drowsy and content and deeply tempted to head upstairs to bed rather than collapse on the couch where he’d be quicker to react if anyone considered vandalizing the property again.

He did a check of the rooms, offering bathroom breaks to a few of the younger, more fidgety dogs, like Zeus. Aside from Devil, the older dogs were napping or gnawing on antlers or tennis balls, and a few were grooming themselves. Devil was five or six, and considering the shorter life

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