My eyes cut to hers when she nods. That subtle movement agitates the lengths of hair, swishing across the dip of her breasts. I shouldn’t stare, nor should I lick my lips like I’m starving, but I do. Her chest rises and falls in bursts. I glance down to Roxy to break my trance. “Right, then, I’ll leave you to it.”
Without another word or awkward boob eyeballing, I swivel around and stomp out of the den. I think I heard her sigh, but it could’ve been the dog.
I sense beady black eyes peering up at me. “You’re a cute little thing.” I soothe Roxy with another ear rub. “Seems like you’ve got yourself a new friend.” Roxy sticks her tongue out, attempting to lick my wrist. “So... tell me what you know about the mysterious Romi? I’ve never seen her before... I wonder where she came from?” As I chat to the friendly dog, I realize I’ve lost my ever-lovin’ mind. What man asks a dog for the intel on a woman? A man who spends every waking hour with animals, that’s who.
I’m not overly comfortable scooting around the Winters’ place when they aren’t here. Although the dog needs tending to and I’m sure they’ll be grateful for the extra effort, I know Mrs. Winters treats this fluff ball like a child.
Roxy shivers and quakes when I plonk her into the bathtub in the wooden paneled bathroom. The water runs at a lukewarm temperature, the perfect heat to loosen matted hair and wash paint down the drain. With careful strokes, she starts to relax and the paint melts away.
Footsteps pad up behind me. “How’s she doin’, Doctor?” The sweet voice hints concern, those words flowing out with a sexy Texan rhythm.
I glance back, watching her. “She’s doing great. The paint came off, and now she’s just milking the attention.”
Her teeth dent that plush bottom lip of hers. “I was really worried she would die. Thank you so much for rushing over here to help us.” Romi looks adorable with gym pants that are spandex bottoms tight around her narrow waist and form fitting perfect around her fine curves. The large tee top drowns her petite frame, but she’s cinched it tight with designer flare. The relaxed look is sexy as hell, and right now I’m packing Big Tex’ in my jeans, and he’s screaming to get out. Thank fuck I’m kneeling, with my crotch hidden behind the tub. It’s been way too long since my dick has taken control like this. It has a mind of its own, clearly.
“Are you related?” I stutter like a damn fool and direct my eyes to the skinny looking dog that now resembles a Sphynx cat with all her poofy hair flattened.
“Oh, no. The Winters have hired me.” A water tap squeaks and water gushes.
“Where are you from? I haven’t seen you before.”
“I live in the city. I’m an interior designer who’s supposed to re-decorate the den, not kill the prized dog. It’s been an utter disaster from the beginning. I’m so sorry to drag you into this. I thought Roxy was in the kitchen.”
“From the beginning?” I ask, willing my dick to back off.
“Eh, yeah, nothing I can’t handle. Well, aside from looking after pets. I appreciate the bathing service.” She giggles. I sigh lightly, that laugh is not helping the rock-hard issue in my boxers. I’ve got a big problem if she needs me to stand anytime soon. “Don’t worry about it.” I chuckle. “It’s no trouble at all.” Even if bathing a dog is not part of my usual veterinary service.
“I wouldn’t have the first clue what to do. I’d probably drown her by accident.” Before I get the chance to think about something sad and dick deflating, she’s crouching down beside me. “You’re happy in there, aren’t you, Roxy?” She peers over the tub, fingers curling the bath’s side.
“Here, you try.” I hand her the handheld shower head. A beautiful smile lifts to inquisitive bright blue eyes. This stunning woman is so close, unbearably so. Coconuts. Sweet, tropical coconuts invade my senses, and for a second her scent transports me to summer sun and thoughts of sea, sand and sex. After a short silence, I clear my throat and return to the lapping water in the Winters’ tub. “See, Roxy’s a good girl. She likes baths. Don’t ya, girl?” I say softly, brushing a hand over Roxy’s back. “It’s just like washing your own hair, except this hair ball moves quickly and can shake like a quake, scattering water everywhere, and I mean everywhere.” On que, Roxy rotates and joggles her entire body, splashing water droplets all over us.
“Eww,” Romi shrieks. Instinctively, both hands shoot out in front of her, failing to guard us from the spray. “It’s like she knew you were talking about it.” She laughs from her belly and I notice the way her mouth curls and her eyes sparkle.
I reach into my back pocket and grab the pet tea tree shampoo. “Here…” I grab her wrist lightly. With a squirt, a dollop of green goo plops into her open palm. That split second of contact blows my mind. Our skin on skin contact initiates static electricity, shocking me to a still. It generates more power to my dick, like it doesn't need any more encouragement. This is getting uncomfortable. If she doesn't stop with the unintentional flirting, I’ll keel over when all my blood drains to my underused appendage.
“Rub the shampoo into her fur like it’s your own pretty head.” Shit, did I just say that? Ugh, I sound like a creep. “Think of it like a massage, she’ll like it.” I bluster on, smoothing over the minor indiscretion.
Small dainty hands glide over the dog’s tiny body. Nimble fingers stretch and rub. My dirty mind drifts off again, wondering what those fingers would feel like on my needy dick.
“She does seem to like it, but then who doesn't like a good massage.”
“She sure does.” I’m trying to recall the last time I had to put an animal to sleep, just to bring myself down from this lust cloud. Damn, it’s been too long since I’ve had to do that. Wait, there was the Richards’ mare who broke her leg. The sad memory recall plan isn’t working. Probably because her thigh is touching mine ever so slightly. “Keep up the great work.”
This reaction to her is very inconvenient and less than professional. Romi is innocently washing a dog, and I’m drooling all over her in my head.
“Here we are, I think all the paint is out. I’ll rinse her off.” Nope, not enough time to get myself in check.
“Eh, no, best to keep scrubbing for a few more minutes. You know, just in case there is residual paint underneath.” I need a distraction to lower the tent in my trunks. “Here, let me check out her mouth to make sure there’s no paint in there.” I slide my fingers between her teeth and pry open her jaw. “I think we’re in the clear.”
I release the plug and hear the water suck down the pipe. Milky liquid drains away, taking my sanity with it. “Can you grab that towel from the countertop?” I ask Romi, meeting her watchful eyes. She lifts up and leaves me kneeling. The reprieve of her body heat leaving mine makes me blow out a long puff of air. I turn away and keep my gaze on the shaky dog. I sense her return, quietly presenting an unfolded towel, stretched out wide, and instantly I think of her as my assistant, in more ways than just professional. Shit, man, pull yourself together.
Romi talks softly and lovingly, “Come here, Roxy, I’m so sorry you got covered in yucky paint.” I heave Roxy from the tub and set her in Romi’s open arms. “Look at you now, sweetheart, all clean. You sure do smell pretty.” She cradles the dog carefully, a little less awkward than before. “That was easy.”