blonde, who glanced at the dog again before looking at Dean. “Does she bite?”
She never had, but he hated to think there might be a first time.
“No. I don’t think so.” He’d found Daisy in the desert during his last tour in the Middle East. The thirty-pound, two-foot-tall mutt resembled a Portuguese Podengo. Granted, she wasn’t growling and her wirehaired fur wasn’t bristling, but who knew what went on in a female’s mind—canine or human.
The woman took another step backward. “Well, she’s the one who came to me. Up until a moment ago I was enjoying a few minutes of blessed solitude.”
Hmm, a hint of snobbishness. “Yeah, well, she can be somewhat unfriendly at times.”
“The wagging tail notwithstanding, of course.”
“That’s not the end I’m worried about. Daisy! Come!”
Instead of obeying, his dog moved a couple of steps closer to the blonde, who regarded him with a slight tilt of her head. “Does she always listen so well?”
“She usually listens.” Whenever it worked to her advantage. “Then again, she’s got a mind of her own. Typical woman.”
“And what exactly is that supposed to mean?”
“That my dog is an independent thinker. More independent than I realized.”
The woman’s features softened as she looked at his dog. “Well, I can certainly respect that in any female. Even if she’s invading my personal space.”
He’d like to invade—
Dean cut off that thought before it could go any further. “I spotted your sweet ride from the road and stopped to see if you were in trouble.” He jerked a thumb at the convertible behind him. “You’re obviously not from around here. Are you having any problems?”
“Other than being accosted by a strange man and his dog? No.”
“I was just trying to be nice.”
“Thank you, but we’re fine. I’d appreciate it if you’d go now.”
We? He did a quick survey of the area and saw there was no one else around. Still, she’d made her feelings clear enough, so he should probably head out. Then again, there was something about her. Why did he get the feeling he might know—
“Hey! Cut it out!” The cultured air surrounding the lady disappeared the moment Daisy licked her bare leg, causing her to laugh. “That tickles!”
The husky sound and the smile on her lips sent a wave of pure desire straight through Dean; suddenly, getting his dog to listen was the last thing he cared about. For starters, he’d be happy if the woman would remove her sunglasses so he could see what color her eyes were.
“Stop that now.” She scooted to one side, almost losing her footing in the sandy bottom of the river, but Daisy stayed right with her, a little pink tongue darting out again and again to lick at the water clinging to those gorgeous legs. “No more kisses, Miss Daisy. You need to behave.”
Dumbfounded, Dean braced his hands on his hips and stared at his dog. What in the hell was going on?
Daisy was acting like a besotted fool. “Boy, I can honestly say I’ve never seen her act this way before.”
The woman moved again, but the dog shadowed her every step. “Is that so?”
He crossed his arms over his chest, not sure if he liked this new side to his best friend. “Yeah, that’s so.”
“Well, if you don’t mind, could you try calling her again?”
“I’ll give it a shot.” Dean dropped his arms and crouched to the ground, balancing on the balls of his feet. “Come on, Daisy, come here.”
She didn’t even spare him a glance. Nope, his dog wasn’t the least bit interested in listening to him.
“Oh, for goodness’ sake!” The woman headed his way and his breath caught in his throat as he watched her walk, Daisy by her side. “As entertaining as this has been, it’s time for you, Miss Daisy, to go back to your owner.”
Daisy did start toward him, but then she turned back and let out a little yip as if she was disagreeing with her new friend, who laughed again. And this time, before Dean could get out another warning, she bent over and gently scratched behind the dog’s ears.
Dean didn’t know where to look first.
The enticing view of lace-covered curves thanks to the woman’s gapping neckline or Daisy, who immediately plopped her butt in the shallow water and raised her snout, the picture of pure contentment.
He was unable to resist sneaking a second glance at the woman’s sweet curves, before deciding to make a grab for his dog while she was distracted. Seconds later, he had Daisy in his arms, but when he straightened, the stranger did, too, and all it took was a bump of his shoulder against hers and down she went with a splash.
Ah, damn.
Trying to catch herself with her arms, she failed and fell backward, a soft cry falling from her lips. The water wasn’t very deep, but she landed firmly on her backside, ending up waist-deep in the swift current. The sunglasses stayed in place and she managed to keep her face out of the water, but the rest of her—including most of her silky blond hair—was all wet.
“Whoa, sorry about that.” Dean transferred Daisy into one hand and held her close to his chest, her wet fur drenching his shirt. With his other hand, he immediately reached for the woman. “Here, let me help.”
“No!” Sputtering, she waved him away while trying to sit up. “No, thank you, I’m fine.”
“Actually, what you are is soaking wet. Please, let me help you stand up.”
She refused his hand again and somehow got to her feet. Her clothes now clung to her body, and thanks to the transparency of the wet material, every perfect inch of her, including her lacy bra and panties, were visible.
“Oh, I’m a mess!”
Dean wanted to argue that fact, but he doubted she’d be happy with him.
“I can’t believe this!” she continued. “Look at me!”
He did his best to do just the opposite, but if something so beautiful was right in front of a man—
A low growl filled the air. Surprised, he looked down and found Daisy staring...at him. “Did you just growl at me, young lady?”
Clearly unhappy that he’d interrupted her fun, Daisy answered with another rumble that caused her entire body to vibrate.
“Is she okay?”
“Yeah, but I think she’s a bit upset I came between the two of you,” Dean said and then offered another smile. “And that I caused your tumble into the water. I really am sorry.”
“Apology accepted, but if you don’t mind...”
