Begin Again - Jennifer Probst Page 0,47

“We’re dating exclusively. We’re in a relationship. Let’s start there.”

He smiled with a gentleness that always touched her heart. “I can do that.”

“Good. Now let’s move on to more important things.” She crawled on top of him, staring down at his naked body with pure hunger. He was all lean muscle and golden hair spread out for her enjoyment. His immediate erection sent a surge of power through her, and she lowered herself down, her hair brushing his chest, savoring his sucked-in breath. “Catching up.”

She took her time with his body, tasting and touching, relishing every moan and needy arch. Kneeling between his legs, she took him deep in her mouth, sucking, tasting, her hands stroking his thighs until his control finally snapped, and he lifted her up, face frantic with need.

Chloe fit him with the condom and lowered herself down inch by slow inch until she’d taken him completely. The overwhelming feeling of being possessed completely washed over her, and she suddenly blinked back tears, moving on him and over him at a steady pace. He cupped her face, his thumb brushing back one of her tears, a guttural groan emitting from his throat.

But she didn’t stop. She rode him and he captured every tear on her cheek, his gaze trapping hers, refusing to let go even as they both orgasmed together.

Then they fell into a tangle of limbs and slept.

* * * *

Two weeks later, Owen settled with Gus-Gus on the couch, pulling at the ragged chew rope in an endless game of tug of war. The chubby pup grit his sharp teeth with motivation, confident he’d be the winner against the rope, seemingly having no clue Owen was the one who controlled it.

The pup’s teeth slid from the grip, and he tumbled onto his back, hind legs kicking as he tried to right himself like a turtle on its shell. Owen laughed and tickled his belly, and it dissolved into a complete love fest. The paw had completely healed and the pup was in full terror mode.

“I think we need to move, buddy,” he said with a sigh. “This place isn’t dog friendly, and I have a feeling you’re going to be the first of many.” Owen always knew he’d eventually need a place where he could have a few rescue pets comfortably. This had been a temporary place, but the fancy building was overly expensive, and he wanted simple. Of course, everything in New York was high-priced, and eventually he’d have to confront his salary and make a decision he didn’t want.

The interview with Mario’s firm had gone well. Too well. They’d offered him the job today. Besides being generously paid, he’d be involved in many high-profile cases. It seemed to be a no-brainer, even though it would be hard to leave the Animal Defense Fund, but something inside him made him hesitate and ask for time to think about it.

On paper, the job was perfect. He’d be able to afford more and offer more financial flexibility to Chloe, cementing a better future. Sure, it would be endless hours, and the clients were upper crust, with more money and connections than the not-for-profits population he regularly served.

But that shouldn’t matter. He needed to grow up and do what was right. Be the type of man Chloe could count on for the future.

His mind chewed at his doubts like Gus-Gus with his rope. Maybe he needed to seriously consider taking this job along with some other changes. Since the farm, they’d fallen into an easy routine, spending some nights together, visiting rescues, taking care of Gus-Gus. She was allowing him into not just her heart, but her daily life, and that meant everything.

Sure, she still refused to say she loved him, but he sensed her emotions every time he took her in his arms. She just wasn’t ready. Needed more time. More proof he wasn’t going to rip away the foundation again. Making some smart decisions might help Chloe realize he was here to stay and serious about their future.

He now had too much to lose.

The phone buzzed, interrupting him.

Here.

He texted back. Buzzing you in.

“Mama’s here, buddy. You’ll have new fingers to chew on.”

Gus-Gus bounced around, sensing a new arriver, and Owen laughed as he opened the door.

“How’s my baby?” she cooed, running right past Owen to the furball. Gus-Gus jumped around her, barking and rolling around in a fit of ecstasy.

Owen raised both hands in the air. “What about me?”

She blew him an air kiss from