head fell back with a loud, needful moan as she rode him.
Needing to see his rapture, she forced her eyes open and lost herself in the carnal desires staring back at her. “Come with me,” she pleaded.
She covered his mouth with hers, unable to stay apart a second longer. His arms circled her. His hips shot up as her inner muscles clamped down, and they abandoned all control, giving into the tidal waves of passion crashing over them.
He tore his mouth away and growled her name like a thunderous prayer, “Chloe, Chloe, Chloe…”
Three words hung on the edge of her tongue, vying for release, but she held them back, not wanting to be the first to say them.
He guided her mouth to his, kissing her slowly and tenderly, their frantic hearts slamming against their chests. He kissed her until their breathing calmed, and then he touched his forehead to hers, one arm wrapped protectively around her, his other hand cradling her head, keeping her close as he whispered, “You…” His voice trailed off. “I’m falling so hard for you, sweetheart. I never want to let go.”
“Then don’t” came straight from her heart.
Chapter Twenty-One
THE SOUNDS OF barks and cheery conversations filled the air Saturday afternoon at the Wicked Animal Rescue adoption event. The dogs that were rescued from the dogfighting ring were not up for adoption yet, but there were twenty-six other animals eagerly awaiting forever homes. Most of Justin’s and Gunner’s families had shown up to help. They’d spent the morning setting up, and now canopies and animal pens dotted the grounds. Balloons bobbed from strings tied to the registration table where Tori and Steph were handling applications. Dozens of people milled about, playing with the animals. The boards Chloe made for the animals were a big hit. She’d gotten along fabulously with Tori and Evie, and thanks to their efforts, the animals sported adorable blue bow ties and pink ribbons.
Justin watched Chloe accompanying another family to the registration desk as he walked a ten-year-old black-and-gray mastiff named Sampson. Chloe had been up at the crack of dawn eager to help, and she’d been going nonstop ever since. She’d even worn her dragonfly anklet for luck. She shook the hands of the people she was talking with, then scanned the property. When she saw Justin, she headed his way with an enthusiastic wave and that gorgeous smile that made him all kinds of happy.
“Come on, Sampson. Let’s go see our girl.”
The old dog lumbered beside him. Old dogs like Sampson didn’t always get adopted, and more often than not, ended up as one of Gunner’s pets. People were reluctant to bring an older animal into their home for fear of getting attached to a pet who might not have many years left. Those were the animals Justin had always been most drawn to, and this particular dog was one Chloe had fallen in love with the day he’d landed at the rescue earlier in the week.
“Hi,” Chloe said, leaning in for a kiss. She crouched to love up Sampson and her smile faded. “Still no takers for our big boy?”
“Actually, a really cool couple is interested in him. They have another dog at home. After they’ve gone through the application process and passed a home visit, they’ll take Sampson home for a trial run.”
“That’s wonderful. Do you hear that, Sampson? You’re going to get a family and a sibling.” She stood up, petting Sampson’s head as the old dog leaned against her leg. He did that a lot with them, his way of giving hugs. “I’m happy for Sampson and for the family, but I’m going to miss him.”
“I know you are, babe.” Justin grabbed the belt loop on her pretty blue shorts, gently pulling her in for another kiss.
“Chloe!” Evie called out as she jogged toward them, her long dark hair flowing over her shoulders. “I saw you at the registration table. Did you get another application?”
“Yup. That makes nine,” Chloe exclaimed. “They loved Sparky, the chihuahua mix. It’s such a good feeling when you see the families and the animals connecting. How many applications does Baz have?” She and Baz were having a friendly competition over who could get the most applications. Chloe was giving him a run for his money.
“Ask him yourself.” Evie pointed to Baz and Gunner, who were walking over from the registration table. “Dr. Dimples looks pretty sure of himself.”
“I have a feeling those dimples open many doors for him,” Chloe said. “Did you