“These are for you.” He handed her the flowers and leaned in to kiss her cheek, breathing in her light, summery scent.
“They’re beautiful, thank you. Come in while I put them in a vase.” As he followed her into the kitchen, she said, “I like your shirt. You look good in red.” She grabbed a vase from beneath a cabinet and began filling it with water.
“Thanks. Mads bought it for me.” He wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck. “You look gorgeous in everything.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she teased. “How did you know that I love irises?”
“I didn’t, but once I learned what they represented, I knew they were meant for you.” He kissed her shoulder and said, “The blue ones symbolize faith and hope.” He kissed her neck. “Yellow symbolizes passion.” Kiss, kiss. “And purple symbolizes wisdom. If only there was a color for drives me wild.”
She laughed. “You have some of the best, and cheesiest, lines.”
“Only for you, sweet cheeks.” He glanced at the table, which was covered with pictures of older people. “Are one of these pictures of your grandparents?”
“No. I don’t know my grandparents, which is one of the reasons I wanted to work with the elderly. Those are residents from LOCAL. I take pictures at our events and put up memory boards in the community room. Sometimes I make albums for them.”
“That’s nice. You must really enjoy your work.”
“More than you can imagine. The people are so grateful for every little thing, it makes me want to do more for them. You’d be surprised at how many families move their loved ones into the facility and promise weekly visits, but then don’t come nearly often enough—or at all. I make extra efforts to spend time with the ones who are left behind. And I really enjoy working on their behalf, trying to make their last years the best they can be. I’m always looking into new programs for them.”
She told him about her newest endeavor, the Junior/Senior Program, and about the puppetry program she and Madigan were working on. The passion in her voice, and the way her face lit up as she talked about her work, told of her sincerity.
“I had no idea you were so involved with the people there. How did you get into that line of work?”
“I volunteered at LOCAL during my first two years at community college, and a number of the people there suggested I go into the field. I’m glad I did. It fulfills me in so many ways.”
His gaze swept over the table and he said, “It sounds like you found the perfect job. I bet the residents really love all your extra touches.” He glanced at the counter by the refrigerator, where more pictures were spread out. There were pictures he’d texted to her of him with the dogs they’d rescued, along with a few pictures from his birthday party, Gavin’s wedding, and other times.
As she set the vase on the table, he said, “Speaking of all your touches.” He reached for her hand, enjoying the sparks of heat rising in her eyes, and said, “What’s this? Your new midnight fantasy lineup? Nubbin’-lovin’ material?”
“Ew, no!” She swatted him.
He caught her around the waist, hauling her against him. “Ew is not the word I think of with the thought of you pleasuring yourself. Hot, sexy as sin, and enticingly erotic are better descriptors.” Her cheeks pinked up and he said, “We could experiment, hit the bedroom and see what words come out of my mouth as I watch you.”
“Ohmygod.” She twisted out of his grip and grabbed him by the collar, dragging him toward the front door. “Come on, biker boy, before I decide you embarrass me too much to go out with you.” She grabbed her purse on the way out the door.
“What are you doing with all those pictures?” He opened the passenger door and helped her into the truck.
“I’m not sure yet. I just can’t stop thinking about the dogs.”
He put his hands on the top of the doorframe and leaned in. “The dogs, huh? Not the guy with the dogs?”
“Well, maybe a tiny bit.” Her expression turned serious and she shifted in the seat, facing him. “I really can’t stop thinking about them and all they’ve been through. I know you said they were good with people, but are they really? Do they ever try to bite?”