Tackling Love - Kathleen Kelly Page 0,16
does help,” I tease.
“Hey! This was a gift from a student… it’s very comfy. I’ll have you know.”
“And that’s why I’ve never even seen it.”
“You have a point. Well, I’ve never seen you in pajamas.”
“It’s ‘cause I don’t normally wear them. Come on, I’ll show you to our room.”
“Our?”
“Well, you are staying, so yes… for tonight, or whenever you stay over, it’s our room.”
Skye beams at me as I take her hand and lead her up the stairs. My home is huge. It’s five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a six-car garage. It’s styled in a Hampton theme that the decorator picked out, but I like it. It’s homey. I bought the house intending to fill it with my own family one day. I’d like at least four kids, but the more, the better.
“There’s no carpet in any of the rooms I’ve looked in?”
“Nah, don’t like carpet. I have rugs, wooden floors are best for animals.”
And right on cue, my Great Dane, Beau, comes running down the hallway and jumps up on the bed.
“Oh my God!” shrieks Skye.
I grin at her and pat Beau ruffling his golden head. “Skye, this is Beau. Beau, this is Skye. Now, be nice,” I warn him.
Tentatively, Skye holds out her hand to Beau who immediately, jumps off the bed, knocks her to the ground, and licks her face.”
“Yuck!” yells Skye as she giggles.
Pulling Beau off, I yell, “Sit.” Beau does as he’s told, and I extend my hand to Skye. She grasps hold and gets to her feet.
“I think he likes me,” says Skye as she wipes at her face.
“Yeah, knew he would. The bathroom’s through that door,” I say, pointing behind her.
“Thank you.” Skye pats Beau’s head as she walks past him, and he takes that to mean he can go too.
“Beau,” I caution him. He wags his tail and follows her anyway.
When they come back into the room, I’m already in bed.
“Want to watch TV?” I ask.
“No, I’m tired.” Skye undoes her dressing gown, her pajamas are covered in little flowers.
“Sexy pajamas.”
“No, these are not. Are you going to be comfortable in those?”
“What to do you mean?”
“Colt, you said downstairs you don’t normally wear them. I won’t mind if you take them off.”
Grateful to her, I get out of bed, strip and climb back in. “Think you can keep your hands off me?”
Skye’s brow creases with a frown. “It’ll be an effort, but I’ll give it my best shot.” Then her gorgeous face breaks into a smile. Skye climbs into my bed near me but not touching. Beau jumps up on the bed and lays between us, his head on Skye’s pillow.
“Beau, down!” Beau raises his big head and barks at me. “Beau, down!” This time he shakes his head and barks louder.
Skye laughs. “Does he normally sleep with you?”
“Yes, but not when I have company.” Skye doesn’t say anything, and I instantly realize what I’ve said. “Not that I have company. I mean… I do, but not here. I don’t—”
“It’s okay, Colt. We both have a past.”
Sitting up, I look over Beau to her. “Where have you been my whole life?”
“Can I say something corny like waiting for you?” Skye giggles and places an arm over Beau who grunts in appreciation.
“Sorry about Beau.”
“Don’t be, he’s warm and cuddly.”
“Great, now I’m jealous of my dog.”
Skye giggles. “Shh… go to sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
I slept better than I have in a long time. When I wake, my bed is empty with no Skye and no Beau. Looking over at the clock, it reads nine in the morning. I get up and have a shower, my shoulder feels better, and the heat from the water eases out more of the pain.
Clothes aren’t my thing. I like them, but apart from the sponsored items I have to wear, I pay little attention to my wardrobe, so I throw on some jeans and a black T-shirt. Wandering downstairs, the backdoor is open. Skye is outside wearing one of my old, long-sleeved shirts with the arms rolled up, her hair is loose and wavy as she throws a ball for Beau. She has a cup in one hand, a smile on her face, and has never looked more beautiful than right at this moment.
“Hey,” Skye calls out as she walks toward me.
“Isn’t today a school day?” I ask as I wrap my arms around her beautiful body and kiss her.
“Yes, it is, but I called in sick. I wanted to spend some time with… Beau.”
I fake shock