wide smile down at me as he carried me towards the king-size bed that consumed a large portion of the open-concept room.
Reese nipped and lunged at Oliver’s feet as he walked with me in his arms. I saw the wave of concern pass over Oliver’s expression just before he said, “I can’t see the little bugger.”
In an obvious effort not to step on the rambunctious puppy, Oliver took a giant leap towards the bed with me cradled in his arms. We sailed together through the air into our perfect happily-ever-after ending.
Epilogue
Just when I would begin to think that life with Oliver and Reese couldn’t possibly get any better, it would surprise me by doing so. Our sweet, little puppy wasn’t so small any more. He was growing by leaps and bounds. You could almost see the changes in him on a daily basis. His paws were enormous, and his long, gangly legs made him awkward, clumsy, and absolutely adorable.
Our love for the kindhearted dog had inspired us to begin volunteering at the local animal shelter on weekends. We couldn’t possibly adopt them all, but we were happy to give them a little break outside. During our walks, Oliver liked to let the dogs lead with their noses, which made their tails flap back and forth and my heart pitter-patter in my chest.
Oliver was the perfect love interest. He was thoughtful, generous, funny, handsome-as-sin, and tender. Our sexy time together was smoking hot, and it somehow managed to keep getting better. He had turned into the ideal blend of naughty bad boy between the sheets and sweet, doting boyfriend everywhere else.
I had never been so happy, and it showed through on my face. Soraya liked to grumble about how unfair it was for me to be so blissfully taken, while she was dealing with relationship ups-and-downs with her new man, but I knew that deep down she was thrilled for me.
When I called to invite her on our trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, she gasped into the phone. “Oh, it’s like the mother ship is calling me home.”
I giggled at the silly woman. “So, you’ll come with us?”
“I wish I could, but it’s just not a good time for me.” She sounded truly disappointed.
I wasn’t sure how I felt. I’d been hoping to share the unique experience with my fellow chocoholic friend, but I was also excited for a romantic getaway with Oliver.
“That’s a bummer,” I answered honestly. Unsure if it was too soon to ask, I jumped in anyway. “Any chance you’re available to puppy-sit?”
“Oh, the truth comes out,” she teased me, but her voice didn’t hold a trace of bitterness. “I’d be happy to watch Reesie-boy.”
“Thank you,” I told her sincerely, hoping she wasn’t miffed that I’d asked her for the favor right after she declined my invitation. The invite had been sincere.
Proving that she wasn’t irritated, Soraya said, “I want to hear every detail about this trip when you get back. I hope you have a wonderful time.”
“We will,” I responded confidently as Oliver strolled through the door, returning from class.
Reese went wild, whirling in circles in excitement over his daddy’s entrance. The man bent to greet the delighted animal.
“Sounds like someone is happy to see his dad,” Soraya commented on the dog’s enthusiasm.
“He’s not nearly as excited to see him as I am,” I purred into the phone.
“And that’s my cue to go. Bye,” Soraya said before clicking to hang up.
Oliver sidled right up behind me. I sucked in a breath as the delectable heat of his nearness traveled up and down the length of me.
“Hi,” his voice rumbled near my ear, sending a tingling vibration down my spine.
“Hi,” I responded, smiling wide and pressing back into him.
“I have a surprise for you,” he murmured.
Unable to contain my excitement, I whirled around to face him. “What is it?”
He chuckled at my enthusiasm before reaching into his back pocket for his wallet. After flipping the bi-fold open, he held it up for my inspection. I squinted at the card proudly displayed behind the clear plastic.
Sucking in a breath and turning wide eyes up at him, I said, “You got your driver’s license!”
“I did!” He beamed with pride.
I hadn’t realized he was interested in ever driving again. The man was truly full of surprises. Smiling, I said sincerely, “I’m so proud of you.”
He pulled me into his arms and whispered, “Show me how proud you are.”
I watched his pupils darken with unbridled desire as I reached for his belt buckle