how to wield a hammer and that your hands have little calluses on them. I find everything about you insanely sexy, from your badass attitude to the way you’re not afraid to own up to liking beer, football, and sex. Give me a chance to prove that to you.”
He pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss, and her whole body arched forward, wanting to experience more of his earth-shattering kisses. He threaded his hands into her hair, taking her in another thrillingly rough kiss. As he intensified his efforts, blood pounded in her ears and her consciousness ebbed and flowed. He made a raw, primal sound, and she knew she’d hear it in her dreams. She came away breathless and a little dizzy.
“God, Harley,” she panted out. “You make this so hard.”
His eyes flamed, and a wolfish grin spread across his handsome face.
“Don’t even . . . I don’t need to have that in my mind right now.”
“Don’t kid yourself, Trig. You already do.”
Her head tipped back against the cushions, and she closed her eyes for a second to try to wrap her head around the fireworks exploding inside her. He waited patiently, without pushing for more, or for answers. His hand rested on her thigh, and it felt like he was branding her through her jeans.
“You know, until you got hurt, I had no issue being around you.” She met his gaze and said, “But ever since, it’s like I see you differently.”
“Because you care about me.”
“No. I’ve always cared about you. You’re my friend. It’s because you got all weird and aggressively flirty with me. And now you’ve ruined everything. Between seeing you naked and those kisses, nothing will ever be the same between us.” She pushed to her feet, swaying a little, her heart racing.
Jiggs was lying on the floor. He lifted his head, watching them.
“Good.” He took her hand, bringing her back down beside him on the couch. “I’m done dicking around. We’re going out, Piper. You and me. Saturday night.”
“There’s a playoff game Saturday night.” It was hockey season, and they never missed the playoffs.
“Jesus . . . As I said, we’re going out Saturday night.”
“You’re a pain.” She pushed to her feet again.
Jiggs jumped up and lumbered out of the living room.
Harley was still holding Piper’s hand, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“Let go, Harley. I have to leave.”
Jiggs trotted back with his leash in his mouth and sat in front of her.
“Jiggsy, didn’t we talk about timing?” Harley shook his head.
“He’s your dog.” Piper sighed and hooked his leash to his collar.
“I’ll take him,” Harley said.
“No. You’ll elevate that ankle, or I’ll be stuck taking care of you forever.”
He smiled so big, she had to laugh. “Again, I’ll take him out.”
She pointed to Harley and said, “Sit.” Then she tugged on Jiggs’s leash. “Come on, spoiled one.” She felt Harley’s eyes on her as she headed out the back door and crossed the deck to the yard. She’d lost her mind. She shouldn’t even consider going out with Harley. She never should have let him kiss her.
But oh man, those kisses . . .
She looked out at his boat, remembering what he’d said he’d like to do to her in it. Her insides flamed. Making love with Harley under the stars sounded perfect to her.
It was the aftermath that concerned her.
On their way back up to the house after Jiggs did his business, she saw Harley leaning on the doorframe of the doors that led to the deck.
Jiggs ran to him.
“You don’t listen very well,” she said as they went inside.
He followed her on crutches. “See? We’re a perfect match.”
“You’re setting yourself up for heartbreak, Harley Dutch.” As she picked up her toolbox and the bucket of supplies, she had a feeling she was talking to herself as much as she was to Harley.
“I’ll take my chances.”
“I’m serious. I’m worried about this. You’re a warm-hearted guy, and I’ve got mine packed in ice. I just want to go on the record as saying I told you so now, in case you hate me later. Maybe we should have a funeral for our friendship.”
“Toast it? Have a few beers?”
“Yeah, that sounds about right. Now I need a drink.”
He leaned down and looked directly into her eyes. “How about instead, we celebrate how great we’ll be together?” He pressed his lips to hers and said, “You heading to the pub?”
She lifted her chin and squared her shoulders. “Yes, and don’t make the mistake of