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As if in understanding the dog bounded ahead and stood waiting until Josh opened the door. Once inside Barnaby trotted over to the sofa and began licking Grace’s hand.
She awoke slowly. When she spied the dog, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his neck. „Hello. You’re back.“ She sat up, shoving hair from her eyes. „I’m so glad, because I have so many questions…“
When she realized that Wyatt wasn’t there, her words trailed off.
She glanced at Josh. „I don’t understand. Why is Barnaby here without Wyatt?“
„My guess is that his dog just wanted a little adventure. I’m sure, after so much time in this forest, Wyatt doesn’t have any problem with Barnaby wandering off. He knows how to find his way home.“
She nodded. „I’m sure you’re right.“ She got to her feet. „I can’t believe I slept so soundly. I haven’t had this much sleep in a year.“ Seeing the way he was searching the cupboards she gri
„Yeah. But I thought I’d feed Barnaby first. I figure he must have worked up quite an appetite.“
„Why not give him the last of the fish, and then we’ll catch more for our supper.“
„Great idea.“ He heaped a bowl with the remains of their breakfast and set it on the floor.
At once the dog pounced on the food and devoured it. When he’d had his fill, Josh started toward the door. „Guess it’s time to drop our lines in the lake and see what we’ll catch for our own supper.“
„I’ll help.“ Grace pulled on a jacket and followed him.
When they stepped outside, the first thing they noticed was the change in temperature.
Josh gri
„Another good thing about this place. If you don’t like the weather, stick around. It’s bound to change.“ Grace tossed aside her jacket and kicked off her boots before picking up one of the poles. For some unexplained reason, she felt as happy-go-lucky as a kid when school was out. It had to be that nap. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt this rested and relaxed. Whatever pain and humiliation she’d been feeling before was pushed aside. „Race you to the dock.“
Laughing, Josh hopped on one foot, then the other, disposing of his boots before snatching up the second pole and chasing after her. Barnaby joined in the fun, barking and ru
„Oh, you want to play, do you?“ Josh picked up the stick and tossed it into the lake. At once Barnaby dove in and paddled furiously until he managed to retrieve the stick. Then he scrambled to shore, shook himself, and trotted the length of the dock to drop the stick beside Josh.
For nearly an hour they played the game. Each time, Josh would toss the stick as far as he could manage. Each time, Bamaby retrieved it and raced along the dock to play again. Finally, panting from his efforts, the dog lay beside Grace and began chewing on the stick.
Sweating, Josh tossed aside his shirt. „When I was a kid, I always wanted a dog like Barnaby. In my mind, I could see myself playing just that way.“
Trying not to stare at the ripple of muscle that sculpted his arms and shoulders, Grace nodded toward the bucket of water, where several fish were swimming. „At least one of us managed to bring home the bacon, or at least the fish, while you two were having all that fun.“
„Barnaby and I are in your debt. Now about all that work you’ve been doing…“ Without warning Josh scooped her up and strode to the very end of the dock. „What do you think, Barnaby? Should we let our lady have a turn at all that fun?“
In reply the dog’s tail thumped a steady tattoo on the dock.
Wriggling and kicking, Grace let out a shriek. „Don’t you dare.“
„Did I hear the word dare?“ Josh gave an imitation of an evil laugh. „Woman, never dare Fearless Josh Cramer. It’s the one thing I simply can’t resist.“
„Josh. These are the only clothes I have.“
„Hmm. Another reason to toss you in the lake. I have an idea you’d look cute in nothing but your birthday suit.“
„Josh, I’m warning you. Put me down.“
„Yes, ma’am.“ With another laugh he did just that, and watched as Grace landed in the water with a grand and glorious splash.
She came up sputtering, wiping hair from her eyes. „I can’t believe you did that.“
Josh was laughing so hard he could barely speak. „Just following orders, ma’am. You did tell me to put you down.“
While he was distracted laughing Grace reached out and snagged his ankle. Before he realized what she was pla
His hand snaked out to reach for her, but she managed to evade him and ducked under the water. He followed, and this time, when he surfaced, he had hold of her.
She felt the heat where his hands were touching her.
„You’re very quick, Ms. Marin.“ He arched one brow like a villain. „But not quite quick enough. Now, how will I make you atone for that crime you just committed?“
She couldn’t help laughing as she batted her eyelashes and gave him a demure smile. „It’s my nature to share. I figured it wouldn’t be fair of me to hog all this warm water for myself.“
He was gri
„And I thought I was such a good actress.“ She sighed and wiggled her toes. „This water really is warm. I expected to come up shivering when you tossed me. But it’s as warm as a bath.“
„Now that you mention it…“ He drew her fractionally closer. „And here I was hoping you’d need me to warm you.“
She was laughing, her face turned up to his. „Sorry to thwart your plans.“
„Not a problem. I’m very good at changing tactics in midstream.“ He pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth and nibbled a droplet of water.
She sucked in a quick breath. „Oh, yes. That was a very good change of tactic.“
„Thanks. But it was clumsy. Give me a second chance. I can do better.“ He dipped his head and covered her mouth fully with his.
Grace gave herself up to the pure pleasure of the moment. It was the most delicious feeling to be held suspended in the water by those strong arms while that clever mouth moved over hers, weaving its magic. Slivers of fire and ice curled along her spine. With every touch of his lips, she could feel her body growing soft and pliant against his.
„Umm. That’s much better.“ She wrapped her arms around his waist and held on as he took the kiss deeper.
They stayed locked together, mouths mating, breath mingling, until the world around mem seemed to fade away. When at last they came up for air, their hearts were racing.
„Grace.“ The way Josh spoke her name on a fervent whisper had her going still. „We both know a kiss isn’t enough this time.“
„I know.“ Her throat felt too tight.
„You know what I want.“ He tipped up her chin to stare down into her eyes. „But I need to know if it’s what you want, too.“
While he waited for her answer, he felt his heart stop. She’d become a hunger. A need that could no longer be ignored.
„I want the same thing you want, Josh.“ She touched her mouth to his in the softest of butterfly kisses.
His movements stilled. With his hands framing her face, he studied her. His voice, when he finally spoke, was gruff. „You’re sure?“
She was afraid to speak over the lump in her throat, so she merely nodded before leaning into him and offering her mouth.
She could feel him fighting to keep the kiss soft as his lips claimed hers, alternately draining her, then filling her, until all she could taste was him. She was so caught up in the kiss, she wasn’t even aware that he’d begun moving toward shore. When they reached the shallows he lifted her easily in his arms and strode toward the cabin.