Lick Me (Must Love Dogs‪)‬

A short, sweet (and sexy) vignette of lovers reuniting.

Jordan Kendall ran away from his mistakes and the man he loves. Riddled with self-doubt he knows the only way to slay the twin demons of his shame and embarrassment is to return home to face Preston and try to mend fences. If Preston forgives him, Jordan can forgive himself.

Second-guessing his decision to allow Jordan to leave is a daily pastime for Preston Townes. When Jordan comes home to his sister's house, Preston knows it's now or never to see if they can pull their relationship back together. With a little help from some four-footed friends, Preston gets the opening he needs to show Jordan the past is forgotten, and their spark is stronger than ever.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Preston crossed the back porch and eased into a chair at the table. I sat across from him, wishing I'd left the kitchen light on. If I had, the light would spill through the window to illuminate where we sat and I could look into his eyes.

     "Maura told me you called her precious pups Frick and Frack."

     I heard the humor in his voice. He'd always laughed so freely, and I was relieved his sense of humor was intact. I hung my head in mock shame. "I'll never do it again, I assure you. Can I get you something to drink while they play?"

     Preston's slight pause was somehow at odds with his words. "Another time. I can't stay long. Tomorrow's a workday for some of us."

     "Hey, I'm entitled to a vacation, you know." I immediately wanted the words back. My cynical attitude about going on a four-day weekend with him had sparked an argument that led to so many unpleasant things.

     "Yes, Jordan, you are and I'm glad to see you're actually taking one." He took a deep breath and sighed. "I should be going."

     My thoughts blanked. I couldn't let him walk away. I needed him. I reached out and laid my hand over his. I'd already proven myself a fool. How much worse could it get? "Please, Pres. Stay a little while longer."

     Preston shifted in his seat. His face caught the moonlight and turned his deep-set orbs to silver. He closed his eyes leaving me to stare in forgotten wonder at how his long, sooty lashes were so dark against his pale skin. He opened his eyes and looked at me and then down at our hands.

     "What do you want, Jordan?"

    "To say how very sorry I am. I hurt you. I acted like an ass. I've wished every day I could go back and make it right."

     He fisted his hand beneath mine, but I refused to pull away. He raised his gaze and I saw the flash of temper in his eyes. "Is that really why you came this week? Guess what? We can't go back." He paused and shook his head. "God, how can I figure out anything when all I can think about is making love to you again?"