Now I’m drinking in the sight of my sexy companion for the day. I don’t think we’re calling this a date, and I know it’s too soon for him to be my boyfriend. Aiden framed it as us making a show of support for the town, getting in the mix and letting them know we’re here for them.

  Still, I changed into the blue dress I wore to El Rio with a white cardigan tied around my waist in case it gets chilly. Aiden is hot as ever in a chambray shirt with the sleeves rolled to show off his muscular forearms. The shirt is unbuttoned over a simple white tee, and he’s wearing faded jeans with brown cowboy boots. His dark hair is styled in a messy way, and his beard is trimmed. Exhaling a sigh, I really want to kiss him again. He’s such a good kisser, and I was too tense last night to enjoy it.

  “It’s bigger than I expected,” Aiden observes quietly near my ear, and I peruse the lineup of doggy racers.

  It’s a group of about ten townsfolk with dogs ranging from dachshunds to hunting dogs to plain old Heinz 57 mutts.

  Terra Belle is two dogs down from us with her rat terrier Sparky. Terra has been cordial if a little impatient with the progress we’ve made on her case. She wants “the pickle murderer” punished, and she’s happy to remind us all the time. Sparky is wearing a white, pickle-patterned handkerchief around his neck, and he’s hopping all around. I don’t want to tell Owen, he’s a shoe-in to win. Rat terriers are fast little dogs.

  Sarah Magee walks over to speak to Owen. Her little Yorkie has a pink rhinestone collar, and she’s so tiny, I’m worried she’s going to get trampled.

  Raif Jones saunters past us on his way to the other end. He’s leading a decent-sized hunting dog, and he gives me a little nod. I smile cautiously, glancing up at Aiden.

  “Afternoon, Sheriff,” he says, and Aiden straightens, crossing his arms.

  “You realize this is a race for charity?” Aiden’s voice is level.

  Raif drops his chin, running a hand over his mouth, as if to hide his grin before answering. “I support the humane society.” Then he cuts his blue eyes at me. “Good luck, Miss Bailey. It’s nice to see you again.”

  “Thanks.” My voice is quiet, and I move slightly behind Aiden’s shoulder.

  Aiden steps forward. “Where’s your brother today?”

  The younger Jones shrugs. “You know Bull. He’s not much for town gatherings.”

  “I hope he’s staying out of trouble.” Aiden’s demeanor is pure dominance, which is brutally hot.

  Raif glances at his tan boots, exhaling a shew-noise. “I hope he is.”

  Harold’s voice cuts through our discussion. He’s on a ladder at the side of the track with a megaphone to call the race to order. Raif ambles to the end of the line, and I turn from him to our little team.

  “I’m going to get in my position now!” Owen jumps up, giving Edward another scrub around the ears. “You got this, boy! You gotta come get my socks.”

  Owen’s so excited, I wish we’d practiced a few times last night using his socks instead of Zander. Now I’m worried Edward only has eyes for stuffed zebra.

  When I glance at Aiden again, his square jaw is tight, and he’s watching Raif at the other end of the group talking to a skinny girl holding a package of hot dogs.

  “They’re not supposed to use food.” A growl is in his voice.

  “It’s okay.” I tug on his arm, pulling him back to our trio. “It’s just a fun run. It’s probably going to be a big mess anyway.”

  When his gray eyes meet mine, his brow relaxes. “You’re right.” He smiles and a little thrill sizzles in my stomach. Then he leans forward, speaking low. “I hope Edward wins.”

  “Me too!” I give his bicep another squeeze before squatting down behind my dog, getting ready to unhook his leash.

  Harold is back on the megaphone. “We’re keeping it real simple, people. All dogs must run to their second team member to finish the race. If they don’t get to the second team member, they don’t finish. The first dog to make it to the second team member is the winner. All good?”

  A resounding affirmation rises from the group, and a moderate-sized crowd has gathered on the sidelines to watch the spectacle. Gran is there, and she gives me two thumbs up.

  I wave to her, chewing my lip and wondering if Owen and I ought to switch places.

  “Too late now,” I sigh. “Don’t let us down, Mr. Ed.”

  I give my dog another good scrubbing around the neck, and Owen jumps up and down at the opposite end of the track waving his socks over his head and yelling, “You got this, ole boy!”

  Harold’s amplified voice prepares us to start. It’s nothing like when I kicked off the fun run. In that case, all I did was blow an air horn and everybody took off. I didn’t have to make any speeches or explain the rules.

  “Everybody ready? We’re doing this on three,” Harold calls, and I hear the noise of growling and a little yip at the other end of the line.

  Looking down, I see Raif’s dog is nose-to-nose with the feisty little dachshund. Harold doesn’t waste any time.

  “One… two… three!” The whistle blows long and loud, and I release Edward with a whispered Go!

  For a moment, all the dogs hesitate, and the Team 2 members start yelling and jumping up and down at the same time.

  “Come on Edward! Come on, boy!” Owen is waving his socks wildly.

  Edward zeroes in on him at once and starts loping down the track. He’s not too fast, but he’s focused.

  Sarah Magee’s helper has a squeaky toy, and she’s squeaking it furiously while calling for Periwinkle. The teeny-tiny little dog takes off running like a rabbit in the grass, which just leaves Terra of our friends. Her Number 2 has a pickle with a bell on it, and she’s waving it wildly.

  Sparky takes off fast, and my stomach twists. The other dogs towards the end of the line start running for their team members as well, until the skinny girl with Raif yells, “Porkchop!” and waves the hot dogs over her head.

  “The dog’s name is Porkchop?” Aiden frowns at me, and we’re both distracted by her jumping up and down in her cutoffs and tube top with a package of hot dogs.

  All at once, the six dogs on their end of the track see what she’s holding, and all of them change course midway, making a beeline right at her.

  “Oh!” I gasp. “That’s not good.”

  The girl screams at the mob of dogs barreling in her direction and bolts away. Even Sparky forgets about the pickle with the bell, plowing over Periwinkle in his haste to run down the hot chick waving hot dogs.

  “Periwinkle!” Sarah cries, running onto the field to retrieve her dazed pooch. “Are you okay, baby?” She scoops up the Yorkie who nestles her little head under her owner’s neck, no longer interested in racing.

  It’s utter chaos, and I’m laughing so hard, tears run down my cheeks. I’m not the only one.

  Raif’s girl finally gives up, throwing the hot dogs over her shoulder at the mob of dogs before dashing into the ladies restroom and locking the door. The entire crowd of spectators roars with laughter, and rising above it all is a loud Rooo!

  I sniff, looking down at the end of the track, where Edward is jumping all around with Owen, who’s letting him play tug-of-war with his black athletic socks.

  “And we have a winner, ladies and gentlemen!” Harold is back on the megaphone. “The winner of the inaugural Founder’s Day Doggy Dash is our very own Edward Bailey, owned by Miss Birgitte Bailey and handled by Miss Bailey and Owen Stone. Please make your way to the winner’s table to collect your medal.”

  I’m still wiping tears from my eyes, and even Aiden has a huge grin on his face.

  “That played out better than I expected,” he chuckles, putting his hand on my back and walking with me to where Harold climbs down the ladder to award our gold medal.

  Piper meets us at the table with Ryan at her side. She’s holding a camera, and her eyes dance with laughter as well. “I have to hand it to you, Harold. That’s the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time.”

  My bestie gets on one knee to take the photo of me beside Owen hugging Edward, who’s proudly wearing his medal.

  “I guess we’re going to be in the paper now.” I lean forward, putting my hand on Owen’s shoulder. “Everybody in town will see what a smart dog we have.”

  “I get it!” He turns, hugging my waist before dropping again to hug Edward. “Everybody in town’s going to know you’re the best dog! Even when hot dogs are on the line, you’re still going to win the race.”

  Heat warms my eyes, and I stand, giving Piper a hug.

  “Now that’s my kind of race.” Adam Stone’s voice joins us, and I turn.

  “Adam!” Stepping forward, I give him a hug. “I haven’t seen you since I got back to town. You look so good!”

  He really does. Adam was always the wild child in the Stone family. He looks just like his older brothers, with the dark brow and the panty-melting muscles, but he’s so easy-going and loose. He’s the kind of guy you could trust with anything.

  “Hey, man.” Aiden steps up behind me, placing his hand on my back, and I lean into him, remembering what he said.

  I guess because we were friends in high school, Aiden got the crazy idea I wanted to date Adam, but as much as I adore him, there’s only one Stone brother I’m interested in.

  “Are Mom and Alex here?” Aiden asks.

  “Nah, I came on my own.” Adam clasps his brother’s hand.

  Then he does something that surprises me. Adam looks at Piper in a way that I don’t think she notices. I’ve never noticed it until this second. He looks at her like she’s a wave he’s never been brave enough to ride, but he really wants to.

  “I had to check out this Doggy Dash,” he continues with a laugh. “I figured Pip would be here covering it for the paper.”

  “You figured right.” Piper grins, tugging on his arm, and I cut my eyes from him to her, wondering.

  Adam catches my eye, and he smiles. “Why don’t I take Edward and the boys to the kids area? I’ve heard the corn maze is actually hard this year.”

  “If you’re shorter than five feet,” Piper clarifies.

  Adam gives me a wink, and I realize we’re on the same team. I want to mouth a thank-you, but I don’t want to draw attention.

  “Can we, Mom?” Ryan pulls on Piper’s arm, and Owen dances all around, taking Edward’s leash from my hand.

  “Edward’s the best dog! He can figure out any ole maze.” Owen’s still going. “You won the gold medal, didn’t you, boy? He ran straight to me when all those other dogs ran after that girl.”

  “He’s the coolest dog I’ve ever seen,” Ryan agrees.

  “Is it okay, Miss Britt?” Owen looks up at me, gray-blue eyes worried.

  Edward seems a bit confused by all the small-human attention, but I can tell he likes it. He stands, ready to follow the little guys, which is plain adorable.

  “Of course!” I shake Owen’s shoulder. “Make sure he gets some water every now and then. Y’all have fun.”

  “We will!” Owen cries, taking off with Ryan and Adam in the direction of the kids’ area.

  Piper goes with Harold to get the details of the race and the charity recipient for her story, leaving Aiden and me facing each other.

  “Alone at last?” He cocks a grin, and a bubble rises in my chest.

  Stepping forward, I hug his arm. “At last.”

  We leave the racetrack, heading into the thick of the festival. We stroll through the antique car show, and I marvel at the pristine condition of the hundred year-old Fords and coupes.

  “I should find out who does their restorations and get them to look at my truck,” I joke.

  “I’ll take a look at your truck.” Aiden puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to his side. “I still don’t trust those brakes.”

  “So protective.” I snuggle close, loving the feel of being tucked into his side, safe from all the craziness in my life.

  Townspeople walk up to him as we stroll along the booths. Everyone wants to speak and shake his hand. I know most of the people in Eureka, but not as many as the sheriff.

  The pie-eating contest is in full swing when we exit the car park, but I can’t watch it. “Those contests make me feel like I’m going to barf.”

  We continue on to the food tent, and I try the authentic Terra Belle’s Pickle Pizza (too salty), and the fried fudge (too sweet). We make our obligatory stop at the dunking booth to try and sink Doug.

  His heckling game was not too bad. Sitting on the plank over a tub of water, he smiled and waved as I threw three balls and missed.

  “Losing your arm, Britt?” He called, then Aiden threw three more balls and sank him.

  Doug came up laughing, but Aiden leaned into my ear. “You missed on purpose.”

  His eyes narrowed, but I only shook my head. “I must be out of practice.”

  We walk down the midway to the livestock pavilion, and I drag Aiden to the winner’s tent where I present the blue ribbon to Holly’s prized pig.

  “Like you didn’t know Myrtle was going to win,” I tease, elbowing him in the side as we finish the last of my duties. “She’s smart as a dog.”

  “I know, I know.” Aiden holds up both hands like he’s under the interrogation lamp, and I lean forward, laughing as I push his shoulders.

  His hands slide around my waist, and we’re in each other’s arms, right here in front of God and everybody.

  “What are we doing?” I can’t help asking, lightness floating around me.

  He looks down at me, his gray eyes warm. “Getting too close.”

  My lips are heavy with need, and when I slide my tongue out to touch them, his gaze darkens.

  The sky is turning a pretty red-orange, and a purple ribbon lines the horizon. Twilight is my favorite time of day, and Aiden threads my fingers, leading me in the direction of the Ferris wheel.

  “We don’t have much time,” he murmurs, pulling me close to his chest. “I can’t leave Owen with my brother all night.”

  “I don’t know,” I sigh, threading my fingers in the fabric of his shirt. “He has Edward and Ryan to keep him company.”

  A lusty groan comes from Aiden’s throat. “Don’t tempt me.”

  Tickets are in our hands, and we move through the nonstop line to get on the slow-moving wheel. It’s enormous, and one rotation is all we get. Still, it’s a long way around.

  Climbing into our seats, the guy closes the door, and we rise two cars before pausing. The breeze is stronger up here, and I take my sweater from around my waist, pulling it over my shoulders.

  Aiden wastes no time pulling me into his side. “I’ve been waiting all day for this.”

  Heat floods my stomach, and I slide my hand up his strong arm, moving my body closer to his. “Me too.”

  His beard scuffs the side of my cheek as his soft lips press to my ear, my temple, the side of my head. “It’s been a long week.”

  He traces his nose along my hairline, inhaling deeply, sending chills down my arms. Then he kisses my head one more time before lifting his chin and grinning down at me.

  “You’re so fucking pretty.” His blue eyes light my entire body. “How is it possible I never saw you before?”

  Tracing my finger along his jaw, I try to imagine if he had seen me before. I’d have passed out from surprise. “To be fair, I was a lot younger back then.”

  “But you were friends with my brother. You were over at my house.” He shakes his head. “I had my head up my ass after Dad died.”

  “I understand that.” My fingers curl in the hair along his collar. “My mom was pretty messed up after my dad died. Still is…”

  The thought of her sours my stomach, so I put her right out of my head again. It’s not hard to do when Aiden lowers his hungry gaze on me.

  “I see you now.” It’s a deep vibration that clenches my core. “I haven’t seen enough of you this week.”

  We’re halfway to the top, and he catches my jaw in his fingers, covering my mouth with his. I exhale a whimper, melting into his soft lips. His kiss is what I want more than anything. It’s salty-sweet popcorn and rich, luscious fudge.

  Soap and sweat and cedar surround me, and I reach up to hold his neck. With a rough scoop, he hauls me onto his lap in a straddle, and I’m so glad I wore a dress as his hands move higher on my thighs, under my skirt to cup and squeeze my bare ass.

  Heat floods my panties, and a whimper slips from my throat. I hold his face, hungrily pulling his lips with mine, nipping them with my teeth, smoothing them with my tongue as the sensations filter through my inner thighs.

  He groans, moving his hand over my leg and sliding his thumb beneath my underwear, firmly circling my clit.

  “Oh, fuck…” My mouth breaks away on a gasp, and my hips start to rock.

  Orgasm races to life in my core, and I need more.

  “You gave me a taste of this sweet little pussy.” His beard scuffs my neck as he drags his lips across my collarbone. “I’ve been starving for it all week.”

  “I love your filthy mouth.” I kiss his forehead, his temple.

  “Feel what you do to me.” His hand is on mine, and I slide my palm over the straining erection in his jeans.

  Fumbling to his waist, I want to open them. I want to slide my hands all over him and put him inside me. At the same time, his fingers unfasten the buttons on the front of my dress, pushing the fabric aside.

  “Watch this.” With two fingers, I open the front clasp of my bra, allowing my breasts to spill out.

  His brow relaxes with a lusty grin. “Perfect.”

  My nipples are tight and tingling, and his mouth covers one, biting and sucking. His thumb doesn’t stop massaging between my legs, and when he slides two fingers inside, I rise in the air with a moan.

  He groans, kissing his way from one breast to the other. “God, you’re so wet. I want you on my cock.”

  “I want that.” I curl my fingers in the waist of his jeans.

  Soft lips followed by rough beard scuff my skin, and I’m lost in sensation. Where we are, who might see us, none of it matters as he feasts on my body, as I strain for his touch.