A chill ran down her spine at the threat in his tone, even while his reaction set her at ease in a strange way. Somehow, she knew that despite whatever she’d find in his background check, this man would never harm his pet. “Here’s the paperwork. If you don’t want to fill it out now, you can email it to me later.”
“I’m good to do it now if you have the time.” His fingertips brushed hers as he took the pen and papers from her. Sparks shot off under her skin.
Maybe it was time for her to try out one of those online dating sites, even if the thought of it made her want to hide under her bed.
“Feel free to have a seat at the table near the pool.” She pointed to the lanai enclosing her pool and outdoor furniture.
“Thanks.”
A horn honked from her driveway, indicating the arrival of David and hopefully Nancy. “I’ll give you a few minutes.”
He winked, and she nearly giggled like a schoolgirl. Good Lord, she needed to get it together. Must be the damn heat because the last thing she needed or wanted in her life was a man. Some mistakes were learned and learned well the first time around.
As he sauntered off toward her patio, Brooke bit her lower lip. The man filled out a pair of jeans like no one she’d ever seen. Maybe he knew a clothing designer who’d literally made the things for him, they fit that damn well.
Ugh, she was losing her mind.
Nancy waved as she walked into the yard. Her blond hair hung halfway down her back in gorgeous, silky waves despite the humidity. Lucky wench.
Hopefully, her friend could talk some sense into her.
“Hey, girl.” Speak of the devil. “Um, who the hell is that fine specimen, and what is he doing in your yard?” Nancy said under her breath as she walked up to Brooke
“What was that?” David asked when he reached them a half-second later.
“Nothing, honey.” She flashed her husband a sweet and innocent smile. “Just telling Brooke how hot you look today.” She raised a blond eyebrow as Brooke snorted out a laugh.
David rolled his eyes. “Nice try, babe.” He narrowed his eyes Curly’s way. “Who’s that at the table?”
Great, now they were all staring at the guy like some kind of creepy panel of judges. “He’s interested in adopting Harley.”
“He could adopt me if he wanted,” Nancy murmured as Curly rose and began to head their way, papers in hand.
“Cute, Nance,” David said with another roll of his eyes. He was more than used to his wife’s lack of filter.
Curly kept his penetrating gaze on Brooke. That stare did funny things to her insides. Made them all quivery. She swallowed and refused to let anyone see on the outside how affected she was inside.
“Hmmm,” Nancy said as she tapped her coral-painted lip. “He is yummy.”
“Is he?” Brooke’s face felt like it was on fire. Damn Florida sun.
“Oh please,” Nancy whispered. “If you don’t think that man is sex on legs, we’re taking you to the doctor tomorrow. Look, even David thinks he’s fine as fuck.”
With a laugh, David said, “She’s got a point, Brooke.”
“Shut up, you two,” she whispered as harshly as she could. Curly was going to hear and think they were insane.
“All done,” he said when he reached her. “I’ll be waiting for your call.”
Was it her imagination, or was his voice even more gravelly than before? “Uh, great. Curly, this is David,” she said, pointing to her friend. “He’s the vet who checked Harley over.”
“Hey, man,” Curly said, extending a hand.
Nancy reached him first, palm against Curly’s. “And I am Nancy, his wife. Ohhh, that’s a strong grip. Bet you can do some magic with those hands, huh?”
“Jesus,” David muttered under his breath while Brooke snorted out a laugh.
“Babe, leave the man alone. He came for a normal dog, not one in heat.”
“Hey!” Nancy smacked her husband’s stomach.
“Sorry about them,” Brooke said when Curly’s eyes widened. Most men didn’t know how to take Nancy when they first met her. She came on strong and had no problem blatantly flirting with someone right in her husband’s view. Brooke swore it was some kind of foreplay for the two of them, but she didn’t need to know anything more about that. “I’ll call as soon as I hear back,” she said to Curly as she lifted the papers. “In the meantime, no one else will be able to adopt her, so there are no worries there.”
He nodded. “Thanks.”
Brooke couldn’t help but notice David’s eyes narrow as he took in Curly.
After a quick goodbye and some slobbery attention from Nancy and Ray, Curly strode toward his bike. Brooke forced herself to keep her gaze on his broad shoulders but happened to find them nearly as enticing as his ass, so the effort was a waste.