Morning came with the soft rays of sunlight penetrating the thin clouds and the glorious aroma of strong coffee wafting through the air. Scarlet grinned while still in that groggy state between a sinful dream of two magnificently built men in the form of Michael Vandenberg and Sam Reed and the reality of a hearty cup of joe awaiting her.
She wouldn’t have left the two magnificently built men in lieu of coffee, of course. Were they not a mere dream. One beyond her reach.
Shoving away the covers, she didn’t think of dragging on her jeans and top while she brushed her teeth, swept a hand through her hair, and then headed downstairs. Wearing nothing but Sam’s sweater and a thick pair of socks.
She followed the delicious scent of caffeine and breakfast. Jonesing for both. And for Sam.
Strolling into the kitchen, she was greeted by a lumbering puppy. His paws were a bit too large for his short stature, and then there was the matter of him being in obvious pain that made it difficult for him to actually scamper across the hardwood floor.
Prompting Scarlet to ask Sam, “Did the vet prescribe anything for the bruises and cuts?”
“Low-dosage aspirin and an antibiotic. I’ve been giving him both.”
“Right.” Scarlet really had nothing ingenious to contribute on the subject of healing a dog. “I’ve never actually owned a pet, so I have no clue what taking care of an injured one entails.” Still, she gently scooped the pup up into her arms. And was rewarded with a soft lick on her cheek. She laughed.
Sam said, “My experience with animals is that TLC can sometimes be the best medicine.”
“Yeah. You have a point there. Rudy seems to respond to it.”
From his place at the stove as he scrambled eggs, Sam jerked a brow at her. “Rudy?”
She eyed the pup and gave a slight shake of her head. “I don’t know. Fido is so not right. Spot? Jack? Ideas?”
“I’m thinking more along the lines of Cletus.”
Scarlet stared at Sam. “Seriously?”
“Why not?”
“Cletus,” she slowly repeated. Gave an even slower shake of her head. “Gotta tell you, I’m not seeing it.”
“Hmm. Then it just might be Rudy.”
She snickered. Told the Lab, “He’s totally humoring us. But I like Rudy. How do you feel about it?” Another lick, this one just under her left eye. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Sam chuckled. “One little good-night kiss and you’re namin’ my dog?”
“Someone has to do it. And that kiss might have been little, but it packed a hell of a punch.”
“Sort of like you running around half-naked in my house, wearin’ my sweater. Pretty sure those are my socks, too.”
“They are. You did tell me to help myself to anything.”
His gaze slid up her bare legs and he grinned. “Trust me, I am not complaining.”
Heat rushed through her. Scarlet put the dog in his bed and then set the island for two, now that she knew where everything was located. She poured a cup of coffee for herself, then topped off Sam’s mug. Next, she retrieved the tiny pitcher of creamer from the fridge, along with the orange juice.
Sam flipped pancakes on the griddle and added two small stacks to side plates. He put out a serving bowl filled with the eggs and another plate with bacon and sausage links. Added toast. Scarlet went back to the fridge for the butter and two kinds of jam.
They worked well together. Perfectly in sync. Not bumping into each other. And again, the comfortable silence that stretched between them was enthralling. Enjoyable.
Scarlet was a chatterbox by nature, because her mind was always whirling. But that peaceful feeling she’d experienced last night as she’d lain awake in Sam’s bed and stared up at the snowy pink heavens remained with her this morning. Even after he’d mentioned their brief kiss and following the way he’d so hungrily taken her in from head to toe a few moments ago.
It was too damn bad he’d felt compelled to shower and fully dress before starting breakfast. She would have liked to see him fresh from slumber, in pajama bottoms and nothing else. His brown hair tousled, sleep still in his sky-blue eyes. His voice low and rumbling.
She bit back a moan as desire flared against her clit. She couldn’t imagine anything sexier than waking up between this man and his stepbrother. The three of them naked and huddled together. Their bodies entwined. Sam’s and Michael’s hands on her. Sam kissing her lips, Michael nipping at her neck.
Scarlet pulled in a raspy breath.