The Rocky Road to Romance Read Online Free PDF

week.”
    Kevin wasn’t convinced. “I don’t like the way he’s looking at me.”
    â€œYou’re going to have to get used to him,” Daisy said. “He’s the only dog in the whole subdivision. I promised my publisher a sequel to Bones for Bowser, and Fang is my guinea pig.”
    Steve leaned forward, pretending to look at Fang, but actually finding an excuse not to lose body contact with Daisy. She felt good tucked back against his chest—too good to let go. He looked at Fang and had a stroke of genius. He rested his cheek against Daisy’s blond curls and lied to her. “You could use my dog.”
    His voice was low and raspy, whispering through the loose tendrils that had escaped the comb and curled around her ear, and it tookher a moment to realize he hadn’t said something seductive. She turned to face him and was intrigued by the amused curve to his lips—as if he’d done something very clever and was enormously pleased with himself.
    â€œI didn’t know you had a dog,” she said.
    â€œYup. I’ve got one.”
    â€œWhat’s his name?”
    Steve stared at her for a full minute. “Bob.”
    Fang circled the car, snuffled into the window one last time, and left. Everyone watched while he walked down the street and scratched at his door to be let in. Emily Atkinson opened the door and shook her finger at him. A moment later, she dragged him in by his collar.
    â€œBob would be a real challenge,” Steve said. “He’s very finicky.”
    â€œWhat kind of dog is he?” Daisy wanted to know.
    â€œBig. He’s a big dog, so he has to eat lots of good food. But he’s gentle. You’d like him. I could bring him over tomorrow after work.”
    Daisy really didn’t have time. On the other hand, a finicky dog would make a much better guinea pig than Fang-who-ate-everything. Andshe would like to see more of Steve Crow. She might even be able to find a way to plaster herself against his incredible body for a few minutes. Not that she wanted anything to come of it, but another innocent scrunching wouldn’t be too terrible. “Okay,” she said, “I have a recipe for stir-fry I could try out on him.”
    â€œYou make the dog food, and I’ll bring the people food,” Steve said.
    â€œAll right!” Kevin gave Steve a high five and got out of the car. “See you around.”
    â€œSee you around.”
    By the time Daisy slid over the gearshift Steve was waiting to help her out of the car.
    â€œIt’s nice of you to offer,” she said, “but it isn’t necessary for you to bring dinner tomorrow.”
    â€œIt’s the least I can do. After all, you’re going to be slaving away over a great meal for old Fred.”
    â€œI thought his name was Bob.”
    â€œYeah. That’s what I meant. Bob.”
    He was a little forgetful. She thought that was endearing. “Well, good night.”
    â€œGood night.”
    Neither of them moved.
    The devil in Steve’s head whispered, “Hell, go for it!”
    â€œOne more thing,” he said to Daisy, taking her by the shoulders. He pulled her forward into the circle of his arms and kissed her. It wasn’t a getting-to-know-
you kiss. It wasn’t at all polite. It was pure passion, deep and hard, right from the beginning. He felt her respond, felt the tip of her tongue against his, and he crushed her closer, leaving no doubt about his future intentions.
    When he finally released her and stepped back she noticed that his satisfied smile was back in place. “Good night,” he said pleasantly. Then he turned on his heel and left.
    â€œG’night,” Daisy said. Wow.

Chapter 3
    Daisy pulled into the Belle Haven Marina lot, parked the newscar facing the river, and blew out a long sigh of relief. She’d managed to drive the entire loop without having an accident. She’d even given