The gagging sound from Tabby’s work area had Cyn shaking her head no at them with wide eyes.

Jim smirked. “Or, we could continue the family tradition of having sex in the break room.”

This time it was Ryan who gagged.

“I don’t think anyone here wants to see the Wolf moon today.” Spencer shuddered, earning a glare from Cyn. “The beaver moon, on the other hand…”

Both women stared at Spencer, then reached out and smacked him.

“Ow.” Spencer rubbed his head. “You two are no fun.”

“Ugh.” Chloe rolled her eyes and looked at Jim. “Maybe we should force Spencer to become a Wolf, because your brother is a dog.”

“Hey, now. Just because I have specific reasons for wanting to go to the beach this summer does not mean I’m a dog.”

Jim’s face became suspiciously blank.

Chloe glared up at him, but asked Spencer, “Why?”

“Butt cheeks and boobs.” He waved his hand slowly in the air, like Vanna White showing off a panoramic view of T&A. “Butt cheeks and boobs everywhere.”

“Oh yeah. His ass needs to Wolf out.” Cyn snorted and got back to work.

“Speaking of canines, George is well enough to come home tonight.” Jim steered Chloe away from a comically leering Spencer and back toward the front door. “He’s neutered, de-wormed, de-flea’d and out of the woods.”

“Good.” That was some of the best news Chloe had gotten all week. She couldn’t wait to see George again.

“He’s going to be huge, you know. Those paws of his are massive.” Jim smiled fondly. “We should have named him Moose.”

“Nah. We can still bug him and love him even if he is the size of the couch.”

Jim cupped her cheek. “I have to go.”

“I know.” She missed working with him, but it wouldn’t be long before she was back at the clinic, surrounded by the animals she adored and the mate she loved. “See you tonight?”

“With the puppy.”

“Darn tootin’, with my puppy.” She lifted her lips to his, giving him a swift kiss.

“Is that all I get? That little peck?” He pouted adorably. “I’m bringing you a puppy, after all.”

“Add some ice cream and we’ll see what I can do when you get home.”

The blue of his eyes was rapidly replaced by golden brown. “Deal.”

Chloe smiled as he closed his eyes and inhaled, slowly letting the breath out. When he opened his eyes again, the brown had faded to a faint hint around the outer ring of blue. “See you at home, Jim.”

He shuddered, his eyes once more brown. “Can’t wait.” With that, he cupped the back of her head and took her lips in the kiss she’d denied him. Slow and sweet, it was full of the promise she’d given him. When he pulled away, her own eyes had shifted to the reddish brown of her Fox. “Don’t leave the shop without Ryan.”

“Mm-hm.” Chloe nodded dreamily, reaching for him once more.

Jim gave her what she silently asked for. This kiss was far more sensual, sending heat racing through her body. She gave some serious thought to dragging the man into the back room and fulfilling some fantasies, but damn it, just when she was about to give in he pulled away again. “I have to go.”

She shook her head and whimpered. Dear gods, she really needed him to take her in the back for some nakey time.

“Be good, little vixen. I’ll see you tonight.” He brushed her hair back from her face with a wistful sigh. “And don’t let my brother talk you into doing anything stupid.”

“I heard that!” Spencer’s laughing voice came from behind Cyn’s curtain.

“I’ll send someone to take him home when Cyn is done with him.” He stepped away from her completely, backing toward the front door. His gaze never left her. “See you soon.”

She nodded, still fantasizing about getting him undressed and spread-eagle. The chaise was soft and inviting looking. Cyn wouldn’t mind too much, right?

Jim bumped into the door, jumping slightly, as if he’d forgotten where he was going. With a sheepish look he turned and opened it, heading out into the summer heat with a small sigh.

Damn. There went her afternoon delight, but at least the rear view was nice.

Chapter Fourteen

Ryan had dropped her off an hour ago, and she’d finally gotten over her nerves and decided to explore her new home. What she’d seen impressed her a great deal. It was nothing like his bedroom. He’d created a warm, inviting space in keeping with the style of the house.

Her mate never ceased to amaze her.

Jim lived just outside the main part of town, in one of the older brick homes. Built sometime in the 1920s or ’30s, the home had a huge covered porch painted crisp white that wrapped most of the way around the house. He’d put a set of two rocking chairs out front with a table between, and for just a second she felt jealous over anyone who might have sat in that second chair, chatting with her Jim. But she could picture nights when the crickets were out and the fireflies were dancing in the bushes, just him and her, and she shivered with pleasure. She couldn’t wait to just relax there with him and know that it was finally real.

Inside the main part of the house was a dream come true. Its original crown moldings were in place, as was the fireplace, but he’d remodeled it at some point. The original brick around the fireplace had been changed for a sleeker, more modern look of dark stacked slate. He’d also painted the built-ins that surrounded it, filling them with books and knickknacks. He’d painted all the trim white, brightening the space, and the walls were done in gold, like fresh honey. He’d filled the space with furniture done in simple lines and soft, buttery leather. The kitchen was small, but he’d brightened the space with crisp white Shaker cabinetry, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and swirling gold granite countertops.

All the place really needed was some artwork and maybe some patterned fabric. Perhaps he’d let her change the plain drapes for something a little more fun? And she’d seen the prettiest chair on the Internet the other day, one that would go beautifully with his leather sofa.

“Jim wants to move. I want him to put in a stair lift for my chair. We’re discussing it.” Chloe turned to find Spencer watching her from the dining room doorway, his expression tense. At the moment, the formal dining room had been set up as a bedroom for Spencer, so she’d chosen not to go into that room without an invitation. “What do you think?”