Chapter Nineteen

Sunlight shining through the bedroom window woke Oakley. She glanced at the bedside clock, yawned then turned onto her side to gaze at the other occupant in the bed.

Tanner reclined on his back, sprawling out with arms and legs, maximizing his sleeping space. His mussed sandy hair pressed close to his scalp while a cowlick pulled his bangs to the side. Relaxed, his physical frame still impressed, full of muscles and strength, tight skin outlining dips and valleys of an athletic specimen. A handful of chest hairs twisted this way and that while a line of darker, coarser hairs began at his belly button then dropped lower, leading to what declared him male. Powerful legs covered with fine hairs, a touch darker than his head, completed the package. Flawless and handsome, Tanner put the fabled Adonis to shame.

Memories of the night before played through her mind. After their shower, both had pulled on clothing and lazed the evening away, playing with Hercules and snuggling on the couch watching television. A perfect day in her opinion.

As if he felt her stare, he woke, eyes blinking open. “Morning, minx.”

She smiled. “Good morning to you, too.”

Hercules appeared in the doorway, marching right over to Tanner’s side of the bed. With stilts for legs, he simply stepped up on the bed, no jumping required. Carefully, the dog straddled Tanner’s body then plopped down, covering Tanner from chest to feet with his huge canine form.

Tanner grunted. “What in the world are you doing, dog?”

Hercules’ tail thumped the mattress while his long pink tongue emerged from his mouth, licking Tanner across the face as if Tanner was a fast melting ice cream cone.

Oakley burst out laughing. “He likes you.”

“He’s dang heavy and ugh… Stop that.” Tanner groaned, using one hand to try to push Hercules’ head to the side.

Not budging, Hercules continued to bathe Tanner.

With a muttered oath, Tanner shoved harder, sitting up in the process.

Hercules reluctantly moved, shifting to the end of the bed, his sad chocolate eyes staring back at Tanner the whole time.

“Not working, Herc.” He shook his head then turned his attention back to Oakley. With a smile, he leaned in.

She stopped him with a hand to his lips. “Oh, I don’t think so.”

Tanner pulled back, tilting his head in question. “Why not?” Worry crossed his handsome face.

“I’m not kissing you while you’re covered in doggie drool. Nope. No telling where his tongue has been.” She waited a beat for the words to sink in. “He probably licked his butt right before coming in here.”

“Gee, thanks.” Tanner shot her an expression of annoyance.

Oakley giggled. “Hey, I’m just watching out for you.”

“Uh-huh.” He climbed out of bed without bothering to cover his nudity.

Her gaze roamed his body once more, locking onto his rapidly enlarging erection. The hanging sac below captured her attention as did the chiseled rear.

“Looking at me too?” Tanner hinted in a low sultry voice.

“Oh, yeah.” She didn’t bother to deny the obvious. Besides, it had become her favorite new hobby. That along with bedroom playtime. She didn’t bother to confess to Tanner. His ego seemed solid and more than adequate without additional ammunition.

The clock caught her attention. Nine thirty. With a sigh, she sobered. “I have to get up. The final exam starts in half an hour and I have to be available from ten until two in case any of the students have questions or get locked up.”

Tanner nodded. “Yeah, and I promised Dr Miller I’d meet him for lunch.”

He raked her bare body with his eyes.

“Really? I’m glad you two hit it off.” Thrilled with the fact, Oakley didn’t belabor the point, afraid of Tanner catching onto her good-natured scheme.

Still not quite comfortable running around butt naked in front of Tanner, she paused, clutching the sheet over her nudity. Unfortunately, she couldn’t hide for long. After sliding to the edge of the bed, she stood, heading for the dresser to start pulling out clothing.

“Yeah. He’s a good guy.” Tanner grinned, his expression full of male amusement and sexual longing.

She decided a change of topic was in order and fast. Before he distracted her right back into bed. “Maybe later this afternoon we can do something.”

“I’ll head back here after lunch. We can figure it out then.” He winked, then left the room, presumably to find his clothes from the night before.

Oakley quickly dressed, taking a minute to pull her tangled hair into a ponytail before stepping into the living room.

Tanner stood by the couch in his jeans, the remainder of his garments wadded up in one hand. With a smile of promise, he pulled her close and planted a hard kiss to her lips.

“See ya later.” With that he strode out of the back door.

She touched her lips. It took a moment for her sleepy brain to realize he’d shared Hercules’ drool with her. Rolling her eyes, she grinned. Such a Neanderthal.

But he was her Neanderthal.