I actually got a snort out of Patrice Denis.

“He’s beautiful.” He inched toward where I was standing petting Justice’s big head. “And large.”

I smiled at Patrice’s very cautious tone and movements. “You can move closer, he thinks he’s a dog. He’ll probably try to lick you, but other than that, you’re pretty safe.”

We stood there for a few moments petting Justice and feeding him an apple I’d brought for him, while I thought of how to salvage this afternoon. I was running scenarios through my head when Patrice tugged on my scarf.

“Hey, no fretting. We’re having a nice a time.” He hiked his thumb in the direction of the parking lot. “Let’s finish visiting with Justice then go warm up a little in the car. We can drive back home after.” The word “home” was uttered in a very suggestive tone. The way he was looking at me made me feel like my clothes were going to disintegrate from my body.

After giving a last pat to a very unhappy Justice, I let him pull me out of the barn and we walked to my SUV. I said in genuine amazement, “This Zen thing you’ve got going is quite remarkable. I’m not sure I can handle it.”

He laughed again as we got into my frigid car and I immediately blasted the heat and turned on the seat warmers. As we sat there thawing out, I saw Patrice was mulling over what I’d said.

He leaned down to get the thermos I’d brought with me and opened it. When he sniffed it he raised both eyebrows. “Is there liquor in here?”

I grinned at his surprised expression. “Just a touch of bourbon.”

He shook his head and closed it up. “Maybe just water, then.”

I just nodded, still waiting for his answer about my previous comment. After taking a long drink of what had to be icy water, he looked at me and I could tell he was still considering how to approach the conversation I’d just reopened.

“It’s not Zen.” He shook his head as he bit the side of his mouth. “My utter lack of chill doesn’t exactly allow for that,” he said ruefully, then let out a long breath and pressed his head to the back of the seat and turned those almost-black eyes on me. I couldn’t stay away when he was this close, so I leaned in and pressed a kiss to his mouth.

When I pulled back he put his hand on the back of my head and pulled me in for another, licking into my mouth with gentle brushes of his tongue. Making me feel his kiss all the way down to my toes.