Susan Carlisle - Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue / Festive Fling With The Single Dad

Cass turned toward him, her hip resting against the counter. “Didn’t you say that Ms. Renwick leaves food for you?”

“She does, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t particular about how her kitchen is kept.” Lyle stacked the bowls in the cabinet.

“So, if I’m not careful I’ll end up on her wrong side?” Cass hung a dishcloth back just as it had been when they’d come into the kitchen.

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, she’s really a softy at heart.”

Despite his assurance, they stood at the door and gave the kitchen one last look before they exited the room.

“I don’t think we’ve left anything out of place,” Cass said as the door swung closed behind them. “My mother is just as particular about her kitchen.”

“I’m sure Ms. Renwick will be pleased.” That was the first time she’d revealed a personal detail without being asked. He was delighted she had begun to open up.

Cass led the way through the dining room and continued into the hall, where she stopped and turned. Her eyes flickered up to meet his gaze then down to the floor just as quickly. “Thanks for supper…and for, you know…” she glanced up at him in a self-conscious manner “…a while ago. My…uh, meltdown.”

She looked so apologetic he crammed his hands into his pockets to keep himself from hugging her. “Not a problem.”

“I’ll give the canine therapy another try.” There was determination in her words.

“And I’ll speak to Flora and Margaret and see if they can work something out so you won’t have to work with one particular dog.”

Cass gave him an earnest look. “I’ll do what I can to make that work. I really do appreciate you letting me cry on your shoulder.”

To his complete astonishment, Cass placed a hand on his shoulder, came up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Pleasure zipped through him. When he saw Cass’s shocked face seconds later with its charming pink cheeks he was mesmerized. This tough woman appeared flustered. Her eyes had gone wide in surprise before she blinked a couple of times and looked away. She shook slightly and he feared she might fall. Lyle reached for her.

Cass stood close enough that he could smell the fresh scent of her hair.

“I’m sorry,” Cass murmured.

Lyle lowered his head to hear her words, bringing his lips closer to hers. He watched them, the soft full pads that looked so delicious.

“That was inappropriate. I shouldn’t have done that.” Cass glanced at him then away.

“I’m not,” he said quietly. “I rather liked it.”

Her eyelids fluttered closed, then her gaze met his. They stood there watching each other for precious moments. The tip of her tongue made a flicker of an appearance. Lyle wanted a taste, just a small one, of that glossy moistness on her bottom lip. He lowered his head and placed his mouth over hers. Cass remained still in his hands. Lyle took the kiss deeper.

Cass returned it for a second before she slipped out of his hands and whispered, “Goodnight.”

Lyle watched her walk away. Disappointment filled him. Everything in him wished he could stop her without frightening her. He wanted more than a chaste meeting of lips. It hadn’t been nearly enough. He sought a full, no-holding-back kiss from Cass. There was an attraction between them he wanted to explore. It had been a long time since he’d experienced such a driving need to kiss a woman breathless.

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