The pilot nodded my way before opening the door for Adam, and I smiled back nervously.What am I going to say? How can I possibly thank him enough?
While Adam retrieved his suitcase and thanked the pilot, my anticipation grew. When our eyes finally locked across the helipad, I was unable to wait another second before I flew toward him. My chest slammed into his as my arms snaked around his waist.
“Now, that’s a welcome,” he said, resting his suitcase on the ground.
I peered up at him with gleaming eyes. “Thank you so much.”
Adam’s gaze softened as he exhaled. “How’s he settling in?”
“He couldn’t be happier.Icouldn’t be happier.” I squeezed him again, enjoying the beat of his heart against my cheek. “It’s the most wonderful thing anyone has ever done for me.”
He ran his hand down my waves with a soft chuckle. “I doubt that.”
“Don’t try to hide that beautiful soul from me.” I poked his hard chest as I stared up into his piercing blue eyes. “I can feel it.”
Adam’s pupils dilated as I unintentionally ran my hand across his torso. “Cass…” He stared at my mouth while his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down.
A wave of desire crashed over me, and I rose up on my tippy-toes only to be knocked off balance when a giant furry beast burst between us.
“Fucking dog!” Adam yelled as Luci continued to pounce on him and lick his face.
“I’m clearly not the only one happy to see you,” I said with a giggle before eyeing the huge, wet paw prints on his cashmere sweater. “Oh, shit. You better give that to Max before it stains.”
“If it does, Josie can buy me a new one.” With a grumble, he picked up his suitcase and continued to the pathway.
I jogged up beside him. “Dogs can sense a good soul, too, you know?”
Adam paused before bursting into laughter. “Luci is the fucking devil. Perhaps he sees me as a kindred spirit.”
My heart burst at the sight of his smile. “There’s good and bad in everyone, Adam.” I slipped my arm through his as we continued toward the house. “And your good is definitely outweighing your bad right now.”
“Yeah, well, don’t go telling everyone. I have a reputation to uphold.”
I grinned up at him, relishing the relaxed state of his features. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Once we reached the entrance of Harlow Manor, Adam held the door open while I walked inside. “You’re wearing my coat.”
Heat rose up my neck. “Oh, yeah. I’m sorry. I was in a rush and…”
“It’s okay.” Adam moved closer. “You can keep it. My Laker’s hoodie, though…”
I pressed my lips together as I pretended to think. “Didn’t I give that back?”
“No.”
“I’m sure I did.”
“You didn’t.”
“I must’ve given it to Max, then…to wash.”
Adam’s lips pursed. “Then I’ll ask him.”
We stood at the base of the staircase, staring at each other for some time before one of us spoke.
“You want to meet him?” I asked, breaking first.
Adam exhaled a shaky breath as he gazed up the staircase. “Of course, but let me change first.” He winced down at his shirt. “I think Luci stepped in dog shit.”