Devastate Me novel Chapter 4

Ophelia crept across her lawn in the growing dusk, wearing a brightly colored blouse, jean shorts, and sandals. She hoped that none of her new neighbors would see her heading toward Colt's house. The last thing she needed was to be the center of neighborhood gossip. With a furtive glance around, she knocked on the navy-blue front door. The door opened, and Colt stood there, towering over her. She stepped back, far too aware of how close they were.

His strong body emanated heat, and she could smell a blend of fabric softener and lemon. Had he been doing laundry and cleaning... just for her? She wanted to think so. There was something sexy about a man who rushed to clean up his place for a woman coming over. It made her think of tumbling onto clean sheets with him and having insanely hot sex on them.

God, when had she become turned on by things like that?

"Come on in. I just fired up the grill." He stepped back, and Ophelia entered his home, her eyes darting around the room to note the cozy yet masculine furniture choices. It wasn't spartan by any means, but the color tones of the walls and furniture were in natural and neutral tones of dark browns, dove grays, and warm leather.

"So, am I the first to arrive?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Your friend, Noah, wasn't it? Is he here yet?"

For a second, Colt simply stared at her, inscrutable as ever, and then he laughed. The rich, deep sound made her think of him in bed. If she was honest, everything he did was making her think of him in bed.

"Noah!" He whistled sharply, and Ophelia tensed at the sound of nails scraping on wood floors. An impressive but intimidating German shepherd rushed into the room. Ophelia immediately shrank back, and that didn't escape Colt's notice.

"Afraid of dogs?" he asked. He waved a hand, and Noah sat where he was and then lay down.

"No, not exactly. I got bit by a German shepherd when I was twelve. The neighbor boys sent it after me as a joke. I still have a scar." She pointed to her chin.

Colt reached up and caught hold of her chin, leaning in to examine it. She knew he saw the tiny faint white scar at the bottom of her chin.

"Feeling brave?" he asked, and for some reason that made her heart race.

"Maybe?" She felt unsure, despite the fact that she had wanted to sound confident. Colt took her by the hand and led her to the large dog, who remained in his lying down position.

"Noah, this is Ophelia." He looked to her as he introduced them. "Noah is a therapy dog. He was a bomb sniffer in Iraq for three years. You won't meet a gentler dog, I promise." Colt knelt on one knee and motioned for her to do the same. Ophelia did, but she reflexively gripped Colt's arm. His skin was warm and comforting.

"You can pet him. He won't move from this position until I tell him to."

Trusting Colt, she reached out and patted the German shepherd. His fur was smooth and soft. The dog licked his lips, which made her flinch.

"That means he likes it, not that he sees you as a T-bone steak," Colt explained. "When dogs are feeling safe and content, they lick their lips like that." Sure enough, Noah's eyes half closed as though he was experiencing pleasure.

"How do you know so much about dogs?" she asked.

Colt smiled a little. "Always had them growing up. When I came home from my last tour, I signed up to adopt a retired military working dog. Noah has been through hell, and he's a damn good dog."

Ophelia assumed that Colt must have been through hell during his service as well. "Miranda mentioned you were a Navy SEAL?"