"I borrowed my brother's truck so I could fit the crate," Tammy said.
Trena popped around from behind Niall and waved at Tammy. Tammy hadn't even noticed her, she'd been so focused on Niall. "I came along for moral support," Trena explained. She looked at Catherine. "He's buggy about her. He proclaimed his deep and abiding love for her yesterday afternoon. It was very touching."
Tammy gasped. Niall was running around telling people he loved her? That didn't strike her as a wise move for the new vet in town. But it was terribly romantic. "You didn't."
His wicked smile started in his eyes. "I did."
"Ya'll better settle this thing, because he was talking about some crazy billboard scheme on the way over here. Tammy, talk some sense into him before everyone on Highway 109 sees I love you, Tammy. Signed, Niall in ten-foot letters on the way into town."
"You wouldn't." Her heart pounded so hard she could barely breathe.
"I would," he vowed. He traced his thumb against her cheek, regardless of their audience. "I'm prepared to spend a lifetime convincing you I love you."
"Come on. I'll fill you in." Tammy vaguely registered Trena grabbing Catherine's arm, pulling her into the other room, and closing the door.
"Bella and I were going to surprise you this afternoon."
"You beat me to the punch." He chuckled. "Bella and I were going to surprise you on Christmas Day." His caramel-flecked eyes grew serious and he smoothed her hair behind her ear. "I love you, Tammy. I'll always love you. If you don't want to get married, I don't need that piece of paper. I just need to know we have a future together. We can be the talk of the town. Some couples have his and her bathrooms. We can have his and her houses." His grin melted her from the inside out.
"I love you, you crazy, romantic man. And I love the idea of his and her houses, with a gate between our backyards. Maybe, in a couple of years, when we start a family, we can think about looking at one house."
"A family?" He looked a little excited and a whole lot nervous.
She definitely related. "We won't rush anything." She nuzzled the tempting space beneath his jaw. He was solid, warm and incredibly sexy. And, oh yeah, he was hers. "You've wrecked my Christmas present. Now I've got to get you something else."
"I'm sure something will come up." He rocked against her and a delicious warmth spread through her.
Something was coming up all right. She rocked back.
"Behave," they admonished one another simultaneously.
Niall laughed and pulled her hips closer. "Well, maybe don't behave too much."
Tammy curled her leg around his, nestling him closer, harder between her thighs. "How about barely behaving?"
Niall groaned his approval. "Let's get our dog and go home. You can give me my Christmas present early. I know just what I want."
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BARELY BEHAVING Page 16
