Free The Guy Next Door by Lori Foster

not really crossed. Just close together. And with his nose so big…” When she curled her fingers under the dog’s chin, he closed his eyes in bliss.
    Making up his mind, Jett said, “You know what? I think I’ll keep him.”
    Excitement brightened her eyes more than the tears had. “Keep him? Seriously?”
    Jett rolled one shoulder. “Sure, why not? It’s pretty obvious that he’s a stray. And I don’t have a dog, so…” He said again, “Why not?”
    She hurriedly settled herself cross-legged and leaned into his side. Smiling at the dog, continuing to stroke his ears, his neck, she admitted, “I’ve never had a pet.”
    “Why not?” Growing up, he and his sisters had always had animals. They’d become members of the family, living into old age with a lot of love and affection.
    Looking wistful Natalie shook her head. “Dad didn’t allow them when we were younger, and since I’ve been on my own, I figured I wasn’t home enough to give a pet the care and attention it would need.” She fidgeted, adding, “Besides, I’m not sure I trust myself to know what to do since I’ve never had any experience with animals. What if I did something wrong?”
    “You wouldn’t.” Jett instinctively knew that Natalie would do anything and everything necessary to protect those dependent on her, whether it be a pet…or a child.
    Thinking of her with a kid did something funnyto him, something disconcerting because it was so pleasing.
    “Jett?”
    His right eye flinched. Hell, he’d barely gotten her to agree to see him out of bed and already his mind had gotten way off track.
    “Caring is the biggest part of the job.” He put his hand over hers on the dog’s nape. “Because you care, you’d make sure he was fed and clean and healthy, and that he got exercise. That he felt secure. That’s all there is to it.”
    Beneath his hand, hers trembled. She skirted his gaze. “You have more faith in me than I do.”
    He released her hand to catch her chin, bringing her face around to his. “I’m a damn good judge of character.” And Natalie Alexander was golden, through and through.
    “That’s why you got clocked with a keyboard by a female spy?”
    Jett grabbed his chest, as if she’d dealt a lethal blow. Then he laughed and lifted both eyebrows. “That time doesn’t count because it wasn’t her character I paid attention to.”
    Natalie shoved him with her shoulder, but her mouth twisted with a repressed laugh. “Jerk.”
    “You brought it back up.” He smiled with her. “You’d be a great pet owner, Natalie. Take my word for it.”
    “Thanks. But given my lack of experience, I don’t think I’ll test the validity of that on some poor dog.”
    Jett could see her yearning, how badly she wanted to believe him. In the normal scheme of things, Natalie was such a confident woman. Seeing her like this twisted him up inside.
    He conspired a swift solution that worked twofold; he could give Natalie a chance to accustom herself to the responsibilities of a dog, and at the same time he’d be building one more bond between them. “We’ll share him, okay?”
    She went still then jerked toward him, her face flushing with warmth. “Share him?”
    “Sure.” Most would consider that a chore, but Natalie acted as though he’d just given her an amazing gift. Her enthusiasm made him want her. Again.
    Of course, he always wanted her. The woman could sneeze and it felt like a come-on to him.
    Showing great restraint, he held himself in check.
    Puzzling over his offer, she asked, “How would that work?”
    “We both have full-time jobs, but between us he’ll get plenty of attention. That is, if you’re sure that you don’t mind helping.”
    She looked thrilled. “I love the idea.” She put her arms around Jett and squeezed him tight. “Thank you!”
    The dog caught on to her excitement and jumped up. With his tail going like crazy, he yapped, turned a circle—and lifted his leg to pee.
    With a yelp, Natalie