Free Touch Me by Jacquie D'Alessandro Page B

Beauty.
    “That’s a fine puppy, sir,” the lad said, drawing nearer. “May I pet him?”
    “He’s a she,” Simon said with a smile. “And yes you may. But I warn you, if she wakes up, she’ll want to slather you with doggie kisses.”
    The boy smiled, revealing a gap-toothed grin. “That’s all right, sir. I like doggie kisses.” He reached out and ran a slightly grubby hand over the dog’s soft fur. “What’s her name?”
    “Beauty.”
    The boy’s grin deepened. “And she’s sleeping—just like the fairy tale.” His expression turned serious. “ ’Cept she’s a dog, not a princess. And I ain’t a prince.”
    “Perhaps once she kisses you, you’ll turn into one,” Simon said.
    The boy chuckled. “Doubt it. I’m going to be a sailor. Like my da.”
    Simon nodded gravely. “Excellent. England needs good sailors. And what is your name?”
    “Benjamin Paxton, sir.” The boy thrust out his none-too-clean hand.
    Simon shook it. “Simon Cooper. And my friend, Mrs. Ralston, who helped me pick out Beauty.”
    Benjamin nodded at Mrs. Ralston. “A fine job you did. Got her from the blacksmith’s litter, did you? I saw he was selling pups.”
    “Yes,” Mrs. Ralston said. “Are you going to buy one?”
    The boy scuffed the toe of his boot on the ground and shook his head. “We can’t have a dog. They make my little sister sneeze and cough something awful.” He ran his fingers over Beauty’s fur. “Dogs don’t make me cough and sneeze, though.”
    “Perhaps not,” Simon said, “but it is a brother’s duty to look after and protect his sister. I’d wager you’re a very fine one.”
    Benjamin drew himself up then nodded. “Yes, sir. Rufus Templeton said mean things to Annabelle and I bloodied his nose for him.”
    “Good man. I’ve bloodied a few noses myself to defend my younger sister.”
    “It’s what we men must do,” Benjamin said gravely.
    Just then Beauty awoke, and, as predicted, immediately looked for something to lick. Benjamin’s fingers provided fertile ground.
    “Would you like to hold her?” Simon asked.
    Benjamin’s eyes widened. “Oh, yes, sir.”
    Simon transferred the squirming bundle to the boy who dissolved into giggles when Beauty’s busy tonguelaved his chin. Simon couldn’t help but chuckle and when he glanced at Mrs. Ralston, he noted her broad smile.
    “She’s certainly energetic,” Benjamin managed to say between bouts of laughter.
    “Yes. I think she needs a good run and I’m rather tired. Are you up for the task?”
    “Yes, sir.” Benjamin carefully set Beauty on the ground and fisted his hand around her lead. “I’ll be very careful with her.”
    “I’m sure you will be.” Simon pointed to the large clock mounted to the church tower on the opposite side of the square. “Why don’t you bring her back here in about a quarter hour’s time?”
    “I’ll do that, Mr. Cooper, and thank you, sir!” Benjamin trotted off, an eager Beauty prancing at his heels.
    “I stand corrected,” Mrs. Ralston said.
    Simon turned and found her looking at him through amused eyes. “Regarding what?”
    “I’d said I’d never seen anyone fall in love quite so quickly as you did with Beauty…and then little Benjamin came along and proved me wrong.” Her low, husky laugh made Simon wonder if she’d make that same delightful sound in bed. “Asking that boy if he wanted to hold her was rather like me asking Sophia if she’d care for a rasher of fish.”
    “I take it Sophia likes fish?”
    “It’s merely her most favorite thing in the world.”
    Simon shook his head. “I’d wager you are her favorite thing in the world.”
    “Only because I am the one responsible for providing her with fish. As far as Sophia is concerned, the cottage belongs to her. I may remain as her guest only so long as I cater to her every need.”
    “I see. And if you don’t?”
    She heaved a dramatic sigh. “I fear I’d be cast aside with nary a thought.”
    “I