UnexpectedFind (23 page)
Authors: Nancy Corrigan
Jazz woke to the sounds of her kids’ favorite animated movie
playing in the background. She opened her eyes and looked around the empty
bedroom.
Good morning, my Jasmine. Did you sleep well?
She smiled. Hearing Rafe’s voice in her head always made her
happy.
I did but I hate waking up to an empty bed.
She glanced at the
clock on the nightstand.
It’s only seven.
And the munchkins were up at six. They were hungry.
And that was his secret code for saying he was hungry. The
man could easily eat six to seven meals a day.
Really? And what were they hungry for this time?
Chocolate chip pancakes, eggs and bacon.
She rolled her eyes.
Bacon. Again?
Bacon is good, woman! It’s full of protein. Now be nice
or I’m eating your share.
Okay, I’ll be right down.
Jazz dressed and followed the scent of food to the kitchen
but stopped dead in her tracks at the sight that met her.
“Puppies?” Jazz looked at the four little Rottweiler pups
rolling around on the ground with Seth and Levi. “When did we get puppies?”
Rafe rubbed the back of his neck. “Ummm, this morning. Josh
dropped them off.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Peggy Sue was lonely.
She needed friends.”
At the mention of her name, the older dog came over and bumped
her hand. Jazz gave her head a scratch. Because of the severity of Mr. Wilkins’
injuries he’d been forced to move into a nursing home. Until he recovered, they
were taking care of his dog. Jazz glanced from Peggy Sue to the puppies. “But
four?”
Rafe wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her
against him. “Sure. One for each of us.”
One of the pups ran across the floor, skidded into the
wastebasket next to the desk. Balled-up papers and loose scraps tumbled out,
scattering over the hardwood. As if the trash were a brand new toy, all four
dogs descended on the mess. She sighed. “Do you know how much work they’ll be?
They’ll need training and until they’re housebroken, constant babysitting.”
Rafe cleared his throat. “Well, Devin and Mira are going to
stay with us for a while. I figure between us and the dog trainer I contacted,
we’d be fine.”
She ran her fingertips over the muscles in Rafe’s arms and
rested her head against his chest. “So does this mean we’re not moving back to
the compound?”
“No. Kade and I decided not to uproot the kids. Besides, I’ve
realized living apart from humans isn’t always best. Had I left our sanctuary
more often, our paths might’ve crossed sooner.” He nuzzled against her cheek.
She tipped her head for his kiss, the chaste brush of lips that warmed her as
easily as his wicked ones did. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “You,
my Jasmine, were an unexpected find but one I’ll treasure for an eternity.”
Jazz turned in his arms and linked her hands around his
neck. “And I’m glad you found me, my mate. You truly are a wonderful man.”
He kissed her nose. “I know. That’s why you love me.”
“You’re right.” She hugged him tight and let happiness
surround her. She’d finally found her prince charming and a love to last a
lifetime. And it was one she’d never lose.
Nancy Corrigan has always had an active imagination. When
she finally sat down to pen her first novel, she found her sweet romance had
too much spice. After trying to tone it down and failing, she gave in and let
her characters have their way. She’s glad she did. Because isn’t the best
romance the kind with lots of amazing sex anyway?
She’s lucky enough to share her cat's home with three
wonderful children, husband, dog and snake. When not writing, she works in a
pharmaceutical lab.
Her passions beyond family and reading include music,
classic cars, tattoos and animals (all of which have found their way into her
writing in one form or another).
Nancy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her
website and email addresses on her
author
bio page
at
www.ellorascave.com
.
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Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Unexpected Find
ISBN 9781419947933
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Unexpected Find Copyright © 2013 Nancy Corrigan
Edited by Elizabeth London
Cover design by Willo
Cover photography by Syneca
Model: Ryan
Electronic book publication November 2013
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