The Heart Beneath. Lindsay McKenna

with him, but that had yet to be verbalized.

      Her heart pounded briefly at her boldness. Could she say it to his face? What a coward she was! Callie felt incredibly drawn to him and unable to stop the energy that seemed to pulse between them when they were together.

      She handed Wes the pen and leaped down off the bumper. As she picked up the leather leash, Dusty instantly stood up, his tail wagging. He was ready to go to work.

      “Callie is a nice name,” Wes murmured. “Kind of old-fashioned. I like it.” And he liked her. Heart pounding in fear, he added, “Listen, green can mean a lot of things, Callie. I know we’ve got this emergency we’re handling, but from a personal standpoint, I’m really drawn to you. I’m not promising a forever relationship, but I’d really like to explore what we might have between us. Maybe see where it leads?” Wes gulped unsteadily. His words were brazen, he knew. He saw her eyes widen in shock. And then he saw them glisten. With tears? No. Impossible. Just as quickly, her eyes darkened slightly and whatever emotions he’d seen, were gone. Waiting tensely, because he wanted her to say yes, Wes compressed his lips as he held her stare.