Can't Touch This (Can't Touch This #1)

The penmanship was awful, but the message was clear:

If you want to see your pussy and pooch again, come to this address.

My lips went from frown to smile.

That address.

It was home.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

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Ryder – Epilogue

“SHE’S PROBABLY CURSING MY VERY existence right about now.” I rubbed my nape. “Did I do the right thing?”

“I think it’s freaking hilarious.” Polly giggled, hugging Visa while I hugged Barb.

For some reason, the damn cat still hadn’t warmed to me. Maybe it was all the dog hair I was constantly covered in, or perhaps it was because she knew that her mistress loved me as much as she loved her and was jealous.

Stupid cat.

I planned on distracting her with catnip again tonight, so Vesper and I could be wicked together without claws in my ass.

Headlights appeared on my driveway.

“Uh oh, here we go.” I gulped.

Polly winked. “Seriously? You’re worried? You know how it’s gonna go.”

“What if she doesn’t like that I kidnapped all her stuff?”

“You kidnapped her heart, you fool. Pretty sure she was yours the day you said she could touch it.”

I snickered and stood to watch the car meandering up the drive.

Unlike a few months ago when scruffy bushes and skeletal trees were the welcome party, now nice trellising and new baby shrubs guided the way.

I was proud of the way this old girl had transformed. David and his crew had followed my vision, and I’d saved yet another run-down lady and made her magnificent once again.

It also didn’t hurt that each room was functional with soft furnishings and paint rather than crumbling walls and boarded-up windows.

I’d wanted to move Vesper into my place for months, but I’d promised myself that until the project was complete, it wouldn’t be the homecoming I wanted.

This house had grown on me. The river on the property and the barn with the dogs, it all meant so much and I hoped to God Vesper felt the same way I did, because I had no intention of ever moving.

“I’ll leave you to do the explaining.” Polly shot me a smile and vanished into the lounge where Hippo sat with a bow around her neck and the ring I’d bought especially for tonight.

Putting Barb down, I prepared for my big moment.

Holy Jesus, this is really happening.

I waited by the front door as Vesper parked her shitty car and shot up the steps to the veranda.

First I’ll give her a house, then I’ll give her a car.

Slowly but surely, I would dote on her and buy her all the things she refused to buy herself.