A Family Forever by Helen Scott Taylor Page B

back on?" He picked up the square of wood and she nodded.
    Once he'd done that, he peeled off his gloves and dusted his hands together. "They're certainly cute little things. I can see why they appeal to you."
    "Yep. These little darlings have taken over my life." Victoria held up a baby to eye level and stared at its adorable brown furry nose and black eyes. She set the satiated creature back in its box and stripped off her gloves.
    "Of course, the only problem with hedgehogs is the fleas."
    "Fleas?" Adam's startled gaze fixed on her face. "You're kidding, right?"
    Victoria feigned surprise. "Didn't you know about their fleas? They're well-known for them."
    "Lord. How big are they?" Adam scratched his head then started examining himself, vigorously brushing off his trousers while Victoria stifled her giggles.
    "Oh, look. There's one." She picked at an imaginary speck on his shirt and he froze. Her hand flattened over his chest and she took her time, brushing her palm over his ribs and the flat plane of his stomach. Little tremors of pleasure raced through her and she released a slow breath.
    He was every bit as toned and muscular as she'd thought when he took her in his arms to comfort her the previous day.
    "Stand still and I'll check you over for the little biters." She examined his arms, taking the opportunity to skim her fingers over his biceps.
    "Can you see one?"
    If he meant a sucker, oh yes, she could. She fought to keep a straight face. "I don't think so, Adam, but to be on the safe side I'd better check your back."
    He turned and she hummed in appreciation as she skimmed a hand across his shoulders and down his back to where his waist narrowed. She eyed his gorgeous backside but didn't dare go that far. Instead she returned to his shoulders and pretended to check underneath his collar.
    Heat burned through her at the contact. She longed to lean closer and put her arms around him. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea.
    "All clear, I think," she said breathily.
    He turned to face her, his eyes narrowed. "I haven't noticed you or Sophie worrying about fleas."
    Oh dear. She'd been busted. "Gosh, look at the time." She made a performance of staring at her watch. "I'd better get going. Haven't you got dinner planned with Harry? Where is he, by the way?"
    Adam ignored her ramblings and stepped in front of her so she couldn't reach the door. His thoughtful expression had morphed into a knowing grin. "Don't you think I should check you over for fleas?"
    "No. I'm fine." Heat surged into Victoria's cheeks.
    "I don't think so, sweetheart." He stepped closer and suddenly there wasn't enough air in the shed. "I think you're in a heap of trouble." He rested his large hands on her shoulders. "If you wanted to touch me, you only had to ask, you know."
    Victoria gulped as his fingertips made contact with the skin above her neckline. "I didn't plan anything. It just sort of happened."
    He bent his head, pressed his lips softly to hers, then drew back.
    "Like this, you mean?"
    "Hmm." She nodded. "Like that."
    They both moved together then, his arms sliding around her as her palms flattened against his chest. Their lips met in a long, sultry kiss. It had been years since Victoria was last kissed, and it certainly hadn't felt this good. She closed her eyes and lost herself in the delicious sensation. Hopes and dreams she hadn't dared acknowledge flowed through her mind.
    She liked Adam Cantrell, liked him a lot. She was halfway to loving him in a few days. If he stayed in Great Monkton, her life would change beyond all recognition. It would be wonderful to spend time with him, to share her life with him.
    "Oh, Adam," she said, touching his hair. "I'm so glad you bought Larchfield, even if it has caused problems with the hedgehogs."
    "I'm going to sort that out for you, sweetheart. I promise."
    "I'm sorry Soph and I can't have dinner with you tonight. Perhaps we can plan something for tomorrow evening." If she could arrange a sitter,