Something wet and furry. I opened one eye, but then clamped it shut when a pink tongue sloshed across my cheek. “Gypsy.” She woofed softly, her blue eyes bright in the sliver of sunlight streaming across the bed. I scratched her muzzle as she burrowed closer to me. Unfortunately, Gypsy was my only company. Both robes were draped over the foot of the sleigh bed and that conjured delightful images of a naked Dale on the loose somewhere in the house. “I have to get up, Gypsy.” I gave the dog a final pat before slipping from the blankets. As I searched the room, gathering my discarded garments from the night before, a laugh from the doorway startled me. Dale leaned against the threshold, fully clothed in gray sweatpants and a green, long sleeved T-shirt that said I Live to Sled across the front. “Cute.” I pointed to the shirt. “Thanks. My nephews gave it to me when I won.” He looked at the shirt. “I suppose the sentiment is true, but—” He crossed the room to stand in front of me, pushing aside my clothes to capture me in his arms.
