"Jasper!" Ivy squealed, recognizing that familiar blur of golden fur charging toward her. The retriever's ears flopped wildly as he bounded across the gravel driveway, his tail wagging. "Oh no, no, no—wait, Jasper—!" she laughed, realizing too late that she was wearing heels.
The gravel didn't give her much grip, and she braced for impact just as multiple pounds of ecstatic fur collided with her legs.
The world tipped — a breathless squeal escaped her lips — but instead of hitting the ground, she fell back into something solid, warm, and strong. Winn's arms closed around her waist, steadying her with a quiet grunt as her back pressed to his chest.
Then Jasper's tongue was in her face.
"Oh, God—Jasper—stop!" she laughed, gasping between helpless giggles as the dog practically tackled her again. She twisted in Winn's grip, trying to fend off the affectionate assault, but the retriever wasn't having it. "Winn, help me!"
