As I turned and started down my porch steps, I caught sight of the neighbors also leaving for the day. A man and woman and their two young kids, laughing and talking while hurrying to get out the door to school and work. I smiled, my chest tightening a little bit as I noticed how happy they all looked. They were a perfect family, with a perfect life.
I wanted that for myself, more than anything, but it looked like my family would be Bonnie, Clyde and me. It was fine. I loved my life. I loved my job, but I had to admit there were times it got a little lonely.
I loved to be around people, to laugh and have a good time. Interacting with the dogs and the customers at work gave me that outlet, but there were plenty of nights when I got home and it just felt too quiet. I wanted someone to share my evenings with. To share my time and space with. But after all this time alone, I wasn't sure I would ever find anyone who would love me for me. I knew there had to be people out there who wouldn’t care about the way I looked, but being bullied and rejected all my life sometimes made it hard for me to believe I’d ever find them.
I hopped in the car and secured Bonnie and Clyde into their doggie car seats in the back, and then headed toward Pampered Paws, my shop just off the historic main street of Timberwood Cove. On the short drive over I thought about what it might be like to have a family like my neighbors next door. Or hell, even what it would be like just to go out on a date. I sighed, feeling a little sorry for myself because I didn't know what it was like to spend time alone with another man, to hold hands, or even kiss. A grown man who’d never had a first kiss? I shook my head and tried not to think about it.
It wasn't like my life wasn't full. Aside from the daycare, I had my friends, and I had been super busy spending time with Brock and Raina, my best friend Kyle’s son and newborn daughter. That had kept me occupied lately. I really did love those kids, and it was fun being an uncle. Maybe tonight after work I would stop by Kyle's place and see how they were doing. It would definitely beat another night home alone.
When I pulled up and parked in the alley behind my daycare, I looked around, wondering if I would see Jason on my way in. When I didn’t see any sign of him, I felt a mixture of disappointment and relief.
Having a little crush on him made things awkward, at least for me. We kind of ran in the same circle of friends because my friends Kyle and Shawn were mated to Jason’s packmates, so we saw each other occasionally outside of work. But even though he never really paid attention to me, my crush seemed to keep growing. I couldn’t explain it, not when he came off as such a jerk to my dogs. But it was there nonetheless.
My mind drifted back to a couple of weeks ago when I'd seen him just after Raina was born. It had been a great day seeing Kyle so happy with his family. But it had also been hard. Kyle, knowing how much I wanted a family and children of my own, had smiled and told me it would be my turn next. I simply laughed and told him no one would ever be interested in me.
I'd seen Jason giving me a funny look and frowning. I didn't know what that was about or how much he heard of the conversation, but that look had my crush on him intensifying. Part of me wondered if that had anything to do with the strange look he’d given me yesterday over the fence. Like he was curious about me. I quickly shook that thought off, knowing it was ridiculous. He had probably just been irritated with the dogs like usual.
Okay, new train of thought here, Trevor. You have better things to focus on.
I set Bonnie and Clyde up with their breakfast in the playroom at the rear of the shop then looked over the bookings for the day. Before long, it was time to open.
I propped open the front door with a flower pot I'd bought from Petal Pushers because it had cute little paws all over the front of it. It made a great doorstop, and it had been an excuse to perv on Jason back when I first opened the daycare and was getting to know my neighbors. Before I’d known what a jerk he could be.
It was a nice day outside despite the late summer heat we've been having. A cool breeze filled the air and brought with it the sense of freshly cut grass and flowers into the daycare. I went back behind the counter and soon enough, customers filed in.
Shawn showed up with his corgi LuLu. She was the sweetest thing and I almost felt like she was my own. In fact, I felt pretty attached to all of my regular dogs. They were like an extended family. It's what made running a doggie daycare so perfect. Growing up, I'd been that kid who always brought home any stray I found, wanting to give it a good home. My parents had to step in after I brought the fifth dog home. Now, as an adult, I had the best of both worlds. I was able to take care of plenty of dogs and see them every day, yet my house wasn't turning into a zoo.
“Hey, Trevor,” Shawn said. “Having a good morning so far?”
“I am now you’ve brought Miss LuLu in!” I bent down to give LuLu a hug. “You are looking as pretty as a picture,” I told her, and she wagged her tail in response.
“Talking of looking pretty as a picture, you're looking awfully dressed up today.”
I shrugged. I didn't exactly want to tell him I'd been thinking of Jason when I picked out my outfit for the day. I didn’t need my dumb crush getting out there.
“We’re having a barbecue soon,” Shawn said. “You should come over and we can hang out. You wouldn't believe how fast Samuel is growing.”
Samuel was Shawn's baby, who would be one next month. All my friends were having kids these days, it seemed. I guessed if I wasn’t going to have a family of my own, I’d just have to be Uncle Trevor to all my friends’ kids.
“Honey, I wouldn’t miss it. You tell little Sammy his uncle will be there.”
Shawn left, and I brought LuLu into the playroom to play with Bonnie and Clyde. My customers trickled in, keeping me busy until Charlie Hammond arrived; a retired elderly man who loved dogs so much he worked here for free. At first I’d resisted the idea when he’d come in asking to volunteer as an assistant, feeling like it would be taking advantage of him, but he was a vet who had worked in a K-9 unit, and he said being around all the dogs brought him peace. He wanted to volunteer, and I couldn’t say no to that.
“How are you today, Charlie?” I asked when he came in.
He gave me the same bright smile he did every morning and spoke the same greeting he'd been saying for the last two years. “I'm on the right side of the grave, so I can’t ask for much more.”
“Well I certainly wouldn’t want you six feet under.”
Charlie laughed at my response; the same one I’d been giving him the last two years.
I relinquished my position at the front desk to Charlie. “It's such a beautiful day. I think I might take the dogs out early for their exercise. They'll be able to enjoy the weather before it gets too hot this afternoon.”
Charlie nodded, and I made my way into the playroom where the dogs were playing and lounging around.
“You guys want to have some fun?” I asked them as I led them out into our yard. It was pretty nice if I did say so myself. I’d created obstacle courses and had lots of toys everywhere. Plush grass covered the yard for the dogs to roll around in. I even had a little tent set up in the corner so the dogs who wanted to lie around in the shade would have a place to go. In the afternoons, they all got to go on walks with some of the other volunteers. Charlie had set that up as well.
It was great day, and I took a minute just to appreciate it. Watching the dogs play and have a great time is what brought me the most happiness. My life was full, I just had to remind myself of that from time to time.
Just as I was about to round them up and head inside, I heard the door of the florist shop across the alley swing open. I immediately glanced up, my gaze landing on Jason.
My face suddenly felt hot, and I knew it wasn't just the heat of the day. I always had a reaction to him, a fluttering in my stomach. But this felt a little different.
A wave of heat flow through my body when Jason looked up and met my gaze. He stared at me for just a moment, and I could've sworn there was someth
ing that passed between us. Some type of awareness or connection. I didn't recognize it or understand it, and it was gone just as fast as Jason turned away and headed toward the greenhouse, not even acknowledging me.
I had no idea what that reaction was all about, but I was pretty sure I’d been the only one who’d felt it. I sucked in a breath as I watched him go, my gaze following the way he moved, lingering on his broad shoulders and narrow waist. I couldn't help but notice the way his pants hugged his slim hips, showcasing a perfect ass.
Snap out of it, Trevor!
I shook my head, trying to shake myself out of my stupor. But I couldn’t help wondering if he noticed the extra effort I put into my outfit for the day.
Why would he? You’re being ridiculous.
Yeah. I was.
Time to get the dogs in. I started back down the steps to round them up when Jason surprised me by walking back out of the greenhouse, a watering can in his hand. He made his way around the back of the flower shop, tending to the plants that weren’t in the greenhouse.
I stopped where I was, watching him, frowning as it hit me. That’s what was different. He wasn't telling the dogs to be quiet today. Not yelling or fussing. Just like yesterday. What was going on with that? Very unlike him. I knew he didn't like the dogs—he wasn’t shy about making his feelings known.
Suddenly, Jason turned, his eyes locking on mine again. I realized I was just standing there staring, and my face heated once more. When Jason still didn't say anything, I tilted my head and lifted my hand in a wave, offering a friendly greeting. He just stared at me, and I didn’t know what to think.
I suddenly felt bold, not wanting to be the guy who worried about what his neighbor thought about the dogs. Not taking my eyes off him, I gave him my most sassiest smile and quirked an eyebrow questioningly, using body language to ask, Well, are you going to say anything?
Jason still just stared back at me. But I could've sworn I saw the corners of his mouth twitch. Well, that was new.
A little unsettled, my body heating to the point of boiling under his gaze, I tore my eyes away from him and tried to focus on the dogs. I gathered them up and brought them back into the playroom. But I couldn't resist one last glance over the fence before I shut the door behind me.
What I saw shocked the hell out of me.
Jason was still standing in the same place, watching me with that same intense stare. What the hell was going on? I’d landed right into an alternate reality where Jason Meredith wasn’t a complete asshole? Wonders never ceased.
3
Jason
I knocked back the rest of the coffee in my mug and hoped it would be enough. It was five-thirty on a Friday night, but I knew I would need the extra energy to make it through this weekend.
Sarah and I were busy taking care of the Friday night rush. That was when everyone wanted to get flowers for their special dates or for weekend events that were coming up. On top of that, I had been asked to provide flowers for a charity event tomorrow, and I still had the wedding flowers to complete. It would be a couple late nights and early mornings, but I knew I could get it done.
The wedding flowers had taken most of my time this week, and luckily they were almost finished. They’d turned out even better than I'd hoped, and I knew the happy couple would be thrilled with what I provided. I tried to suppress the rush of longing that shot through me as I thought again about how these flowers would've been like the ones I’d want for my own dream ceremony. But I didn't have time to dwell on that, not with everything else I had to handle.
I smiled at the next customer in line. “Linc, how are you?”
Linc Travers was a regular customer here, often coming in to get flowers for his mate, Shawn. Linc was another alpha in the Timberwood Cove wolf pack, and he treated his omega wonderfully.
“I'm doing great. Greer is taking care of the kids tonight so Shawn and I can have a date.”
Greer was the former lead alpha of our pack. His son Jaxon had taken over a couple years ago. But Greer seemed to love playing grandfather.
“That's awesome,” I said. “So, what can I get for you?”
I led him over to a refrigerated case and we browsed the arrangements before he selected one. As I was ringing him up, I noticed the line was still growing. Sarah and I were doing our best to keep up, but I wondered if I might need to hire someone else on for the weekends. It wasn't the first time I'd had the thought. Business was booming. Not a bad problem to have. My grandmother would be proud of the way the shop had grown.
I was just finishing up with the next customer when I saw Keifer come in through the front door with Stacia by his side. I smiled and waved. Keifer waved back then took Stacia into the back room. It was my weekend to have her. It would make the already stressful weekend even busier, but I was looking forward to our time together. She could be my little helper as we made our deliveries tomorrow. She’d love that.
A few minutes later, I left Sarah to wrap up the last of the customers. I turned the sign to closed in the front window then headed into the back.
“Daddy! How do you like my dress?” Stacia grabbed the skirts of her dress and spun around. The frilly dress rose up and twirled along with her, and I smiled.
Keifer chuckled. “She insisted on wearing it. They had music class and she wanted to dress up in her special dress.”
God, I loved this kid. She was just the sweetest. And it warmed my heart that she’d chosen this particular dress to wear. It was handmade by my mother, just before she died.
Keifer squeeze my shoulder. “Are you sure you're going to be able to handle it this weekend?”
I nodded. “You know I wouldn't miss any time with her.”
“Yeah, but you’re super busy.”
I'd told him earlier that day just what a crazy weekend it would be, and I appreciated the unspoken offer that he would take her if I needed him to. “If things get too crazy, I'll let you know.”
Keifer nodded. “Absolutely. Just let me know anytime. But if you're good for now, I need to head out.”
“Sure. Have a good night.” As Keifer made his way out of the shop, I knelt down and opened my arms for Stacia. “How about a hug?”
She flew into my arms and squeezed me tight. I pulled back and grinned down at her. “How was your first week of school?” Keifer had her at his house most of this week.
She grinned enthusiastically. “I love it! I have so many new friends!”
“I knew you would love it, baby. And how is music class?”
“It was awesome! We got to play the maracas.”
Just as I was about to ask her about more of her week, I heard barking coming from the yard out back across the alley. Stacia jumped back from my embrace, her eyes lighting up at the sound of the dogs. She ran for the back door and flung it open, tearing down the stairs into the backyard of the shop.
The barking was louder now, and I sighed. I pushed to my feet and followed her out the door. There weren't as many dogs as there were earlier in the day, but it was enough to make my head pound. By the time I made it outside, all I saw was the back gate flung open and Stacia running through, apparently so excited to see the dogs she wasn’t waiting around. I heard her laughing and squealing. I could hear Trevor's voice as well, but I didn't see him.
I strode across the yard and through the gate into the alley between the two shops, freezing at what I saw. Three dogs all running straight for Stacia. My heart leapt up in my throat and I felt a very real sense of fear for my daughter.
“Stacia!” I called out in warning, my voice strangled. But she didn't look afraid. In fact, she looked like she was loving all of the attention. I didn't move, frozen to the spot, until one dog jumped up, its paws landing on Stacia's chest. She stumbled back, thrown off balance.
“Stop it! Get away from her!” My body jumped into motion again. The dog jerked its head toward me, dropping its paws from her chest. In the process, his claws snagged on the sheer fabric of her skirt and ripped it stra
ight down the side. I gasped, my heart sinking. Her dress. But Stacia didn't seem to mind. She wasn’t upset or afraid, just smiling excitedly.
“Oh my god, I'm so sorry!”
I jerked my gaze over at the sound of Trevor’s voice, and saw him running through the gate from his shop, snapping his fingers and calling the dogs. He cut his eyes toward me, and they were wide and full of trepidation. He collected the dogs and gathered them up quickly, ushering them back into the gates of his backyard, all the while shooting glances back at Stacia and me.
I ran over to her and knelt down, clutching her waist. “Are you okay, baby?” I searched her face and body for any injuries. But she looked fine. She gave me a funny look.
“I was just playing with the dogs, Daddy.” She frowned. “I'm fine.”
I nodded and looked down at her dress, gathering the fabric in my fingers. Shit. It was definitely ruined. The tulle resting on top of the silky layers of fabric was completely shredded. There would be no way to fix this.
“Oh, Stacia, your dress…”
Just then, Trevor came back through the gate and rushed over to us.
“I'm so, so sorry. Are you okay?”
Stacia nodded and bounced on her toes. “I want to play with the dogs more!”
Trevor's gaze fell on her dress and his shoulders slumped. “Oh, Stacia. I'm so sorry about the dress. I'll buy you a new one.”
I took Stacia's arm and pushed her behind me as I turned on Trevor. There was no fixing this. He couldn't get her a new dress. He had no idea the damage his dogs had just caused. I pierced him with a hard stare and let anger fuel my tone.
“You need to control your dogs. They're out of control with the noise. And now this? You've let them get out and look what they've done.”
Trevor's eyes widened and he looked taken aback. “I said I'm sorry. And that I'll get her new dress. One of the volunteers must not have latched the gate all the way when they left for the day.”
Doggone Daddy Page 2
