by Layla Hagen
I glanced up and found her looking at me.
“How do you know it's not your influence?” I asked.
Her lips quirked up in a half smile. “I was with you at the gym too, and that didn't help you relax.”
“This is different.”
“How?”
I stepped closer, tilting toward her. “It’s just you and me.”
She blushed, looking between us. “And the little guy.”
“I want him for Isabelle.”
Her eyes lit up. “Seriously? This is great.”
“Yes. But she doesn’t move for a few weeks, so I’ll pick him up then.”
“Okay. I’ll mark it in our system that he’s already adopted so someone else doesn’t take him home by accident.”
The dog rolled over on his belly, putting his head on his paws and looking at me with wide eyes.
"I think the little guy doesn't want to say goodbye," Mel said.
“He'll have to.”
“Are you sure about that? You could take him tonight and keep him until Isabelle moves.”
“My lifestyle isn't compatible with animals. I spend almost no time at home.”
“That's what dog walkers are for, and dog sitters. A lot of pet owners work full-time, and they make it work.”
“I really can't have a puppy in the apartment.” As if guessing we were talking about him, he started wailing, making a loud, pathetic sound. "Oh, for Christ's sake, what's he doing?"
“I think he's hoping he'll go home with you. When he realizes he won't, he'll be a bit heartbroken.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Are you trying to emotionally blackmail me?”
She grinned. “Is it working? I've been told I have a special talent.”
“No kidding.” I wasn't heartless. I just really didn't have time in my life for a pet. So why was I already calculating how I could coordinate everything with a dog sitter? I looked from the dog back at Mel, who was still grinning.
“You want to take him with you, don't you? Oh my God, you’re full of surprises.”
“Yes, I’m taking him now,” I said, surprising the hell out of myself. "What's the protocol?"
“I have some papers for you to sign. It might be a good idea to enroll him in dog school. I’ll give you some food so he has everything he needs for a couple days, but you should go to a pet shop and buy supplies.”
"Like what?" I asked.
“I'll give you a list.” She pointed at a small table, and we walked over there. The puppy was trailing us. She picked up a file from the shelf and made crosses with a red pen where there was a blank space. “Fill in name, address, and sign here, and I'll see about that list.”
While I filled the blanks, she took another sheet of paper from the shelf, handing it to me.
“Okay, so here is the list,” she said.
I stood up, pocketing the sheet of paper. Mel took a small plastic crate from the shelf, putting the dog inside. She also put a bag of dog food on the table.
“You’re all set,” she said, smiling from ear to ear. “I’m so happy you’re taking him.”
“Isabelle will be happy too. I know she’s wanted a dog ever since she left home. Do you need to do anything else here?”
“No, I’m done. I’ll lock up, and we can go.”
“I’ll carry the dog and the supplies to the car and wait for you there.”
“Perfect.”
I carried the crate in one hand and the food in the other. On my way out of the house, I heard her voice echo.
“Hey, Charlotte, we have a new adoption! He’s going to have an amazing home.”
Damn, this woman was too sweet and too good for me. But that didn’t stop me from wanting her.
She came out of the house soon after I secured the carrier on the back seat. She’d pulled her hair back up in a ponytail as she had it at the gym. Fucking hell, her neck was going to be my downfall. I wanted to taste her there—everywhere. The dress was tight enough to show off her curves, and even though she had more skin on display at the gym, she was far more tempting now. I couldn’t stop imagining my hands roaming her body, peeling off her dress.
I snapped my gaze up to her. She cocked a brow. I opened the car door for her, but she didn’t move.
“Wait, you’re driving?” she asked.
“Yeah. Jeffrey only drives me during the day. Otherwise, I’d waste too much time in between meetings with parking.”
“I can take the subway,” she said, shifting her weight from one leg to the other.
“Why? Are you afraid of being alone with me?” I teased as she came over to the car.
“Nope, I’m afraid of myself,” she said with sass, climbing in the passenger seat. “But I didn’t have any wine, so I’m hoping for the best.”
“I’m hoping for the opposite,” I said before closing the door, enjoying the way her mouth formed a perfect, delicious O.
I went over to the driver side and, once I was inside, asked, “What’s your address?”
“Oh, drop me off at the train station. I’m going to see my dad.”
“I can drive you there.”
“No, it’s outside the city. Trust me, you don’t want to brace the traffic at this time of day. The train is faster.”
I nodded. “Okay, the train station it is.”
“Thank you.”
“You said your dad is housebound,” I said as I drove away. “Does he have a caregiver, or is it just him and your mom?”
She smiled sadly. “My mom left when I was a year old. It’s always been just my dad and me.”
Fucking hell! She seemed to shrink into herself as she spoke. I couldn’t even imagine it since I’d grown up with three siblings and parents who were devoted to each other. My protective instincts were on high alert again.
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugged, playing with a strand of hair. “It is what it is. Dad is awesome. The best parent I could wish for. We lived in Harrisburg. I came here to study at NYU, and he moved to New York when I was in my second year.”
“What did you study?”
“I majored in sports management, but I didn’t find a job. I worked as a receptionist in a dental office for a few years, but after Dad got sick, I needed something with a more flexible schedule. I’ve always been a fitness enthusiast. One thing led to another, and honestly, I love this way more than dental stuff. The pay is great, and I don’t work fixed hours. I can check on my dad often. I’m happy he’s nearby, especially with his condition.”
“Why is he housebound?”
“He had a stroke a few years ago. He recovered well, but he still can’t move his right leg. He does get out of the house, but not as much as before. His life’s changed a lot, but he’s handling it well. I’m trying to get him this new medicine, but it’s so hard to find.”
She mentioned the name, and I committed it to memory.
“Anyway, tonight I’m doing all his shopping and seeing if he needs anything else. I try to stop by a few times a week.”
“You’re amazing. You know that?”
She chuckled, but I realized it was humorless.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing. Not everyone sees things as you do,” she muttered.
“What do you mean?”
“My ex dumped me because he figured I wasn’t giving him enough attention, that I was spending too much time with Dad, and too much of my paycheck went to his medical needs.”
I saw red. Gripping the steering wheel tighter, I said, “Then it’s a good thing he’s an ex.”
She turned to look at me, a smile inching on her face. “That’s right. Oh, we’re here already.” The smile turned into a grin as I pulled the car right in front of the train station’s entrance.
“Hey, don’t get out on my behalf,” she said as I reached for the handle. “You can’t park here.”
“I know.”
“Thanks for dropping me off. And I didn’t say even one inappropriate thing. I’m so proud
of myself.”
She turned to look in the back, and I did the same. The dog must have fallen asleep a while ago because he’d been silent.
Getting out of the car, I went over to open the door for her. I was close enough that when she got out, I could smell her perfume, a mix of flowers and spices. I couldn’t name a single one of them, but the result was delicious.
“Mel?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you going to have a glass of wine tonight?”
“Probably. Why?”
“Keep your phone nearby.”
“Why would I do that? It proved to be a dangerous combo last time. You have an interesting effect on me.”
“Do I? You convinced me to take home a dog. I haven’t talked you into anything outrageous. Yet.”
“I like that ‘yet.’ So confident.”
“Text me when you get home,” I said.
She threw her head back, laughing hard as she turned around, heading to the station. But I didn’t miss her blush.
Chapter Seven
Mel
I arrived home very late that evening. I spent a few hours with Dad, watching America’s Got Talent and hearing about the newest gossip in his online book club. I had mad respect for my daddy. He’d practically had to start from zero after his stroke. He was the strongest person I knew.
I’d eaten steamed vegetables and fish with him, but by the time I got home, I was still a bit hungry. I always had cheese in the fridge—and, of course, wine. I blushed, remembering Dylan’s request to keep my phone nearby. The man was cocky, but I liked it. I ate two slices of cheese, then went outside onto my balcony with a wineglass and my AirPods. I had a date with a steamy audiobook. This was the same dangerous combination that had led to sending Dylan a flirty text last time.
I shouldn’t do it again, but I couldn’t wait for his reaction. He’d surprised me in so many ways today, from the fact that he’d thought about gifting Isabelle a dog to taking the puppy home with him.
I relaxed in my armchair, looking out at the sky. It was dark, but I’d lit a lot of citronella-scented candles around me. I sent him a picture of my glass of wine and a grinning emoji. He replied in less than a minute.
Dylan: I was waiting for your text.
Mel: Were you now? Why?
Dylan: Last time was unexpected.
Mel: How is the puppy behaving? Did you name him?
Dylan: I want Isabelle to do it. Don’t want him to get used to a name. He’s asleep. How is your dad?
Mel: Great. We watched a talent show together. He loves them.
Dylan: I’ve said it before, but you really are amazing.
Mel: I haven’t had enough wine to be flirty.
Dylan: I can wait. I’m patient.
I laughed, pondering what to text him back. My pulse was insanely fast because every instinct told me not to do this, yet I couldn’t help myself. Isabelle had practically warned me that Dylan wasn’t looking for anything serious, but somehow things didn’t add up. He was so caring with his family and even that puppy! He asked how Dad was doing. But then again, I wasn’t an expert on guys or I wouldn’t have fallen for Elliot, my shitty ex. And the few guys I dated before him were equally as disappointing in one way or another.
Mel: Hmm. I think tonight I’ll turn in early. Wine flirtiness only happens under specific circumstances.
Dylan: Such as? I have to know so I can replicate them.
I laughed again, pondering his question. He made me laugh so easily. It was surreal. I yawned, getting up from my chair, and headed inside. I poured the rest of my wine down the drain before replying.
Mel: I’m not sure, honestly.
Dylan: Come shopping with me tomorrow. The list reads like hieroglyphics.
Holy shit, he was creative, and I wanted to give him all the points for this, but first I needed to tease him a little.
Mel: Your case isn’t compelling. I think any pet shop sales assistant will know what to give you.
He didn’t text back but called me instead.
“You thought your case would be more convincing if we talk?”
“Much more.”
I grinned just because I heard his voice.
“Let’s hear it.”
“You don’t want me to buy the wrong things, do you? The puppy’s going to be the one suffering if I do.” His voice was taunting and lighthearted, but it lit my whole body on fire. Holy shit.
“Hey, no emotional blackmail. It doesn’t count if you’re stealing my technique.”
“But is it effective?” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“Yes, yes it is,” I admitted. Leaning against the counter, I pondered what to do. It was only shopping; what harm could it do? Besides, what if he stumbled upon a good salesman who’d try to make him buy more things than necessary? I didn’t want anyone to take advantage of him.
Oh wow. The things I tell myself to justify giving in.
“Okay. There’s a pet shop not too far away from the gym. I’ll text you the address.”
“Thanks. See you tomorrow, Mel.” His tone was different. He sounded almost smug.
“Why do you sound so triumphant?”
He laughed throatily, and I swear the sound woke every cell in my body. I was hyperaware of my breath and the tingling sensation in my belly.
“I’ve yet to talk you into something outrageous, remember? And I do my best work in person.”
***
The next day, I met Dylan at the pet shop in the morning, right before our session. I arrived early, so I texted to let him know I was already inside. I handed the sales associate the list. Since I was already here, I could get on with it.
The starter kit, as I like to call it, was quite sizable and expensive, but it was better to be prepared from the beginning rather than keep coming to the store as you discovered that you still needed things. I honestly still couldn’t believe Dylan had taken the puppy with him. He was all swagger and suits, but underneath that rugged exterior was a man full of surprises.
“Okay, this is everything,” the sales associate said.
“Thanks. I'm waiting for my friend to come and pick this up. He'll be right here.” I texted Dylan to ask him where he was, but he walked in the next second. Oh God, is he sexy or what? He wasn't wearing a suit today, just jeans and a polo shirt. He looked mouthwatering. The shirt showed his perfectly formed biceps, and I had to make a great effort to look him straight in the eyes.
One corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. He flashed me a knowing look before his gaze traveled slowly down my body. Oh, heavens. He couldn’t make me blush this early in the morning. Wasn’t there a rule against that?
Clearing my throat, I pointed at the counter.
“Okay, so I took the liberty of ordering everything. If you want to kick anything off the list, you can. You don't need all these toys, but he'll have to keep himself occupied with something when you're not at home. Where is he anyway?”
“In my apartment with a dog sitter. You said it wasn’t good for a puppy to be alone, and I found an app specifically pairing people with pet sitters.”
“No, a dog sitter is good. Trust me. Otherwise, you can go home and find the legs of your furniture chewed on. I've seen it happen. By the way, I have a session with Isabelle tonight. Did you tell her about the puppy?”
“No. It’s a surprise.”
“Good to know. I won’t tell her anything, then.”
He glanced at the counter, cocking a brow at the mountain of supplies waiting for him. “That list looked long, but somehow this seems like even more than I expected.”
“It looks a lot because it's all piled up on top of each other.”
“Okay, let's get this over with so we can head to the gym.” He took out his wallet, then pulled his card out.
“Are you taking all this with you to the gym?” I asked while he paid. “Because then we can ask him to keep it here until you're done. That's possible, right?" I asked the sales associate, who n
odded.
“It’s fine. My driver is here, and he’ll take everything to my apartment. He can also take us to the gym.”
“I won’t say no to that,” I declared. Even though it was still early June, the humidity this morning was insane.
The sales associate frowned after he packed everything but one bowl. “Wait, this food bowl is chipped on one end. I’ll bring you another one.”
“Okay. I’ll get these to the car in the meantime,” Dylan said. He took four bags by himself. I carried the dog bed. We put everything in the trunk before slipping into the back seat.
“Wait, we forgot the bowl,” I said.
The driver looked at us. “I can go inside. It's only going to take a second.”
“Okay, thanks,” Dylan said.
The second we were alone, the air in the car crackled with tension. I licked my lips, looking away. A few moments of total silence passed, but the driver didn’t return. I couldn’t believe I was up in knots just because I was alone with him.
“Thanks for coming with me, Mel,” Dylan said.
“You’re welcome. I honestly still can’t believe you took that puppy home.”
“Why not?”
I shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t know. I wouldn’t have pegged you as a pet lover. You surprised me.”
“Surprised me too. You have that effect on me.” He caught my eye, bringing his fingers to my jaw, caressing it lightly. Goose bumps broke out on my skin. “And I can’t shake off this incessant need....”
“What need?” I whispered.
“To make you do something outrageous.”
His lips were on mine the next second, warm and sinfully sexy and determined. He wrapped his hand in my hair, cupping my head as he explored me. He overwhelmed my senses and my body. I was lost to the world, needing him to continue kissing me more than anything else. My lips were on fire, and when he cupped my thigh over the fabric of my dress, he lit up the rest of my body too. I was shaking lightly.
He groaned against my mouth, pulling back slowly. I came to my senses, realizing he’d kissed me here in full view of Manhattan. I mean, we were in a car, but still, I was sure the waves of heat radiating from us could be felt everywhere. This man was something else. Wow. I was tempted to check if my underwear had melted away. It felt like that, anyway.
