by Alexa Riley
My side of the family does the import and export of the textiles and we own the rights to the entire distribution seaboard on the east coast. Basically, I manage a lot of moving parts, but I’m good at it and it’s a way to keep the business in the family. It’s not something I would say I’m passionate about, but there’s really not much that gets me excited. Savannah would say I’m laid back or boring, but I like to think I haven’t found my spark yet.
“Do you want to go to the Humane Society Benefit? They called to thank us for the donation and wanted to know how many tickets to send.”
“If you want to,” I say as I eat my toast and shrug. “You said last time you wouldn’t go back because they didn’t have real live animals there.”
“It’s a humane society. They really missed an opportunity for the best night ever.” She scrolls through her phone again before she begins to type. “I’ll tell them to send a couple. But only if I get to hold a puppy.”
“I’m sure you’ll get your way,” I say, then take one last sip of coffee and stand up.
“Don’t I always?” She gives me her best snotty smile and I laugh.
“You do.” I grab my keys off the kitchen counter and thank Rita our housekeeper for breakfast. “Will you be home tonight?”
Savannah thinks for a second then shakes her head. “I’ll be back late. I’m seeing a double feature with Angie at the Starlight.” She smiles and then pretends to swoon. “We’re watching two Tom Hardy movies in a row.”
“I’m not going to pretend to know who that is,” I say before I throw a wave over my shoulder and walk out of the house.
We got this place because it was close to our parents and in a neighborhood they deemed worthy of our status and wealth. I don’t really care because it’s just a house and we didn’t have to pay for it. Savannah’s father had what he called a dowry in place for the man that married her, and I guess he felt better that it would be me getting the money. I just opened a personal account for Savannah and dropped the money in it for her and handed her the checkbook. It doesn’t even have my name on it. I wanted her to be able to have the freedom of choice.
I think being controlled your whole life makes you used to that kind of treatment. Freedom can be scary if all you’ve ever known are walls. I think in time she’ll figure it out, but if I know one thing about her it’s that she can’t be pushed.
I drive through the neighborhood and then it’s just a quick drive to downtown. When I get there I park my car in our building and then take the elevator up to my office. It’s always nice and quiet this early in the morning and I like the silence and calm at this time.
Living with someone has taken some getting used to. I didn’t have roommates before Savannah, and I realized that I liked being by myself way too much. It’s probably good for me that we live together now, because otherwise I might go crazy from the solitude.
When I sit down at my desk I open the drawer, then take off my wedding band and put it inside. It’s not that I have to wear it, but Savannah wears hers at home and I feel like it’s a point of solidarity for us. And we never know when our parents might pop in. Since my dad retired he hasn’t set one foot inside this place so I don’t have a fear of him coming in my office. My assistant is an older lady who worked for my father and I told her I thought it might be too tight. The truth is, I feel like this ring carries a lot of weight with it and I don’t take its meaning lightly. I’ve done all this for Savannah so that she can have the life she wants, but until she’s ready to step out and take it on her own I have to try and navigate this the best I can. And that includes not wearing the ring while I’m at work.
The sun is barely up and I look out the window to the park nearby. In a few hours it will be filled with dogs and people playing with their animals on this beautiful day. I envy their ability to lose themselves and just play. I can’t remember the last time I did something because I enjoyed it, and not because I was obligated to do it.
This isn’t the life I had pictured when I was in college and thinking of my future, but it’s not bad. I have so much more than I ever dreamed of and I have opportunities most people never get. I just wish I could find that one thing that makes me light up inside. The kind of thing that gives me passion and makes me want to be a better man.
It’s out there; I just have to find it.
3
CAROLINE
“Are you ready for your snack?” I ask Elvis as I lean down and pet his silky head.
He’s happy that no more rain has come and the sun is shining. I dropped off my first round of dogs and I have some time to kill before I need to start my next round. Elvis starts leading me towards his favorite food truck. I wonder if he remembers or if it’s his bloodhound nose that leads the way.
One thing’s for sure: walking dogs has helped me learn my way around the city. I grew up in Seattle and don’t know my way around it like I do Chicago. It’s a reminder of how much I stayed inside the life my parents wanted for me. Or what they expected of me, I guess.
If there is one thing Elvis knows, it’s the way to the food truck. He found it rather quickly after we moved here and he dragged me from the park to the truck, clearly on a mission. Lucky for me they have some of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten. I didn't know food off a truck could be so good until I moved here. Now it’s an addiction I can't quit. We really eat here more than we should.
Elvis waits in the long line with me as I pull out my phone. When I feel it vibrate I see a text from Gia.
Gia: Is it too soon to give it up to Marco?
Me: I think you should go with the moment. Whatever happens happens. You’ll know if it’s right.
Gia can overthink things. It can be hard for her to roll with stuff and I think something like losing your virginity should feel right. Or maybe that’s my new way of trying to look at things.
It felt like these last few months have been easier now that I roll with things each day. There’s no standard I have to live up to that’s set by someone else. I do what I want, but by the guidelines I feel are right. I glance down at Elvis and think sometimes I have to do what he wants, but who can say no to a face like his?
“Extra side of bacon, I take it?” Christian asks as he writes down my order. He looks up and gives me a smile. “Is Elvis having a bad day?” he teases with a charming smile.
“He’s in a mood, but he’s perked up since he saw your truck.” Which is true. Whenever he’s happy he gets an extra wiggle that goes right to his butt. He looks like he’s dancing with his stubby legs.
“Then I’ll make sure he’s taken care of.” He rips the paper off the slip and hands it to the guy flipping burgers behind him. I reach for my money, but Christin holds out his hand. “It’s on me today.” He scribbles something on the paper then slides it to me. I see it’s his number and he’s holding it out for me to take. I freeze for a moment unsure of what to say. No one has ever given me their number before. The only guy I ever dated got mine off our group study sheet and started texting me one day.
“There’s a line here,” says an irritated voice behind me.
I turn a little to stare into a broad chest covered in a well-tailored suit. My eyes travel up and up until they lock on deep gray eyes that aren’t looking at me but over my head to Christian. I stare at the man for a moment, taken aback by his intense eyes. I didn't know people actually had gray eyes but his are like cool steel.
“No need to be rude,” I finally mutter as I look away from him and turn back around.
I was openly staring at him and I’m lucky he wasn't looking at me. The man reaches over my shoulder and takes the paper from Christian’s hand. His arm brushes my shoulder in the process and I swear he did it on purpose.
I don’t turn to look at what he does with the paper, but just as Christian is about to say something to him his face changes and it’s like he recognizes the guy. He pauses for only a second before going back to taking orders. As rude as it was for the guy behind me to snatch the
paper out of Christian’s hand, I hope he's not writing his number down again. I really don’t want it to be awkward because I have no intention of calling him. There’s no attraction or spark between us, but I enjoy our small talk. I don’t want to ruin that, mostly because Elvis wouldn’t let me stop coming here.
“Your usual, too, Aiden?” Christian asks.
He clearly knows the guy, and I let out a small sigh of relief. Maybe they’re friends and messing with each other. I step to the side, and though I move over, Elvis doesn't. He keeps his ass planted where it is and I know he’s not moving until he gets a piece of bacon. Oh, I could try and pull him, but even though he looks chunky there’s a whole lot of muscle to him. He doesn't go anywhere he doesn't want to unless you pick him up to make him.
Aiden grumbles a confirmation to Christian, followed by a comment about paying for my food. I wonder if I should say something.
I take a peek over at the guy in the suit because I’m unable to help myself. I think he might say something about Elvis, but when I glance over at him he’s staring right at me.
I look away and pretend I wasn’t trying to steal a glance at him, but I have a feeling I’m not subtle. I do it again, but this time I tilt my head and steal a peek through my eyelashes. His eyes lock with mine and he stands there openly staring at me. He’s not shy about it at all and doesn’t try to hide it like I’ve been doing. He’s bold as he watches me and looks like he’s trying to figure me out.
When my phones vibrates again, I glance down at it.
Gia: You’re right. I’m not sure how I’ve lasted this long.
I laugh.
Me: It’s been two weeks.
Gia’s response is instant.
Gia: You’ve seen him!
I laugh harder this time. He is handsome, though not my type. In the short time they’ve been dating, I can tell they fit together nicely. Her loud chatty personality offsets his stoic one.
I’m not sure I have a type. I glance over to Gray Eyes, who’s moved closer to me. I step around Elvis to let someone else order, but still he stares at me. This time the edges of his lips pull up in a smile and he lifts the paper he took from Christian. I watch as he tosses it into the trash can next to him and makes of point of wanting me to see him do it.
My mouth falls open, but I don’t know if I want to laugh or call him a cocky bastard. Even with him openly staring and the remarks he made, he doesn't actually give off an asshole vibe.
“Caroline.” Christian calls my name and holds up my order. I go to reach for it, but Aiden beats me to it.
“Eat with me?” he asks, staring down at me.
“You sure you have time? You seemed in a hurry a few moments ago,” I remind him of his comment from before and lift an eyebrow at him.
“I have all the time you’ll give me.” His response is smooth but unapologetic. I lick my suddenly dry lips and his eyes flash at the movement. He’s enjoying whatever this is that we’re doing. It’s then I feel the butterflies dancing around inside my stomach and it makes me smile.
“You have Elvis’s food. He’ll follow you anywhere right now,” I tell him, and he lets out a deep chuckle. “I’ll have to remember that,” he says as he looks down at Elvis.
“I’ll lead the way,” he says, and I follow him as we cross the busy street back towards the park. He finds an empty table for us to sit down at and Elvis barks impatiently.
“Better give him his bacon or you’ll have yourself a sworn enemy.”
“Wouldn't want that.” He reaches for the small plate that’s with my burger. It has five strips of bacon on it. “I’m going to need you on my side,” Aiden says to Elvis so low I almost don’t hear it. He pats his head before he sets the food down and leans back up.
I suddenly feel shy when his focus is back on me. My hunger is gone now and a million butterflies have filled the space. He pushes my food towards me and smiles. “Ketchup?” he asks, gesturing at my fries. I nod and watch as he opens the tiny packets of ketchup. He makes a pile for me and it’s weirdly kind of sweet.
“Eat, Caroline,” he tells me.
The way he says my name in his deep voice makes goose bumps break out across my skin. What is happening to me? He reaches for one of my fries and brings it to my mouth. It's then I realize I was sitting there staring away at him. I open my mouth and let him feed me the French fry.
He smiles and I find myself reaching for my cheeseburger and taking a big bite. It’s a quick way to ensure I don’t have to talk, but he reaches for his own at the same time. We both eat, but it’s hard to focus when he’s watching my every move. When Elvis barks, Aiden pull off a piece of his burger and tosses it to him.
“He’ll never leave you alone now,” I tell him before I take another bite of my food.
“Since you go where he goes, I’m not seeing a problem with that.” I duck my chin and my cheeks burn. Is he flirting with me? I have no idea how to do this, so I try to change the subject.
“So you work around here?” I ask.
“Right there.” He nods to the building the food truck is always parked in front of. No wonder he and Christian know each other. “How is it I’ve never seen you here before?”
“I haven't lived here long, but I do eat at the truck a lot about this time. It’s Elvis’s favorite.”
“Good to know.” He says it like he’s taking making notes.
I look down and realize we’ve eaten all the food and I’m sure he needs to get back to work. It’s also time for me to take Elvis home. I know we didn’t talk much, but I feel an odd connection with him and I don’t want to walk away so soon. What if I don’t see him again? It’s too bad I don’t have the balls to ask for his number or whatever it is people do now. Gia would know.
“I should let you get back to work. And I need to take Elvis home.”
Maybe I’ll run into him again.
We both stand up and Elvis pulls me closer to Aiden as we walk over to the trash cans. We both laugh as he does a circle and tangles himself up around Aiden before I’m able to get him free.
“I’ll walk you home then,” he says to Elvis as he leans down and pets him. It’s like they hatched this plan together.
“It’s okay, I can get him to come with me.” But I honestly don’t know if that’s true. Elvis has found a new best friend who keeps giving him food. I don’t blame Elvis, though. I kinda want to follow him, too. There’s something mysterious about Aiden, and the more I think about how he snatched Christian’s phone number so I couldn't have it, the more my opinion changes on it. Initially I thought it was rude, but now I find it…sexy.
“I want to,” he tells me, and those gray eyes meet mine. “I’d like as much time with you as I can get.”
4
AIDEN
“Are you sure those shoes are up for the walk?” she asks as she looks down at my feet.
“How far are we walking?” I say with a laugh, thinking it can’t be too far.
“About six miles.” My eyes widen and she laughs as she shakes her head. “I’m teasing. It’s only about four blocks.”
Even though it’s only four blocks, I know my feet are going to protest. I don’t normally have to walk that much when I’m dressed for work, and when I have to go long distances I have sneakers on. My feet will probably be killing me by the time we walk the four blocks, but it will be worth it.
“So what do you do, Aiden?”
I love the way she says my name. It’s like she’s been doing it her whole life. It’s easy and sounds so sweet.
“I work in the family business.”
“So the mob?” She looks over at me and her smile is infectious.
“Only part time when they need the muscle,” I joke, and I watch her turn away and bite her lip. “No, it’s a lot less glamorous than that. I run a shipping company that my father started that sends textiles all over the world.”
It’s hard to see her expression when we’re walking in the same direction, but I’m trying to look
at her while not tripping over my feet.
“Yeah, stick with the mob story. It’s much better.”
I laugh, and I don’t remember the last time I smiled this much. It’s not that I’m not a happy person in general, but there’s something happening here right now and I’ve never felt it before.
“Tell me all about Caroline.” I glance down at Elvis and then back to her. “Besides the fact that you’ve got a boss that wears fur.”
She laughs and I love the sound of it. Is it my imagination that we’re having this connection like never before? God, what if this is one-sided?
“I’m a dog walker.”
“I can see that,” I joke, and she shakes her head.
“Not just with Elvis, but lots and lots of fur bosses. I have about thirty right now that I walk during the week.”
“At one time? How is that even possible? You’re so tiny.” My eyes scan up and down her body, and I think that she’s not so tiny in certain places, but the crosswalk ahead doesn’t allow me to linger on her body too long. It’s probably for the best anyway because if my cock gets any harder I won’t be able to walk.
“Not normally. I take them in shifts.” I push the button and Elvis sits down and waits for the light to change. “He’s my old guy and doesn’t like walking as much as he used to.”
When the light changes we step off the curb, but Caroline is jerked back by the leash. We turn to see Elvis sitting there unmoving as she tugs on it.
“Oh boy, don’t do this to me.” She leans down and I can hear her talking through her teeth. “Do not embarrass me.”
She gives him another tug, but the dog has made up his mind. He’s not going anywhere. Caroline sighs and I try to fight my smile as she puts her face in her hands and then shakes her head.
“I’m sorry, he’s getting worse about this. I think he knows I’m going to carry him, so he gives up.”
“Wait, you have to carry him?” I look down at the tired dog and I swear when Caroline turns her head he winks at me.
