Page 22 of Puppy Love

I close my left eye, bringing the joining cheek up as I squint. “This cheek,” I reply desperately, as the itch intensifies.

Violet’s hand reaches out toward my face. I remember how her fingers felt against my skin, dry and calloused, but also gentle and skilled. It’s obvious that she puts them to work each day, the proof in the wear. I find that charming.

Violet’s fingertip curls gently over my cheek, and her eyes move up to share a gaze with me.

“Did I get it?” She smiles, her eyes still locked on mine as her fingertip rests gently on my cheek. My stomach feels hot and fluttery, and I really need her to stop touching me. I swallow.

“Yup.”

Her hand pulls away quickly, and air slowly seeps back into my lungs.

“Alright, well I’m going to go call Lana’s dad,” she says. “Thanks!”

With that, Violet promptly turns and walks out of the salon.

eight

Monetized Friendship

Violet

“You want to correct that.” I take the leash from Hayden’s hands, tugging upward slightly so that the perfectly white dog attached to the other end looks me in the eye. “Sniffing things will get you an immediate failure on the public access test.”

He gives me a charming grin.

“I know,” he says, holding his hand out. I place the leash back into his palm, and his long, thick fingers tighten around it. “Major’s just really curious. Do you think he’s going to make it?”

Hayden’s voice heightens as the question slips out, his brows sewn together in worry.

When Adrian overheard that I used to be a dog trainer, they asked if I’d be willing to take on their friend Hayden as a client. Even though I already had enough to deal with at the time—my impending divorce, and fifty-hour weeks running a pet resort while Angela vacations in Thailand (and Hawaii, and Costa Rica)—I figured it would be good for me to do something I love, especially if I’m getting paid for it.

I’ve thought about it, starting my own training business. But I can’t imagine the demand in Greenrock is high enough, and besides, I don’t want to end up like Angela. If you have to turn into a total monster to live off your business, I don’t want anything to do with it.

Still, working with Hayden makes the idea seem possible, sometimes. He’s the perfect client. He only wants private sessions, and everything I say to him sticks in his brain. He works with Major for hours between appointments and tracks his improvement in some goal app. Even though I’ve volunteered to train the world’s most stubborn poodle to be a medical alert service dog, every moment is enjoyable because of him. I’m not sure if it’s his dedication, his personality, or a mix of both, but Hayden is just a pleasant guy to be around. And next to Al, he’s the closest thing I have to a friend. Even though it’s through hourly payment.

It’s not like I’m bad at making friends. I’m great at it, actually. I’m great at being other people’s friends that is. The part where you actually let others know things about you? That part I suck at. But to give credit where it’s due, Hayden sure does try.

I look down at Major, who is still staring at me with laser-like focus. His pupils dilate, his eyes fixated on the meaty treat in my hand. The white top knot on his head has grown out some since I saw him last, and it’s beginning to hang over his eyes.

“He’s kind of a dick,” I say, giving him his well-earned reward. “But he’s going to make it. Maybe he’s not listening because he can’t see.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s got an appointment scheduled with Cam soon. How’s she doing by the way?”

The concern in Hayden’s voice seems to have eased, his fingers gliding through the mound of white fluff on Major’s head. Hearing Cam’s name come from his mouth catches me off-guard. I don’t know why, but every time I think about her, I start to feel… overheated.

Well, maybe I do know why.

Maybe, it’s because of the fact that I know what her tongue feels like inside my mouth. I know all about the curve of her waist beneath my fingertips. Maybe it’s because I’ve had to pretend it never happened while simultaneously not being able to get it off my mind. It’s been a long time since I’ve touched anyone in that way, or even looked at them, and though Cam is completely off the table, there’s no rule saying I can’t reminisce on the interaction. So long as I don’t let another stupid sentence slip out of my mouth.

“She’s good.” I shrug.

Hayden looks up at me, the cool beam from the fluorescent store lights making his indigo eyes shimmer. That charming smile returns to his face.

“Look, I know you’re a pretty private person. But with the whole Mallory thing—“ I cringe at her name. “Sorry, with the whole… you know… divorce and stuff… it’s just really important to have friends to support you.”

I furrow my brows. “What makes you think I have no friends?”

“Listen, Vi, I’m just worried about you. I’m pretty sure I’m like the only person you talk to, and I know I’m amazing—”

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