Page 59 of Since the Day We Kissed

“Well, I’m almost done with the cages,” she replied, sliding the mop across the floor. “Changed the bedding and scrubbing down the last kennel now.”

“You’ve done all that already?”

“Well, I’ve been able to catch up over the past couple of days with your help,” Kara said as she finished mopping. “I’ve even gotten an early start on the next adoption event, too.”

Ethan straightened up. “We could work on some of those ideas I showed you last night, give Benny his ‘Picture Day.’”

Kara paused, leaning the mop against the wall. “Sure. After all, Benny’s overdue for his close-up. Let me just put this stuff away, and we can get started.”

After returning from the storage closet, Kara headed toward a nearby cabinet, pulling out the grooming kit. She set it on the counter and grabbed a brush and clippers, handing them over to Ethan.

“Ready when you are.”

Ethan took the clippers, nodding as he moved closer to Benny. “Let’s get you looking sharp, buddy.”

Falling into a comfortable rhythm, they worked in tandem, grooming Benny with practiced ease. The soft whir of clippers filled the air as Ethan carefully trimmed the dog’s coat.

Kara gently held Benny still, murmuring soothing words.

“He’s so calm with you,” Ethan noted, checking his work. “You’ve got the magic touch.”

Kara smiled, scratching behind Benny’s ears. “Years of practice. Though I think he knows he’s in good hands with us.”

Ethan grinned as he buzzed the last patch of fur, giving Benny a final once-over with the clippers. “Teamwork makes the dream work, right Benny?” He set the clippers aside and reached for the nail trimmer.

“I’m impressed,” Kara said, adjusting her grip as Ethan started on Benny’s nails.

Ethan chuckled, carefully clipping each nail. “Trust me, it wasn’t pretty at first. Got the scars to prove it.”

“Scars?” Kara raised an eyebrow. “From dog grooming?”

“Hey, don’t underestimate those puppy teeth,” Ethan glanced up.

Kara laughed, settling back on her heels as they worked. A few minutes passed, the steady snip of the trimmer filling the air, before she spoke again. “So, what’s next for our old boy?”

Ethan finished the last nail. “Now? Bath time.”

They maneuvered Benny into the large sink. As Kara lathered Benny’s fur, Ethan noticed a stray bit of soap on her cheek.

“You’ve got a little—” He gestured, then gently wiped it away with his thumb. Their eyes locked for a moment.

Clearing his throat, Ethan reached for the hose. “Allow me to rinse him off, Madam,” he said in an exaggerated butler voice, bowing slightly.

Kara giggled. “Why, thank you, kind sir—” Her mock formality dissolved into laughter as Ethan “accidentally” sprayed her arm. “Hey!”

“Oops,” he grinned. “My hand slipped.”

“Oh, it’s on now,” Kara said, scooping up a handful of suds and smearing them across Ethan’s cheek.

Their playful water fight escalated into a full-blown soap opera, peals of laughter echoing off the walls as they ducked and weaved, flinging suds and spraying water. At first, Benny stood stoically in the middle, but when Kara reached for more suds, he couldn’t resist joining the fun, snapping at the bubbles with comical chomps, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to catch the elusive soap. By the time they finished rinsing Benny, they were both damp and breathless from laughter.

As they dried Benny, their hands brushed more often than necessary, each touch lingering longer than the last. Ethan found himself drawn to the same spots Kara was tending to, subtly seeking out those moments of contact. The warmth of her skin sent a quiet thrill through him each time their fingers met—a silent connection that neither seemed in a hurry to break.

After a brief pause, Ethan reached into the grooming kit for the blow dryer. “Ready for the grand finale?”

Kara nodded, positioning Benny so they could dry him more easily. As Ethan flicked the dryer on, the hum of the motor filled the space, warm air blowing through Benny’s fur. Ethan guided the dryer over the dog’s back, the fur fluffing up with each pass. Kara followed closely behind, smoothing Benny’s coat with a comb. Their hands grazed again, and this time Ethan’s fingers lingered over Kara’s, gently squeezing before they parted.

A quiet warmth passed between them and before Ethan could say anything, Kara reached up with her free hand, her fingers playfully threading through his damp hair. “Missed a spot.”

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