Page 31 of Another Round
It’s funny how this tension ripples between us, this anticipation swelling over us about what tonight will bring, yet we still have a brilliant time together this afternoon. Maybe because we started out as unlikely friends. Maybe because I’ve accepted the inevitable and finally eased some of her insecurity. Maybe because she’s accepted that she’s mine.
Probably because she thinks I’m crazy. Which I am. About her.
I take her hand, entwining her fingers and not letting them go.
I keep her close, tucking her next to me while we walk to the concession stand and curling my arm around her shoulders back at our seats while she eats her hot dog.
I kiss her forehead, her cheek, her neck. Until I want to go lower and force myself to stop. But always confirming I want her. Not allowing any ambiguity between us about how I feel anymore. Only anticipation for what we’re going to be and what we’re going to do.
Although, I have no idea what we’re going to do about Gus.
Amused, and maybe even a tiny bit jealous if I’m honest, of the chocolate lab boxer mix who’s just as enamored with her as she is with him. He pins her to the concrete with his huge black paws on her knees while she sits cross legged loving on him. Hell I’d lick her face too if she made the promises to me she’s making to him.
“I’m going to take you home…” She scratches the top of his head and then slowly strokes down his silky ears. As soon as she reaches the bottom, Gus’s head waves around wildly, nudging the tips of her fingers. Eager for her to pet him again. Enticing her with tiny yelps of encouragement. “… and spoil you and let you sleep in my bed and buy you a bunch of toys to play with and let you do anything you want.”
The dog believes everything she swears, thrusting forward so swift and enthusiastic she tumbles back against my legs. Thank fuck I’m guarding right behind her to keep her from smashing against the ground. I gently but firmly push back his solid shoulders so she can sit up, modestly tucking her dress back down over her knickers. Making me growl this time that she gave everyone a show of her pink thong that only I am allowed to see from now on. “He’s as big as you are Evie and probably just as much trouble.”
All eyebrow and attitude from my assertion, she shakes her head and cups his face while his tongue laps at her palms. “He can’t help it. He’s still a puppy.”
I point to some of the other cages. Nodding toward a fluffy white fur ball no bigger than my shoe. “Do you think maybe you should pick one that’s smaller? More manageable?”
Her arms fly around his neck, and she squeezes him with a death grip I hope I get later around my cock. “Never!”
The abhorrence in her tone confirms if I don’t give in, the only one’s who’s going to end up in the doghouse is me. I blow out a long, exaggerated sigh, accepting defeat. “Okay, what do we have to do?”
Gratitude glows on the face of the gray-haired woman standing next to Gus’s pen. “Well, normally we have you complete the application and once it’s approved you can come back and pick him up at our facility. But, we’re at emergency levels with the number of animals we have, so we’ll let you take him home today. All I ask is that if you change your mind, bring him back to us. We’ll refund your money no questions asked. Just please, please, please don’t take him to a kill shelter or dump him somewhere.”
A little bit over-the-top with the dramatic plea, but I’d have to guess she’s seen the worst of what idiotic humans do to innocent animals.
“We’d never do that. I swear.”
The lady nods enthusiastically from Evie’s promise and protective hug around Gus. Evidently believing her. Or at least optimistic enough to hope she can be trusted.
“Great! I just need you to fill this out. The fee is one hundred and fifty dollars for his neutering and microchip and everything.”
Without asking for my hand, Evie jumps to her feet. Only cringing a little from earlier. Which makes me wince too. Irrational anger spikes in my body from her pain while she seems accepting of the discomfort. Only smiling at me through her blush when I ask in her ear if she’s okay.
“I’m perfect.”
Sealed with a kiss on my cheek. That stirs up my dick already excited about getting her home again. Naked and in my bed where she sleeps from now on.
Which I realize is another failure to her father, as I yank out my wallet that I’m not honoring any of Nick’s requests for her. Although it’s apparent I’m mistaken when she pops open her small purse and pulls out the bills to pay. Obviously no question at all in her mind as she signs the paperwork and hands over the cash with an enormous grin on her gorgeous face. Gus is a lucky, lucky dog.
Gus is a bad, bad dog.
Okay, not bad really. Just demonic with way too much energy for five in the morning. I just want to fuck my girl. He just wants to play with her. No surprise who’s the loser in this battle.
He’s the best damn chaperone I’ve ever had to deal with. I haven’t even been able to hold her hand without him bounding between us. All she does is laugh. Her glorious joyful laugh. That makes all of this worth it.
After another walk to the park down the street where I have to clean up his shit for the third time, he’s finally tired. Walking around in ten circles before plopping down onto his blue and white—or gingham—as Evie describes the cushion. His huge brown eyes sinking shut once his fur snuggles into the fluffy fabric.
I’m tired too. But not too tired to admire the beauty in my bed. Who I told to get some sleep since she has to be at work in a few hours. She swore she was only going to rest her eyes for a minute and now she’s out. Burrowed deep under the comforter lying on her stomach with her hands tucked under the pillow and a small smile on her lips. That I know is from Gus. But I’m dedicated to doing everything I can do to make the grin bigger and from me.
I shed my shirt, jeans, and boxer briefs and climb onto the mattress next to her hip. Impossible to resist the temptation of sweeping the tangled black strands off her bare back. Porcelain skin as smooth and pure as she is. Bending over to leisurely kiss across each shoulder, down her spine, and both of the dimples above her cute arse.
“Mmmmmmmm….”
She’s awake. Kind of. Enough for me to keep going. I move to her small feet and slowly massage up her slender legs. Over her ankles, calves, knees, and thighs. An adorable shiver runs through her when I slide my palms around to her hips and lift her to her knees. Her arse in the air with her face still snuggled into her pillow like the yoga position I’ve seen her in a hundred times.
