Page 7 of Perfectly Leashed
Darcy turned slightly, pulse quickening as Luca moved alongside him again, leaving empty space behind him that felt oddly colder now. He missed Luca’s warmth instantly.
“What about your mom?” he asked cautiously. “If you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.” Luca’s eyes drifted ahead, thoughtful. “Mom had me after a one-night stand. Raised me until I was about three. Then she passed.”
“You remember anything?”
Luca’s lips curved gently. “Little things—her laugh, perfume maybe. Mostly faded memories.”
Darcy nodded. “Sounds lonely.”
Luca glanced sideways, dark eyes softening. “Used to be. My uncle gave me more than enough. Learned family’s something you choose, not just inherit.”
Darcy’s chest tightened unexpectedly, wishing he knew how to reach across that small distance. “You’re lucky.”
“Luckier lately.” Luca’s gaze lingered meaningfully before flicking away.
Now that was flirting. Heat rushed into Darcy’s cheeks, forcing him to examine a spot on the sidewalk instead.
Meatball barked impatiently, pulling them both from their thoughts.
Darcy cleared his throat. “Guess Meatball’s done bonding.”
It was barely more than a breath, that chuckle, but it carried weight, sliding through Darcy like velvet. “He’ll come around.” Luca’s reassurance was a gentle tug that left Darcy wanting to follow.
The rest of the walk passed comfortably, the dogs relaxed enough that Darcy briefly imagined he might actually be good at this one day—though he suspected Luca’s presence had everything to do with their good behavior. And maybe his own.
Back at the shop, Luca’s gaze caught his again. Darcy’s heartbeat stuttered, nerves resurging. He didn’t want to leave.
“Same time tomorrow?” Luca asked, voice casual again, carefully controlled.
Darcy’s chest fluttered with relief, even hope. “Tomorrow. Definitely.”
Though he wished he could stay. Darcy didn’t have to work at the pet shop later, and it wasn’t the weekend, so no pizza gig. It was rare, but he finally had the day to himself, only he didn’t want to spend it alone.
“I guess I should get going.” But he didn’t move. Instead, he tucked stray hair behind his ear while he tried to think of something else to say.
Unfortunately, his brain wasn’t cooperating. Glancing through the open bay door, he spotted someone standing by the front of the car that had been there yesterday, the hood once again raised. “What’s wrong with that car?”
Lame, but it was all he could think to say.
Luca shook his head. “What isn’t wrong with it? A few weeks ago I replaced a radiator that was held up by a wire coat hanger and neon tape.”
Darcy gaped at him. “You’re kidding, right?”
Something slid behind Luca’s eyes, but Darcy couldn’t tell what that look was about. “Come take a look and I’ll prove this car is a disaster.”
“The dogs.” There were only four, but Darcy didn’t want them making a mess of the shop. It was shocking Meatball hadn’t punctured that tire yesterday with his sharp teeth. If he had, Luca hadn’t said anything. Darcy didn’t know how much tires cost but would’ve hated coming off the cash to replace it.
“They can come inside.” Coffee cup still in hand, Luca reached down and unclipped Meatball’s leash. “Come on, boy.”
Darcy stood there, jaw slack, as the pit bull walked obediently beside Luca. The dog didn’t try to take off or eat a tire. He just trotted alongside Luca like he’d done it every day of his life.
“I am so jealous of that man’s skills,” Darcy muttered.
Inside the shop it felt ten degrees cooler, even though it was still early and the sun wasn’t at its full peak. Darcy noticed a rolling cart at the front of the car, tools laid out in neat rows.
Someone has OCD.
