Page 321 of Small Town Firsts
Do you have a daddy?That was the part I needed to know.
I crouched down to meet the girl on her level. “Are Bosco and maybe your dad around?”
“Oh, yeah.” She pointed to a man chasing a multi-colored mutt of unknown origin with its leash dragging behind. “I got tired of chasing Bosco. He gets away a lot.” She stood up and put her hands on her hips. “My dad is a mess. Grass feels nice though.”
I stood back up and held out my hand to the girl. “Let’s go help him.”
She looked back at her shoes.
“They’ll be fine with mine. We’ll just mind the dog bombs.”
She laughed then took my hand. “You’re kinda funny.”
“I’ve heard that many times. What’s your name, kiddo?”
“Penelope, but my dad calls me Poppy.” She smiled. “I secretly like it, but tell him I don’t.”
“Gotta say I enjoy Poppy. It’s one of my favorite flowers.”
“Me too!”
“You don’t say.” I laughed.
A dog’s bark pierced the air. He—based on name, of course—went low on his front paws then cornered like he was on an opposite track and darted left while the tall man went right and tripped on his own feet and did a rather spectacular tuck and roll then bounded back up on his feet.
“Whoa.”
“Yeah, my dad is weird.”
“I can’t roll like that.”
“Oh, you should see him in his Judo class. He tosses people around like rag dolls.”
I grinned down at Poppy. “You guys get more intriguing by the minute.”
“Bosco!” Poppy giggled as the dog headed our way full steam ahead.
“Oh, crap.” I braced myself for impact and went down hard. A lapful of dog and a very exuberant tongue was my reward. There were worse things. “Get down, you crazy mutt.”
Bosco’s eyes were a piercing Husky blue in a mottled calico-colored face. Another tongue lick took off half my makeup then he bounded off again.
“Dad!”
“Shit—shoot!” The guy winced and crouched down in front of me. “Are you okay?” His attention was still on the dog, but I could tell he was torn.
I gave him my most responsible smile. “Your kid is safe with me—go get the dog.”
He pushed his overlong feathery hair out of his eyes. “You look okay. More than okay.” He gave me a quick grin, and his accent gave me a little shiver.
I rolled my eyes. “I work in the building across the street. I’m harmless.”
“Anything but harmless, love.” A dimple dented his cheek. “But I’ll be right back.” He glanced at Poppy. “Good?”
Poppy nodded and gave him a thumbs up.
I laughed and crossed my legs under my long graphic sundress then prepared to enjoy the entertainment.
Super Judo Dad took off. Poppy plopped herself in the grass next to me and we both giggled at the antics.
