Page 3 of Hard and Unprotected

The dark man shook his head.

“Naw. Bowzer isn’t mine. I’m just babysitting him.”

Oh okay, so Bowzer was a boy, even if he had a pink leash. But this was still a good time to suggest some classes.

“Well, maybe you can ask the owner to take him to obedience school? They’re not expensive and even seven sessions can work miracles. Here, let me see if I can find a brochure for you,” I said busily, turning away. But my cheeks were flushing again. A tickling in the back of my throat warned me. Verbal diarrhea approaching in 3-2-1…blast off! It never failed when I was nervous.

“Well, I know of some great doggie schools. Call one and they might have an opening,” came my rushed words. “It’s good to get dogs like this into training really quick. Even if they go when they’re older, it still worth it.”

I kept babbling and babbling, providing far more information than was actually necessary. But the big man’s blue eyes gleamed, amused, even as I practically choked myself with sentences. Well, at least he was laughing at me and not high-tailing it out of here or making lame excuses.

Please god, just help me stop talking. Get a grip, Maggie!I scolded myself.Stop right now!

So taking a deep breath, my lips closed for a moment.

“Give me a sec to get that list.” And before he could tell me no, I waved and backed up. “Be right back!” was my merry call.

Moving like an Olympic sprinter, I dashed into the DoggyMart office and made a quick copy of the list of obedience schools and schedules. Grabbing the still-hot copies, I ran back to the dark man, chest heaving up and down like a heavyweight boxer.

After all, I’m not a little girl who’s skin and bones. I’m a curvy one with lots of junk in the trunk, and after all that running, my boobies heaved up and down, ass still swaying.

But this was work, so I shoved the printed list at the man with trembling fingers.

“Here you go,” came my breathy voice. Oh god, why did I sound so flustered? We were at DoggyMart for crying out loud. I should come across as friendly, yet professional and put together. “A list of doggy schools,” came my announcement, steadier then. Good.

The man flashed another movie-star smile, reaching a huge hand to take the wobbling paper.

“Like I said, I’m just babysitting Bowzer, but I’ll definitely let my little sister know. Janine, god save her, dumped him on me to go backpacking through Europe. I’m stuck with this guy for two months.”

Oh wow, did I sense some sibling tension here? My eyes opened wide, lips parting.

“Well maybe you could take him to class on weekends then?” was my suggestion. Not thinking, I stuck my hands behind my back, and instantly my girls popped forwards on full display. They’re big Double Ds, lush and soft. Of course, the man’s eyes dropped to my creaminess, roving over the curves. Frankly, it happens with most guys. Skinny frames are what’s “in,” but trust me, men love sugar.

Embarrassed suddenly, I babbled again like a train wreck.

“A lot of times dogs just need attention, especially ones that are adopted.” Casually, I eased my hands back to my sides, but the man’s eyes didn’t move. That blue gaze drifted downwards, taking in my curvy hips, and the big bottom that just wouldn’t quit. Oh god, this had to stop, it was so unprofessional.

“Can I help you find something else in the meantime?” I asked quickly, cheeks flushing. “Treats? Leashes? Pee pads?”

“Pee pads, huh?” the man drawled, that lazy smile growing even wider. “I think Bowzer’s past the pee pad phase, or at least he better be. Aren’t you, boy?”

Obligingly, the pit bull bobbed his head up and down like he could understand.

“What else do you want Bowzer?” the dark man asked. “You want some food? Toys? Bones? This nice lady is going to help us.”

Turning back, he flashed that smile again.

“Sure, I’m here for some dog food and whatever else Bowzer needs. Like I said, my sister dumped him on me with no notice, just a food bowl and a half-eaten bag of kibble. So we need to buy everything.”

I nodded.

“Okay, no problem,” was my agreeable reply. “Let me show you our selection. We carry every premium brand of dog food plus a couple ones that just came on the market. Does Bowzer eat organic? Is he vegan?”

The dark man looked at me like I couldn’t be serious. But I nodded seriously.

“Believe it or not, there are a couple pet owners who prefer their dogs to eat vegan. Even better, SciencePlus just put out a new type of dog food formulated from lentils and sweet potatoes. It’s supposed to taste just like meat.”

The dark man snorted like he couldn’t believe his ears.

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