"After you."
She only hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.She was eager to meet his dogs, if nothing else.There had always been dogs around at home on the farm.She missed them since she'd moved to California.She'd enjoyed playing with Hannah's dog, Sir Spots-a-Lot — oops, no, that was Zia's name for him.Scooter.At worst, she'd get to spend the afternoon with a couple of Dobermans and go back to spend the evening at Jacob and Becca's place.There was a massive tub in the private bathroom attached to her bedroom there.She could soak away the ick if this turned out to be a disaster.
Ollie turned to face her with a smile that looked more like what she thought of as normal for him.
"Sorry.I guess I'm a bit tense about this."
She smiled back, relieved."Don't apologize.I'm the same.But even if this turns out to be a bad idea, at least your dogs will get a run.Where are we taking them?"
He let out a short laugh."There's a place I know where they can run through the vineyards."
She raised her eyebrows."Is it private property?You're not suggesting that I go trespassing with you, are you?"
"No.It's okay.I know the guy who owns the place, and I can assure you I have his permission to be there."
Chapter Two
When they reached the door to Reaves's apartment, Ollie's heart was pounding.This was all wrong.He didn't want to lie to her, but at the same time, he didn't want to scare her off.And now there was the very real prospect that even if she could get over him being who he was, she still wouldn't forgive him for lying to her.Making her think that he lived here in town hadn't felt like a lie at first, but now that she was here, he felt awful.
But not bad enough to just come out and confess, prodded the good angel on his shoulder.
He fumbled with the keys, trying to unlock the door.When he dropped them, Callie picked them up and handed them back to him.
"Are you okay?"she asked."Are you nervous about this?You don't really have a wife or girlfriend, do you?"
He let out a hollow laugh."No, I don't.I..."He ran his hand through his hair."I guess it's just that I've been looking forward to this, and I don't want to screw it up.I don't often bring girls here."That wasn't a lie."And I don't know...are you okay with the dogs?The last time I introduced them to a date, she was terrified of them, and they picked up on it.They're softies, really, but they can be mischievous too."
She smiled at that."You've got nothing to worry about there."She tapped the middle of her chest."Kansas farm kid here, remember?I grew up with animals.All kinds of animals.Although my brothers were probably the most dangerous."
He finally got the key into the door."Okay, well, see what you think of these guys then.I have a feeling they'll take a liking to you.But even if they don't look impressed, they won't do you any harm."
"Okay.So open the door already.Introduce me."
He swung the door open and went in first.He felt bad about going in ahead of her — that wasn't the way he'd been raised.But he justified it to himself that he wanted the dogs to see him first, since they were already in a strange place.
Callie came in behind him and shut the door after her, her gaze going straight to Peanut and Butter, who were still sitting on the beds where he'd left them.Knowing them, they hadn't moved a muscle since he left — well, other than their ears, which would strain and twitch at any sound until he reappeared.
"Oh my goodness, look at you guys!"Callie exclaimed."Aren't you beautiful puppies?"
Ollie let out a snort at that."They're hardly puppies."
"Oh, they're just big babies.You're beautiful, aren't you?"The dogs answered with a pair of contented whines.Callie grinned at him."See, they just like to be appreciated.You're just baby puppers, aren't you?Big, beautiful babies."
Ollie rolled his eyes at her."Would you like me to introduce you properly?"
"Yeah!That’s what I’m waiting for.I’d just go to them, but they look like they’re waiting for you to give the word."
He looked at Peanut and Butter, who were both straining in place, leaning toward Callie as if desperate to go and greet her."Wait there, guys," he told them.Taking Callie's hand, he led her toward them and stopped in front of the beds.
"Can I pet them?"she asked.
"After I introduce you," he said with a smile."Butter."
Butter stepped forward eagerly while Peanut whined and stayed put.
"Butter, this is Callie," Ollie told him."She's a friend of mine."
He hoped that Callie couldn't read the look that Butter gave him as well as he could.Nothing got past the big guy.His eyes told Ollie that he knew damn well he was hoping that Callie might become more than a friend.
