“Come on, big guy, let’s go inside, get you settled, and call it a night.” While I don’t have work tomorrow, I would like to stick to a schedule. The following week, I’ll start at Barlow’s. My brother isn’t one for set hours, and neither am I, but I do know the first few days are going to be hell on earth. The office is more or less stacked to the ceiling with paperwork, and my goal is to get the shop into this century, which will mean scanning everything I can into an online system, sorting out the parts orders, and dealing with the multitude of calls, questions, and complaints that come with working at an auto repair shop.
Earlier today, true to his word, Dean knocked on my door before sending a quick text asking if I was back home. I’d done my usual laps, feeling really good and relaxed afterwards, only to think about the kiss Dean left me with, and then I got hot and bothered. I was able to shower, make myself come a couple of times, blow dry my hair, and be somewhat presentable by the time he came over.
Only for him to kiss me even longer, his touch lingering, and when he muttered a few naughty words in my ear, it only made me want to climb him like a tree. And that was only my greeting. When he left, he upped the ante, and I practically begged for more, to which he told me, “Soon,” and kissed me one last time.The palm of his hand cupped my ass, his knees were dipped, and I felt him at my aching core. Needless to say, I’ve been in a state ever since I first laid eyes on him.
Since Dean left, Scout and I have gone on three walks—one before dinner, one after, and now the one we just finished. His nose has been to the ground in between the rounds of business he had to take care of. Luckily for me, Dean forewarned me about needing the bags attached to his leash, or I’d have been scratching my head on how to do clean up his dirties in the dog park area of our apartment.
“Baroo,ba-ba-baroo!”Scout lets out a howl the moment I put Dean’s spare key in the lock. I bend down, take off his leash, and he darts through the area.
“I guess this is what your dad meant when he told me about your zoomies.” I pull my phone out after locking us inside and walk into the living room. Our apartments are set up exactly alike, only flip-flopped. Obviously, our bedrooms share a wall, and our living areas face outward. The way it’s set up is ideal, really. We rarely see our other neighbors on the opposite side of us, at least I haven’t.
I unlock my phone, hit the record button, and get a couple of clips of Scout running around in circles. He’s doing some crazy moves when he takes it upon himself to jump from the floor onto the couch, then rushes to the recliner before he lands back on the floor to repeat the process. You would think after a thirty-minute walk, he’d be tuckered out, but clearly, that isn’t the case.
Me: I think your dog might be overstimulated
I attach the video, move toward the ninja dog, who has immediately stolen my heart, much like his owner, and take a seat on the couch while he goes through this spurt of energy. Scout howls, scratches, and paws at my hand. He’s relentlessuntil he gets what he wants. He’s lucky he's cute. Dean says he’s a mix of some kind of hound, and the more I look at him, the clearer it becomes that he’s part beagle. It’s the other half I can’t put my finger on.
Dean: Damn, he’s on one tonight.
We’ve been texting back and forth. Dean has asked questions, like what my new job will entail, where I lived before moving into my apartment, and I’ve done the same. I had to tell him about the accident and my leg for him to understand the reasoning behind me finally spreading my wings. He didn’t apologize. He didn’t need to, and I’m glad he didn’t. He also didn’t push for more information. All he said was, “Damn, you’re a badass, sweetheart.”
Scout leaves my lap, goes into the kitchen, drinks some water, comes back with his tongue sticking out of his mouth, lip tucked into his gum line, and has what I call the derp-derp face. I lie on my back, and he takes that as his cue to jump up and weave his way up until he’s lying on my chest. It’s a good thing he’s a little guy, barely weighing fifteen pounds, or I’d have a hard time breathing. I snap another picture and attach a response to the text.
Me: He’s been good. Now he wants to snuggle.
“I guess I should be heading home. You probably want to sleep after all of the activities today.” I rub his head, and his nose burrows into my palm.
Dean must not be in the bucket working tonight because my phone buzzes almost instantly. He works as a lineman, and right now, he’s on a night shift schedule, one he didn’t mind before rescuing Scout and meeting me.
Scout lets out a low whine, obviously not liking this idea one bit. Well, me neither. I’m having major regrets about telling Dean I’d leave Scout here by himself when I’m next door alone.
Dean: Be a hell of a lot better if I were there with you.
Me: You wouldn’t hear me complain.
“Alright, I can’t overstay my welcome, and it’s getting late. We have two options as far as I can see. One, you can come back with me while I get ready for bed, and then I can bring you back over here for the night.” Scout lets out a little wail. “Yeah, I don’t like it, either.” His ears perk up. “So, that leaves the other option of you sleeping at my place.” I’m given a happy bark. He likes that idea, so do I.
“Well, I guess I need to text your dad and let him know.” I also need to leave my key on the counter for him. I left my apartment unlocked, so I won’t need it to get in there within the next few minutes. I sit up, holding Scout to my chest until he’s situated and won’t fall down. His energy came, and his energy went. He’s like a bag of bricks, and I’d bet he’d love nothing more than for me to carry him to my place.
Me: I’m stealing your dog. The key to my place is on the counter. There’s no reason for us to sleep alone
We go through the process of turning off a couple of lights, then I grab a couple of toys and a blanket of Scout’s, re-leash him because, as much as I wouldn’t mind carrying him to my apartment, I kind of have my hands full with his belongings.
Dean: Is that an invitation for me to join you in the morning, sweetheart?
How he’s able to come up with something so fast and on the spot is beyond me. I’m considering what I should type back when I finally tell myself to stop overthinking the situation and go for it.
Me: I’ll keep the bed warm for you. All it’ll be missing is you
Dean: Fuck, I like that, Kara. I like that a whole lot. Sweet dreams. The next time I see you, I’ll be waking you up with my mouth.
Me: The morning can’t come fast enough.
I back out of the message thread and put my phone in my pocket. Scout is right beside me the entire way, and I have my fingers crossed that Dean will use more than his mouth when the time comes.
9
Dean
