The roads are clear of snow now, but I'm glad they approved my snow tires just in time for the first snow of the season. With storms like last night's it's imperative to be safe. Emma comes to my mind, and I wonder what she's driving.
Is it too alpha male of me to check on that? It just feels like something I should do. Ah, there it is, it feels like something a boyfriend would do for his woman. Oh, well. Except my feelingsfor Emma are strong, even though we've only known each other for a day.
What I should probably do is calm down and focus on my work. I come to this conclusion as I'm slowing down in front of Buddy's ex-owner's house. Yes, I'm calling him an ex because he or she will not get that puppy back. Over my dead body and all that.
As soon as I turn down the engine of my car, I see a curtain move. I guess someone is watching me. I get out of my patrol car and go knock on the door. I have to knock two more times before someone comes to open.
"Good afternoon. I'm here about your dog."
"Have you seen him? He's run away."
"He didn't run away, he was tied up in the middle of a snowstorm and I took him with me."
The person in front of me, a woman in her sixties or seventies, frowns at the news I give her. I'm braced for her reaction to my news.
"Did you bring him back with you?"
"No, he's been removed from your custody and you have to pay a fine. Here are the papers."
I offer her the paperwork, but she doesn't even acknowledge its existence.
"You were neglecting that dog."
"I forgot he was out there. I had something to do last night. He's my dog."
Should I tell her in what state Buddy was or just leave the papers on her doorstep for her to stew on?
"The dog was severely matted and looks to be malnourished. That doesn't happen overnight."
"Are you accusing me of something, officer…Chandler?"
She leans in to see my name tag, then backs up as if in fear of me.
"Just take the papers and pay the fine. Be grateful I'm not arresting you."
At that moment she shuts the door in my face and I have to abruptly step back to avoid falling down on my butt. The one good thing? A message just came in from Emma saying Buddy is okay and inviting me to have dinner with her.
Chapter 9
Emma
I'm not sure inviting Tristan to dinner was the right thing to do. I mean, I do have his dog and he needs to check on him, plus I really want to see him. I realized that hiding from him wasn't very adult-like, and I pride myself on being a good grown-up.
Felicia's food was amazing this afternoon, and she had tons of leftovers. I don't really cook, so I'm grateful for the assist. It took me forever to get dressed and then I realized we're not going outside, so I can just wear something comfortable. Comfortable meaning quick to remove.
I swear Tristan has ignited this hunger inside me. I've never felt like this toward a man before in my life. I avoided my sistersall afternoon long, but there were smirks. I saw them smiling my way. Thankfully, there was no pointing. Buddy is sitting on my lap while I give him cuddles and treats.
He's so skinny, it makes me mad that he's been treated that way. I'm definitely on a mission to fatten him up. I'm reminded of Buddy's new dad and the chiseled abs he has. I mean, who goes around sporting an eight-pack these days? That's right, just him.
I'm really nervous about tonight. I should have had a conversation with him before I left for work this morning, but I was too chicken. Around eight o'clock, I get a message from him.
Tristan: I'm not sure how to go up?
Me: There's a door on the side of the building, I'll buzz you in.
I wait impatiently at the door for him to come up wondering if we'll be on the same page this time. When he starts to come up the stairs I take in a breath. My god, he's gorgeous. How can someone look this good? He looks good enough to eat.
"Hey, my queen."
