When Misha and I saw how she was hobbling around earlier, I thought about canceling for her sake, but damn, I didn’t want to. I feel like a prick for spending even more alone time with Oliver’s girl while he’s in Portland, helping Morgan pack and bring her stuff over. But I can’t seem to feel too guilty while Amelia is right in front of me.
It’s just a Sunday walk with a friend.
A very beautiful friend.
“Scared of this pretty boy? Are you kidding me?” Amelia holds her hand up in front of her for him to sniff, but she’s not pushing it in his face like most people would.
Letting him come to her.
Just like she did with us.
“Hey, Peanut, I’m Amelia. It’s so nice to meet you.” I’m about to tell her that he’ll not interact with her when Peanut sniffs cautiously. Leaning forward, he licks her hand, making her giggle. “You’re such a good boy, aren’t you?”
What the…
His tail starts to wag aggressively at her cooing. Then, he bounds forward, knocking her over with his enthusiasm.
Fuck.
My heart leaps into my throat, panic seizing me for a split second until her laughter rings out, loud and clear. “Oh my God, your breath stinks,” she exclaims, pushing at Peanut as he lavishes her face with sloppy kisses.
Stammering an apology, I give the leash slack in favor of grabbing Peanut’s collar to pull him back, though my heart still races with a mix of fear and relief. “I-I’m so sorry, heneverdoes that. I didn’t expect?—”
She sits up, still chuckling, and wipes her face with the sleeve of her sweater before grabbing Peanut’s head to rub him behind his ears. “Don’t worry, we’re just both a little excited, aren’t we?” she coos some more, using a baby voice on him.
Baby voicing a hundred-fifty-pound dog that just bowled her over.
Why is that so hot?
Peanut’s tail wags so enthusiastically that it starts a small breeze.
“He doesn’t like people,” I murmur, more to myself than to her, my voice tinged with astonishment.
What is even happening?
Amelia looks up at me, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “I’m not big on most people either.”
“Is that supposed to be a broad hint?” I quip, extending my hand to help her up.
As she rises, she steps in close—too close—and I feel her warm and slightly uneven breath against my neck. A shiver cascades down my spine, unexpected and electric.
“No, you suck less than most people,” she teases with a playful smile, her voice a soft, breathy whisper.
Her eyes, a striking shade of blue, hold mine, and I’m lost in their depth. Peanut nudges his head between us, his gentle intrusion breaking the intensity of the moment. Reluctantly, I step back.
“I feel honored. Come on, let’s go.”
She locks the door, then we approach the elevator. I can’t help but notice how she shifts her weight from one foot to the other, a small wince briefly crossing her features. She’s clearly trying to mask her discomfort.
Pressing the elevator button, I steal another glance at her, concerned. “You sure you’re up for this?” The elevator dings, and we step inside, the doors closing behind us with a gentle swoosh.
Amelia nods, flashing a brave smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, it’s just a bit of soreness. Nothing I can’t handle.”
As we reach the ground floor, we step out of the building and head toward Denny Park. The walk is slow, accommodating her pace. Peanut shoots me looks as if to ask why we’re walking this slow.
Read the room, buddy.
“You know, if you’re hurting too much, we can always turn back. Misha mentioned yesterday’s hike was pretty intense.”
