Page 29 of Unexpected Adventures

“No. I’d love a dog myself, but I’m always on the go with my clients. I’d hate to think about her being alone all day with no company.”

“So you’d have ashe?”

“Of course. So she’d be in tune with me and we’d share ice cream during sappy, romantic comedies.” I chuckle.

“You could always get two so they’d have each other for company while you’re gone.”

“Ah, and double the trouble when they decide they’re bored and want to start tearing things up.”

“But with good training, they wouldn’t do that.”

I laugh. “I suppose there is that. What about you? Any pets?”

“No. Like you, I’d love a dog, or two, or three. But withmywork?”

“You’re gone too much also.”

“Yep.”

“I thought about getting a little one, like one of these cuties. One I could take with me to my clients’ places, but not everyone likes dogs. And then there are allergies to consider.”

“Yeah, lots to consider. It’s a shame, though. I think you’d be a terrific human for a lucky dog.” He grins.

“Why, thank you, kind sir.” I mimic a curtsy.

Once we reach the door, Shaun unleashes the dogs and ushers them inside. Their little paws are heard clicking off down the hallway.

We make our way into the kitchen where they ended up, licking furiously from their water bowls. Then it’s on to their beds for a nap.

Shaun and I each grab a water bottle. He leans against a counter, drinking down half the bottle in one swig. I rest against the island, opposite of him.

“So, ten years at your job. You must really like it.”

“For the most part, yes. It’s great to have a job that’s exhilarating and one I enjoy. Keeps me young.” He winks.

“Oh, brother. Yeah, you’re really getting up there in age, at, what, thirty, did you say?”

He nods his head.“Yeah, most days I feel pretty good.Then there are those days I feel like an old man.” He chuckles.

“Uh-huh. Well, you keep yourself in excellent shape.”

“Thanks for noticing.” He playfully strikes a pose, flexing his perfect biceps.

“How could I not?” I admit before I can stop myself.

Shaun’s eyes sparkle. “So, you like checking me out, do you?” He sets the water bottle on the counter and takes a step in my direction. Realizing what he’s doing, I sidestep away before he can trap me. I don’t think I’m ready to play cat and mouse in broad daylight with him.Especially knowing what he could do if he caught me. Although I really enjoy what he’s done so far, there’s no telling if Sarah or Denise could come upon us at any moment.

“Sarah said you already went for a run this morning,” I say as I walk around to the other side of the island from where he’s standing. “Do you run every day?”

“Almost.” He chuckles, clearly knowing I’m avoiding contact with him. “When my knees aren’t acting up. How about you? What’s your exercise routine?” he asks, sizing me up.

“Who says I have one?” I say coyly. Am I fishing for compliments?

“From the shape you’re in, I’d say you do. Unless you’re just a natural beauty whose body stays toned without any effort.”

Hooked one. Every girl likes to be flattered.

Still, I blush and thank him. “I love to run. I usually go to Pine Lake Park for my runs.”

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