Page 1 of Puppy Love
1
CECILIA
Ilocked the door behind me, letting out a deep sigh, and frowned. But the sight of my white and black maltese-poodle pup running toward me instantly brightened up my mood. I crouched, welcoming my dog into my arms as she jumped.
“Hi Oreo, did you miss me?” I asked, petting her silky, soft coat of fur.
I leaned down and she gave me kisses, licking all over my face. I giggled at how much it tickled.
“I missed you, too, girl,” I said, picking her up and cradling her ten-pound body in my arms.
Oreo nuzzled into me as I headed to my bedroom, and my heart melted.
“Tonight’s date was so boring, Oreo. He was so awkward and couldn’t carry a conversation. I wanted to get out of there as soon as I could,” I said out loud, needing to talk to someone about my lousy, blind date tonight.I’m never going to let any of my coworkers set me up on another blind date again.
I placed her on my bed and got ready for bed. As I changed into my sleep shorts and tank top, I thought about the string of bad dates I had over the last few months. I’ve never called anyof these men back for a second date.Something must be wrong with me.
I didn’t feel anything for these guys. There was no chemistry or spark when we met. Don’t get me wrong; some were very handsome. But when they started talking, I stopped listening for the most part, just smiling and nodding. I wasn’t interested in anything they were talking about. I had a few dates where they talked about themselves, never asking me a question about me.
My best friend, Nina, says that I have high standards. I can’t help it. I know what I’m worth and know what kind of man I wanted in my life. There was one man who I compared my dates to, and it was my dad’s best friend, Leo. Leo has known my dad even before I was born, being friends for over thirty years. He’s not blood-related, but I’ve called himunclesince I was born. He’s like a brother to my dad and an integral part of our family.He was twenty years my senior, and the hottest man I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I’ve had a crush on him since I was ten-years-old, but I’ve never told anyone…well, except my best friend of course…and Oreo.
I’ve fantasized being with my dad’s best friend when I hit puberty and learned about sex and masturbation. I dreamt of him taking my virginity, but that hasn’t happened. I had a boyfriend when I was eighteen and started college seven years ago, but I couldn’t give him my virginity. He told me that he’d wait for me when I was ready, but I learned that he couldn’t wait after all. Turns out, he wasn’t faithful after dating for a year. I never trusted another guy since. I focused on school then on my career as a nurse, keeping myself busy so I didn’t have to date, but I was lonely. It was time I found someone. There should be at leastone guyout there who was meant for me. Someone I could trust with my heart, love me unconditionally, and treat me how I should be treated.
I knew that nothing would ever happen between Leo and I, but that crush was still there, even after fifteen years. I’ve hoped that Leo would notice me, but that hasn’t happened. He sees me as hisniece, his best friend’s little girl. I still had hope that one day he’d see me more than a little girl, but as the woman that he loved. I think I needed to finally do something for him to notice me. I needed to make a move, but it could end in two ways: one, he’ll reject me and things would be awkward from that day forward, or two, he’ll see me as a woman he’d want to date, then we’d go from there.
Leo and I were close when I was growing up. He babysat me when I was younger and spent every birthday with me until I turned eighteen, join our holidays, and even went on vacation with us during the summer. I was able to talk to him about anything, especially when my mom passed away when I was sixteen. When he started dating his now-ex-wife, he spent less time with Dad and I. Nowadays, I see Leo on holidays and occasionally around our small town of Silver Lake Falls. But it’s always a quickhelloand small talk, then we’d be on our way. He’s the Fire Chief of our small town and has been very busy.
I slid under the covers of my bed and grabbed my phone, catching up on emails. I’m glad that I didn’t need to wake up early tomorrow. I was off at the hospital for the next two days and planned to rest and get some errands done. Maybe I’ll see Leo around town…that’s what I hoped, anyway. Scrolling through emails, I stopped at one about an event. In a few weeks, it was the National Fire Pup Day charity event, where multiple fire departments across the state were hosting. The proceeds would go to the animal shelters across the state, as well as the Silver Lake Falls Fire Department scholarship program.
I should go to the charity event to support Leo, and maybe he’ll finally see me more than his best friend’s daughter.
“Hey, Dad,”I greeted, deciding to visit him on my day off.
“Hi, sweetheart.” He smiled and stepped aside as I entered my family home. I gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek.
“I brought you dinner,” I said, holding a bag of ingredients to make him grilled chicken and roasted vegetables. “I know how busy you get with work and forget to eat.”
He chuckled. “You know me so well, Cece.”
We walked to the kitchen and my eyes widened, finding Leo sitting around the kitchen island, beer in hand.
“Oh, hey, Uncle Leo,” I greeted, trying to sound cool and collected when deep down, I was anxious and giddy to see him here.
His full lips curved up to a smile, then he stood up and approached me, wrapping his arms around me, giving me an embrace. He was at least a foot taller than me and a muscular guy. I can feel how hard his body was as I circled my arms around him. Electricity surged through my body from his touch, his warm and spicy scent intoxicating. I wanted to stay like this forever.
“Hey, kiddo. Long time no see.” The deep timbre in his voice sent a shiver down my spine and made my panties damp.Kiddo?He still sees me as a kid. I frown for a split second, before catching myself then grinning again.
“Good to see you,” I said, before he pulled away and sat back down next to my dad. “I brought extra food to cook. Hope you’re staying for dinner, Uncle Leo.”
I gazed at him, our eyes locking. His brilliant blue eyes sparkled.
“Of course.” He grinned. “I’d love to.”
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, excited to spend some time with him. I started preparing the chicken and vegetables, keeping to myself while I secretly eavesdropped on Dad and Leo’s conversation. I hoped to get some information if Leo has finally started dating after his divorce years ago, and find a way to make a move without my dad around.
2
LEO
