Page 6 of Puppy Love
It’s now or never. I wanted to hang out with Leo before our holidate without my dad around.
CECILIA
I’m off today, too. I’m planning to go to the dog park with Oreo in thirty minutes. Do you and Skip want to join us?
I watched the three dots on the bottom of our text conversation, eagerly waiting for his response.
LEO
Sure, that sounds fun. I’ll see you soon.
I squealed like a teenager getting the attention from her crush. It really felt like it, except I’m no longer a teenager.
I changed into workout pants, a tank top, and zip up hoodie, then put the harness and leash on Oreo before heading to the dog park. I pulled into the parking lot, finding Leo’s truck already here. Looking toward the large grassy area, I saw the familiar silhouette of a tall, muscular man and large dark brown dog.Leo and Skip.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, anxiety washing over my body as I got closer to seeing Leo. Oreo was practically dragging me toward them. She was so excited to meet another dog. Skip barked and started running in our direction. Leo spun around, our eyes locking. His blue eyes were brilliant, twinkling under the sunlight; his lips curving up, flashing a sexy smile.
“Hi, Uncle Leo,” I greeted, closing the distance between us.
He opened up his arms and I didn’t hesitate to go into them, being wrapped up in his embrace.
“Hi, Cece,” he said, squeezing his arms around me, my head pressed against his hard chest, my arms snaked around his waist.
His warm and spicy scent of cinnamon and musk filled my nose, intoxicating me. His embrace was comforting, and I felt so safe with him. His hug lingered a bit longer than usual before he released his hold and stepped back. I could still feel his warmth surrounding me.
“Hope you didn’t wait long,” I said, looking up at him. Leo was a foot taller than me, making me look so small standing beside him.
His hair was dark, peppered with grays throughout. It was styled messy on top, as if he just woke up, although it was already afternoon. He wore a black t-shirt that hugged his biceps and chest, with gray joggers that looked so good on him, sitting low on his hips.
“No, we just got here a few minutes before you two did. Looks like our pups have a liking to each other,” Leo said, chuckling.
Skip and Oreo were very playful with one another, their tails wagging as they jumped and ran around.
“It sure does.” The corners of my lips pulled up to a wide smile.
The dog park was pretty empty except for us being there. It was a good opportunity to talk to Leo, get to know him, and flirt with him. We sat down at a nearby bench, watching our pups playing in the enclosed, fenced area.
“How’s the planning for the charity event?” I asked, turning my body slightly to face him, my hands rested on my lap. He followed suit and faced me.
“It’s pretty much done. We hired an event planner to take care of what was needed, and she did everything.”
“Glad to hear,” I said. Hearing that he was working closely with another woman made me jealous. Why should I be jealous when Leo wasn’t mine to begin with? “Hope she’s not charging too much.”
“Not much at all. Luckily, she’s the wife of one of my guys at the fire house.” Leo gave a small smile.
“Even better,” I blurted out, my cheeks warming up. I was relieved that the event planner was married. I knew that Leo wouldn’t ever have an affair with a married woman, especially when his own wife cheated on him.
“Uncle Leo,” I started. “Are you sure that you want to go to the charity event together? I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
He placed his hand on mine, gently squeezing it as a surge of electricity buzzed up my arm.
“I couldn’t be more sure. I think it would be fun.” He kept his hand on mine a little bit longer and pulled away, his touch still lingering on my skin. “Your dad even encouraged us to go together. It seemed he preferred it that way.”
“Yeah, it did. I was surprised Dad mentioned it.” I shrugged. “Even if he didn’t suggest it, I think it would be fun to go with you. I don’t know what people would say, though, when they see us together.” I gave a lopsided smile. “I don’t want to ruin your reputation.”
He chuckled; his gaze met mine.
“I honestly don’t care what people will say. I’ll be with the most beautiful woman at the event. If anything, men and women will be jealous,” he said, his eyes swirling with desire.
