Page 7 of Puppy Love
We sat silently, staring into each other’s eyes, a sizzle in the air between us.
“Well, then. I’ll make sure to look extra special for you that night.” My cheeks heated up, blushing, as I tried flirting with him.
“I can’t wait.” He grinned.
Me too.
4
LEO
Ihaven’t smiled this much in a long time, even when I was with my ex-wife. When I’m around Cecilia, I feel alive, like all my senses exploded. We’ve been texting each other, flirting, and hanging out when we can over the last two weeks. Our pups seemed to have a liking to one another, too. Michael left for his business trip a couple of days ago, and as far as I knew, Cecilia hasn’t mentioned us hanging out to her dad. I sure as hell haven’t said anything to him. He’s just aware that we’re going to the charity event together because we "couldn’t find dates.”
I styled my dark hair, combing it to the side, then trimmed my short beard neatly. I was starting to get more silver hair sprinkled throughout my hair, but I didn’t care. I knew I was older and I wasn’t trying to compete with guys in their twenties and thirties. Looking in the mirror, I straightened my navy-blue tie and gave myself a final once-over before putting my black suit jacket on. It’s been a while since I’ve dressed up—I think the last time was on my wedding day. I pushed those thoughts away, bringing me back to the present. I was dressed to impress,especially knowing who my date is tonight, although I knew I shouldn’t be feeling this way about her.
I got Skip ready and we headed to Cecilia’s place. Since the charity event was being held in the city, which was an hour away, Cecilia suggested that I bring Skip to her place, so her best friend can dog sit both Skip and Oreo while we’re away. Since we weren’t sure what time we’d be coming back to town, we wanted to ensure our pups were taken care of.
Arriving to her house, my palms were getting sweaty and my heart rate sped up as I waited for her to open the door.What the fuck was wrong with me?All these feelings of nervousness and anticipation for this date seemed as if I was a teenager going on my first real date. The sound of metal grinding against each other and a click filled the cool air before the door opened.
“Hey there, Mr. Cartwright,” Nina greeted from the other side of the doorway.
I’ve met Cecilia’s best friend before, and been in the same room as her plenty of times through the years when I hung out with Michael and Cecilia. She seemed like a very nice girl who had a good head on her shoulders and was a good influence on Cecilia. I haven’t heard of any gossip about her or Cecilia in our small town.
“Hey, Nina. Nice to see you again,” I greeted, grinning.
Oreo ran up to the front door, wagging her tail with a sparkle in her eyes, going to Skip and I. Skip was pulling on the leash, wanting to run toward the little black and white pup. I bent down and released Skip from the leash, and he dashed to his new best friend. Both Oreo and Skip ran in circles around each other.
I chuckled, amused to see them so happy.
“That’s so cute,” Nina said, looking at the pups.
“It is,” I responded. “Do you know if Cecilia’s ready? We need to hit the road soon so we’re not late. There’s a storm that’s supposed to roll in tonight.”
“Let me check,” Nina said, heading to Cecilia’s room.
Soon after, I heard the clicking of high heels on the wooden floor. My gaze met Cecilia’s and my breath hitched.My God. She looked like a damn goddess. Cecilia wore a navy-blue strapless gown that hugged her curves and had a side-slit in front that reached up mid-thigh, showing off her smooth, creamy leg. Her long, dark hair was down and curled in waves, pinned to the side, and her make-up was glamourous. She had a dark eye shadow that shimmered, her cheeks had a slight blush, and her lips were natural and glossy. Her pouty lips looked very kissable.
“Hi, Uncle Leo,” Cecilia greeted me, flashing her beautiful smile.
Uncle.It was a reminder of why I couldn’t be with her. She saw me as heruncle, even if we weren’t blood-related.
“Cece, you look…stunning.” My breath caught in my throat. I couldn’t believe how this gorgeous woman was once the little girl I watched grow up.
“Thank you.” She looked down shyly, blushing adorably. “You look so handsome.”
“Thank you,” I said. “We should go before the storm rolls in,” I suggested.
Cecilia nodded, picking up her clutch then her coat. I took her coat from her and assisted putting it on her. My fingers brushed against the soft skin of her shoulder, and I saw a visible shiver run down her back.
“Bye, Nina. I’m not sure how late we’ll be back—” Cecilia started, turning to her best friend.
“No worries, just text me when you’re leaving. Go! Have fun and drive safely,” Nina urged, gesturing for us to leave.
“Thank you,” I said, petting Skip and Oreo before I escorted Cecilia to my car.
I closed the door after Cecilia slid onto the leather seat of my sedan, then rounded the car and got into the driver’s side. Thearoma of her sweet vanilla scent filled the small space of my car, making my cock twitch in my pants. I wanted to bury my face in her neck and inhale her intoxicating scent. I started the car, then we were on our way. I needed to focus on getting to the event, instead of how this sexy woman sitting next to me was making me feel.
“Are you excited about the event?” she asked.
