Page 3 of Cinnamon Strudel
She took it and playfully teased, “Only if you promise not to stand me up.”
Grinning, Morgan shook his head. When she handed it back, he sent her his address.
“Oh, you live right around the corner.”
“I’ll meet you out front.”
“We have a date,” she chirped.
“We certainly do and maybe if Blue and I behave, you might allow us back to try that cheesecake.”
Ruby stifled a yawn. “Would you be offended if we cut tonight short?”
He’d had a feeling she’d be tired and after making his entire evening, how could he be upset? “Of course not, I’m sure you’ve had a long day.”
“Thank you.” Her chair scraped over the floor. “I’ll be right back.”
While Morgan assumed she was grabbing the check—again—he had Blue come out from under the table. “Blue, head in,” he said and held the harness out for Blue to stick his head through. As he fastened it, Ruby returned to the table.
“Such a hardworking boy,” she praised. “And cute too. How long have you been together?”
“Two years, he’s my first.” He took the bill from her and noticed right away that her cake wasn’t on there. “You missed something.”
“I didn’t.”
Morgan frowned, adding enough cash to cover both cakes and a tip before handing it back. “Would you let us walk you to your car?”
“That would be wonderful. I’ll be right back.” She headed off once more and when she returned, she asked, “Does Blue need me to show him the door?”
Fuck, why was that simple question melting his insides? He gave a nod, stood beside Blue, and swung his right arm forward. “Blue, forward.” He set in motion so he added, “Follow.”
Blue guided him to the door, where he paused by the stairs and safely led him onto the curb.
“Okay, dumb question time. Do I walk next to you? I don’t want to confuse him.”
“That’s not a dumb question. Did you park in the parking deck beside my apartment complex?”
“Yes.”
“He knows the way home from here. He’ll lead that way and you can walk beside me.”
“Clever boy.”
With another forward swing of his right arm, he said, “Blue, find home.” And Blue did, taking off down the sidewalk.
“What made you want to live here?”
“The convenience of having everything within walking distance. The infrastructure in this area is really good for Blue as well with sidewalks and crossings. It makes it easy for him.” Houston’s infrastructure for anything but cars was horrendous and the neighbourhood of the City Centre definitely not the norm.
“And when he has the harness on, he’s working so no talking or touching him.”
Morgan shrugged. “That’s ideal, but people aren’t all that sensitive or have the knowledge.”
“I mean, he is kind of cute and my weakness for boxers isn’t helping.”
“I see—you’re only here for him.”
“Wouldn’t you like to know? But I haven’t seen many boxers as guide dogs to be honest.”
