Page 28 of All I Want Is Love
I wait for it to sink in before I can see the realization dawn on Leo’s face, and he bursts into laughter.
“Do you have a Band-Aid?” I continue. “Because I hurt my knee falling for you.”
Leo slaps his forehead. “Oh no.”
“I would take you out to the movies, but they don't let me take along my own snacks.”
Leo laughs again.
We make our way back to the jeep in no time, with me throwing cheesy pick-up lines at him. It’s only when we reached my jeep that I noticed that this is the most fun I have had in a long time.
ten
*SOREN*
An hour later, I park the jeep in front of my favorite restaurant close to West Sunhaven. They allow dogs, so Barkley can come inside with us. The walk has definitely tired him out in a good way. For anything longer, though, we might need to train him up more and see how he does. He grew into his adult form without the usual issues dogs of bigger breeds can have, so that’s a good sign, but still, we need to be careful.
Leo scratches Barkley’s back once he is out of his jeep. “I need to brush you properly tomorrow. I am trying to brush him regularly, but I am not sure if I am doing it right. How often do I need to groom or bath him?”
“I would brush him every couple of days and additionally when he needs it,” I say. “As for bathing, we can take him to agroomer every six to eight weeks. It really depends. But he will definitely need his undercoat brushed properly.”
Leo nods. “Is there a groomer here?”
“Yes, we have one.” I smile. “She is really good at what she is doing.”
“Awesome, see Barkley?” He scratches him behind his ears now. “You will be pampered!”
Barkley lets his tongue hang down, eyeing Leo with all the adoration he has.
“Let’s go, you two,” I say. “They usually have some food for dogs, as well. Not just water.”
"Oh, really!?"
“Yes, it’s a lovely restaurant.”
“I am hungry.” Leo stretches. “Hungry and exhausted,” he says. “But you were right, spending time outside with the right company was reallymagical.”
I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but he definitely is flirting, isn’t he?
“You know,” I say while leading him to the restaurant. “I bet you would be a lovely vegetable.”
“Huh?” he blinks.
I open the door, pausing in the doorframe. “If you were a vegetable, you’d be a cute-cumber.”
“Please stop,” Leo giggles. “I am sorry I ever asked for pickup lines!”
“Oh, I have barely started!”
“So, any way to shut you up?”
I tilt my head. “I could think of one way.” I wonder if this is already pushing it too far. I am not shy of flirting usually, but this is Aspen’s little brother and a sweet guy who obviously is battling with his trauma. I don’t want to push him too much.
Leo takes a step closer, right towards me. He is so close now. “Like this?” he asks.
I know an invitation when I see one, and I am certainly not going to reject his advances. Aspen will need to suck it up!
“I think there would be a more effective way.” I gaze up at the mistletoe over our heads.
