Pouring hot, steamy water into the mug, I give it a stir and head to the living room. Plopping down, I turn on the boob-tube. I run across a sappy romance comedy and zone out again.
Sipping my tea, I can feel its calming effect moments later. My eyelids become heavy and I can’t keep them open. Stretching out on the couch, I pull a fleece throw over me and continue watching the movie. You know the kind, where a girl meets a guy and falls for him but something unexpected happens and in the end it all works out and they live happily ever after.
My eyes fall closed, and I doze off. A bounding Careful drifts through my dreams. He’s chasing a ball that seems to be coming from right out of my clouded vision. I follow the dog toward the mysterious person. As the fog lifts, Sam comes into view. I pull up short, slightly skidding to a stop.
“Sam?” I whisper.
He looks up and gives me one of his sexy crooked grins. My heart speeds up and I walk the rest of the way to him. Walking right into his waiting arms, I glance up, and bite my lip. I want him to kiss me, and maybe more. Yes, definitely more.
Slanting his head toward me, I meet him somewhere in the middle. Our lips collide and I can’t keep my hands off of him. I touch him everywhere. He caresses my breasts. I really want more.
Lifting my shirt over my head, he lifts me up so my chest is level with his mouth. Sucking my nipple in, he nibbles and licks until I feel like my body is on fire. With a popping sound he releases me.
Beep . . . Beep . . . Beep . . . my alarm goes off. I sit up so suddenly that I fall off the couch. Grabbing my phone, I silence the damn thing. I want to throw it against the wall, but I can’t afford that temper tantrum.
I realize that it’s my day off and I totally forgot to turn it off. I sit on the freezing floor for a few moments to shake the wet dream. Can a girl have a wet dream? If so, that was definitely one.
I think it’s time to come clean with Sam. I know he already guessed my purpose behind his doggy sitting but I want to come clean about it all.
The clammy cold seeps through my pajama pants to the point that I can’t take it any longer. I climb to my feet and trudge myself to the bathroom for a hot shower. I know a cold one would put me in a more acceptable mental state to confront Sam and my emotions but it’s just too damn cold.
I blow-dry my hair and dress quickly to stave off the crisp temperatures. Making myself a cup of coffee and a couple slices of toast, I sit before the empty fireplace and contemplate how I’m going to tell him.
Brushing my teeth and cleaning up the little mess in the kitchen, I can’t think of anything else to do to put off the conversation.
Looking at my watch, I see it’s still kind of early. I know Sam will be awake. I dress in my warm outerwear and carefully walk to my Jeep. I don’t want another incident like yesterday. My ankle is fine and my hands have scabbed over.
I stop by the drive-thru of the coffee house for a couple cups of coffee and donuts. Nothing like some sweets and soul juice to lighten up the mood.
Pulling into his driveway behind his old Ford, I slide out taking the peace offering with me.
I hear barking coming from inside. Smiling, I cross the walkway to the front door. Sam’s there with it open and that same crooked grin from last night's dream planted on his face. I stop in my tracks for a moment to get my bearings.
“Good morning. I thought you had somewhere to be?” he remarks with one eyebrow cocked in question.
“Yeah . . . Well . . . About that . . .” I start but Careful chooses that moment to come rushing out toward me in his puppy excited glory.
“Careful!” Sam shouts to no avail.
“Stop,” I command and he skids to a stop. “Sit.” I watch him hover his butt over the cold concrete. I know he hates that feeling but I need him to calm.
“Seriously? That works?” Sam looks dumbfounded between me and Careful.
“Yes, it’s called commands. He’s actually pretty intelligent,” I brag a little. We’ve worked hard to get him out of his puppy faze and it’s paid off.
“Well, damn. I thought I would have to train him, you know, if he stayed,” he says, looking down as he shuffles his feet.
“If?” I question.
“Why don’t you come inside. It looks like you have something on your mind,” he comments and holds the door open for me. I hand him the tray of coffee and baggie of goodies as I pass him. I pause at the door to shrug out of my coat and boots and then continue to the living room.
As I sit, he hands me a cup and takes a seat next to me on the couch. And gives me a patient look.
Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage. I start with the easy part.
“Yes, I tried to trick you into getting a service animal. Actually, I want you to adopt Careful, that way I can see him whenever I want or close
