Ian rolled his eyes as he gripped Disco and brought her to his face. Nose to nose they assessed each other before she licked him.
“You will get along famously,” I cooed, itching to run my fingers through her hair.
Ian sighed and stretched Disco out in front of him. I began to scratch my arms as he held the puffy pooch toward me. “Sorry, can’t. I’ll break out in hives.”
A moment of silence passed between us as we stared each other down in challenge.
“Koti, don’t do this, okay? I don’t need the hassle.”
“You need her and she’s helpless.”
“Damnit, woman, just take her.” When I shook my head, a furious Ian left my porch and walked back to his house slamming the door behind him.
Hours later in bed, I heard the puppy cry and cringed with every loud protest, afraid for her because of her temperamental new owner. Who would have thought a dog that little would have such an amazing vocal range? It may not have been the best idea, but it made him accountable for something besides himself. Disco had needs and he would have to meet them and maybe, just for a few minutes a day, it would distract him from that hurt.
Another agonizing hour later, the dog kept two houses on Vista Lane awake.
“Oh, for fack’s sake!”
I withered in my bed as Ian’s growl drifted between our houses. And then all went quiet. She was sleeping with him. I was sure of it.
Lucky bitch.
The next morning, I slipped out the front door of my house and didn’t look back as I tore out of the driveway unable to face the wrath I was sure was coming to me. I was greeted by an equally sleep-deprived Jasmine as she walked through the door with two lattes.
“Double shots,” she said, offering me my cup. I took it, grateful.
“How’s the puppy?”
“She’s adorable and very vocal.”
“Oh, no. That bad? You’ve been looking forward to getting her for a month.” Jasmine laughed, studying my face. “Poor thing. You can bring her in tomorrow so we can keep her awake during the day.” She took a seat behind her cluttered desk. “I love dogs.”
“Yeah, my mom never let me have one when I was a kid. She always said no puppies in the penthouse.”
“You’ve never had a pet?”
“Never.”
“Well then, go get her now. You haven’t shut up about her, I want to meet her.”
“I can’t.”
Jasmine gave me a sideways glance. “Sure you can. I’ll watch her here.”
I shrugged as I searched through the schedule. “She’s kind of in someone else’s custody.”
Jasmine pushed away from her desk and crossed her arms. “You gave her away?!”
“I loaned her out.”
“To?”
“Ian.”
“Really?” A wide smile covered her face. “You’ve got it bad for him, don’t you?”
“Not possible.”