Barry Dunning is a pet stylist and a gentle soul. Animals love him and he adores them. And while he would love to have a dog or cat of his own, the lease on his tiny studio apartment doesn’t allow pets. So, he paints miniature cats and dogs on rocks, instead. Hurt by an ex-boyfriend, Barry doesn’t date. But his sister Trixie is always pestering him to get back out there, though he doesn’t think anyone would want him or his baggage. Not so. Sheldon Svenson, the owner of the animal shelter where Barry volunteers on weekends is attracted to Barry and asks him out on a date. Barry -- for once taking his sister’s advice -- accepts. Dinner ends in disaster, but Sheldon, undaunted, pursues Barry and asks for another chance. Will Barry decide to risk losing his heart?

Of Paws and Pet Rocks

“I said I could, not that I would, my love.” I pictured her fluttering thick eyelashes at him.


“I suppose that’s comforting,” he replied.


“Have you slept with him, Barry?” she persisted.


“No, it’s not like that,” I replied.


“I don’t know what I want, or even if I should pursue anything. He’s so…confident and…well, he could have anyone he wanted. He’s been acting strange around me lately. I’m not sure what to think of it all. Or if I should be thinking anything.”


“Explain.” Timothy’s gurgles were closer now, so Sid had probably handed the baby over to Trixie.


“He gave me a hug the other day and then acted all embarrassed, practically sprinting away from me. Then he came by my job today to apologize for something that really wasn’t an issue, in my mind. And when we talked a little about having pet rocks as a hobby, he said something like ‘so that’s how a guy gets you to notice him.’ Does that sound like flirting to you?”


Chapter 6