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

When I turned the corner of the hall to walk to my door, the last person I expected to see was sitting on the floor in front of it. I froze.


“Sheldon.” I swallowed. “How’d you…Why are you here?” He stood slowly, watching my hesitant approach as if I were a frightened animal ready to bolt.


I stopped before him. “There’s nothing to talk about. I apologize again about our date, but I think we should just remain as we were before the shit hit the fan. If you’re worried I’ll abandon the shelter, I won’t. I love it there. But, if it makes things hard for you, I—”


Sheldon cut me off. “Stop, okay? Just stop. It’s not like that.” He paused and glanced at the other doors lining the hallway. “Can we talk about this inside? Please.”


I didn’t think it would change anything, but I was tired and I just wanted it all to be over and done with so I could wallow in my misery.


Chapter 10