Chapter 4

I told myself the instant attraction was because it had been far too long since I’d been with anyone. Longer still since I’d been with a man. The move, and the reasons behind it, had taken a lot out of me. Besides, I wasn’t looking to start anything up right now. Or for the foreseeable future. Maybe ever again. And it wasn’t smart to pursue a no-strings hook-up with someone you had to deal with on a semi-regular basis.

“Well,” he said, “Aldo certainly needs a trim. Face, feet, and tail at the very least. If you like his coat shorter, then that’s going to be way more involved, of course. But he’s a sweet boy. How does he usually fare with a bath?”

The question was the best possible thing, because it made me fully focus and stop staring. “He’s cool about it. Not his favorite thing. But he’ll stand still for you. Maybe whine just a little. He loves the after part. The brushing and blow drying. Doesn’t mind clipping.”

“And his nails?”