Can a spoiled little dog bring two strangers together? The first time Jacke sees him, it’s a happy accident. He’s taken refuge in a quiet corner of the park, decompressing after a difficult day at work, when the man, dressed in a fancy suit, passes by him walking a spoiled little dog. As the days pass, Jacke notices the adorable pair several times. He’s unable to take his eyes off the man whose first priority is the dog, even over his own comfort. And one day, when circumstances are right, Jacke takes a chance and speaks to the man. David. David’s personality is as adorable as his outward appearance, and a short walk in the rain results in mutual attraction and a promise to see each other again. A second meeting in the park turns into a date, and Jacke starts longing for something he thought he’d never have; a partner. But does David feel the same? Will a chance meeting in the park turn into love?

They Met in the Park

When we reach “my” bench, we both stop as if on cue. I face him, look into his eyes. He shows no signs of impatience. No irritation that I still haven’t answered his question. All I see is calmness and contentment.


“Maybe we’re testing our theory?” I say.


He shuffles closer until we’re almost chest to chest, and I can easily lean in and kiss him again. “What do you mean?” he asks.


“Seems we both think we’re not relationship material. But maybe…I’d like to try to disprove that notion with you.”


He hums but doesn’t immediately reply. Instead, he meets my gaze, his eyes and face serious, his grip on my hand as tight as ever. “Why me?”


“Because you’re…different. You seem to like me for who I am, not for someone I could be or because of the potential—” I make quotation marks with my free hand “—I have. You’re kind and funny. Because you make me feel something I’ve never felt before. You make me want to be withsomeone.”


Chapter 17