Colton was still thinking about Sugar and when he’d had his mouth on her.

Hell, she was just as sweet as her name implied.

He didn’t know what he’d done wrong. One moment they were talking and he was being honest with her, and the next he was kissing her. She’d reciprocated. He’d felt it as she leaned into him and opened her mouth. But then she’d broken the kiss and hauled ass out of his apartment.

Staring at his dog, he knew he had to take him out for a walk, to have both of them get some fresh air. He needed to clear his head anyway. She hadn’t called, and in fact had been avoiding him since she left.

Sitting on the sofa, he stared at Boscoe, who kept his gaze on the door. In just the short amount of time Boscoe had been with Sugar there had been a huge improvement to his demeanor. The dog seemed more relaxed, content even.

“You’re waiting for her, aren’t you, bud?”

Boscoe moved his head so that his face was on Colton’s knee.

Colton had never been a pet or animal person. He had no time to care for them. His sister had adored them. Loved them.

Putting his hand on Boscoe’s head, he released a breath.

“I shouldn’t have kissed her. If I had controlled myself, you’d still have a friend, buddy, and I’d still see the woman I crave desperately.”

He didn’t understand. None of it made any sense to him. Everything had been going so well for him up until then.

Shaking his head and pushing those thoughts aside, he tried to focus on other things. In a few days he was finally going to have that precious meeting that he’d been working toward.

That alone made him so fucking happy.

It had taken him a couple of months to negotiate that meeting. Just a couple more days and he’d have everything he ever wanted or needed.

Boscoe whined.

“I know, boy. I know. She’s not coming, though, so I guess you and I are going to have to figure this shit out.” He finished off his coffee.

Boscoe didn’t move and he kept on rubbing behind his ears. The action soothed him.

All he could think about was that damn kiss.

“You want to go out for a walk?”

Boscoe lifted his head, doing that cute tilt that made him look so adorable.

“I may have finally figured out what my sister saw in you.” He smiled. Getting to his feet, he grabbed the lead, and Boscoe ran to the door, clearly wanting to go out.

“I can’t promise you that we’ll bump into her but here’s to hoping.” He wanted to apologize for his behavior the other night and maybe even ask her on a date.

With Boscoe on the lead, he made his way toward the elevator. Once inside, he tried to think of what he could say by way of an apology.

Sorry for being a dick.

Did I come on too strong?

I need you in my life.

He looked at his reflection in the mirror hanging in the foyer. “I’m losing my mind.” He burst out laughing. “You hear this, Boscoe? This woman even has me talking to myself.”

Leaving the apartment building, he waved at the security officer at the front desk. With Boscoe by his side, he noticed a couple of people crossed the street to avoid him. See, there was a good reason to have a dog by his side.

Even though he wanted to see Sugar, he had no intention of seeking her out. The last thing he wanted to do was to scare or push her away, and yet he found himself heading toward the dog park.

Making his way inside, he saw plenty of dogs already off their leads. Boscoe sat by his feet, clearly waiting to be let go so he could run out some of his energy. When Boscoe gave his head a little tilt, the leash pulled in Colton’s hand.

“Ah, right, buddy.” He released the lead and stood watching his dog race to join in.

It wasn’t so bad having a dog. Hell, it wasn’t so bad being social either. As he watched Boscoe, a fluffy Pomeranian rushed past him and Colton tensed up. Glancing behind him, he saw Sugar, but her focus wasn’t on him. It was clear she hadn’t even noticed him.

She was laughing at her dog, but he knew the exact moment she spotted Boscoe. Surprise covered her face as she turned her head, seeking him out. And then their gazes clashed.

God, he loved her eyes. They were this warm brown color.

Dropping his gaze down to her lips, he wanted to feel them pressed to his again. She’d been so soft, tasted so good.

“Colton,” she said.

“Sugar.”

She moved to stand beside him.

He wanted to touch her, to pull her against him and have her close.

He didn’t, though. Staring at their dogs, he watched them play together. They knew how to get along. Why couldn’t he say or do something that would help this situation?

“I didn’t expect you to be here,” she said.

“Boscoe needed a walk and this is the only place I know where to go.” Damn it. He didn’t have a fucking clue what to say and so he stood there by her side, wanting to say a whole lot but unable to come up with anything.