CHAPTER ONE
Maggie
What a gorgeous day!
Sticking a pencil into my messy updo, I turned around from stocking the shelves to peek through the glass doors of the pet shop.
Definitely beautiful. The skies were clear and blue, the sun glowing and warm in the middle of it a cloudless sky. Perfect weather.
And from the nips and happy barks coming from the doggie area, I could tell the puppies would love being out there too.
Don’t worry, my friends, came my internal voice. Soon you’ll be with loving families, never fear.
Humming a tune, I finished shelving the last of the heavy bags of dog food that came in last night. As a pet tech at DoggyMart, it’s not normally my job. But Janie, one of the girls who worked with me begged me to do it, and I don’t mind helping out.
But whew, it was hard work! A small price to pay though for hanging out all day with cute and happy animals. Even when they weren’t so happy, it made me feel amazing to help calm them down.
Strands of curly brown hair fell from the up-do and into my face, sticking clammily to my cheeks. Gosh, I was going to need a shower after I got home. Sweat made my t-shirt stick to my armpits, every nook and crevice a little moist. A long, hot wash was definitely in the works the minute I got home.
Squeak, squeak. The old cart rolled along as I pushed it to the back of the store.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” came my polite voice. “Coming through.”
And obligingly, people made way. Thank goodness because I wanted to get to the puppies asap. I’m a huge animal lover, and working with furry friends is the best part of my job. Even now, I was attuned to the squeak of gerbil wheels. The plaintive meows of kittens. The smaller puppies whining. At least all the bigger dogs were calm today, thank goodness.
Suddenly, Dr. Reynolds popped into view. He’s our in-house vet, a friendly old man with a salt and pepper beard and twinkling blue eyes. Not that different from Santa actually.
“Oh, there you are, Maggie,” he chuckled. “The puppies from that abandoned house from the news just came in. Didn’t you want to see them?”
A big smile flashed over my face.
“Yes, definitely,” came my excited words. But then my face fell. “They’re okay, aren’t they?”
Dr. Reynolds nodded.
“They’re okay this time,” he said reassuringly. “Healthy and active, just like eight week old puppies should be. Thank goodness,” he said darkly. “You can never tell with these things.”
And I nodded somberly. Because a lot of animals that come our way aren’t in the best shape. Some have been abused, but most are neglected. I hate to say this of humans, but when it comes to dog versus man, most people choose man. And as a result, our canines can be lonely and maladapted. They’re not bad animals, they just don’t know how to behave because no one’s showed them how.
Dr. Reynolds smiled patiently at me and gestured to another pet tech. Slowly, Marvin wheeled out a cart with a huge cage on top. Oh my gosh, they were so cute! No bigger than two hands put together, the dogs rolled and tumbled together, playful and fluffy.
“Hey, babies,” I cooed. “How are you?”
Sitting on the floor next to their cage, I opened it. And immediately, the animals stopped playing and scrambled to the open door to inspect me. All three had shiny brown eyes. Blinking, they perched little paws on the wire rim, poking their noses out experimentally.
“Aren't you guys so adorable?”
I wriggled my fingers at them but didn't touch, just letting them sniff for a moment. Soon, the white one with a black patch over his eye like a pirate tumbled out of the crate and wandered over to me, curious like a little monkey. He wobbled on tiny feet.
“You're the brave one, aren't you?” I teased with my finger near his face, close but still not touching.
He tumbled into my arms then, making sweet little whimpers. My heart melted. I could literally feel it dissolving into goo because this is why I love my job. Being a pet tech doesn’t pay well, but when an innocent animal overcomes its dark past to trust humans again, I feel redeemed. I feel like I’ve made a difference, however small, in an animal’s life, and happiness coursed through my veins.
It’s why I want to be a vet one day. My part time classes were designed to get me there, but right now, I was only going once a week because credits are expensive, and it’s all I can afford. My dream is to get an Associates degree, and then go for my Bachelors. After that, vet school. Sometimes it seems like pie in the sky, but my dream will come true, slowly but surely.
I smiled again, stroking the puppy's soft head.
“Hey Jack.” He reminded me of Jack Sparrow in that pirate movie with Johnny Depp. But he was missing a gold tooth. Ha! Imagine, a puppy with gold teeth. I giggled.
With a baby whimper, Jack climbed into my lap and started to nibble on my fingers. Awwww...
Just then the sound of loud barking came from the front of the store. A woman screamed at the same time a child started to cry.
“Get it away from my child!” she shrieked.
Oh no! What was going on?
Quickly, I put Jack back in his cage and ran towards the sounds of loud barking and crying.
“He's trying to kill my baby!” a woman accused, finger pointed at a man with a large dog. And it looked to be true. A small boy, maybe two or three years old, wailed and screamed separated from his mother by a massive pit bull straining at the end of its leash.
I didn’t even pause to think. Immediately, my sneakers hit the floor, propelling me across the distance to drop next to the dog bristling angrily.
“It's okay, boy,” came my soothing voice. Moving slowly, I got close to the animal with one hand held out, calm and assertive. “You’re okay. We’ll be okay.”
And gradually, his barking stopped, stopping instead to stare at me, drool flowing from his lips. I smiled.
“You didn’t mean to scare the baby, did you? He doesn't have any reason to be scared of you, right?”
Carefully, I approached the pit bull with my hand held out so the dog could sniff me cautiously.
“That's right, boy,” came my cooing voice. “We're all friends here. Just be calm. Everything’s all right.” The animal sniffed my hand tentatively again, hot breath puffing against my fingers. I held still as a statue, letting him take his time. And soon he nuzzled my hand and smiled a big sloppy doggie grin.
“Ruff!” was his bark, tail wagging like we were best buds already. “Ruff!”
I smiled back, leaning back on my haunches now.
“Well, aren't you handsome?” came my friendly voice. “You’re a good boy, I knew it.”
But Ruff and I weren’t alone. A deep voice penetrated my concentration then.
“Thanks,” it growled. “That was a close one.”
Only half-paying attention, I looked up from my new friend, now squiggling and worming around on the floor like a playful puppy. Who knew Ruff could be reduced to this?
But my head snapped around immediately, brown eyes wide. Because holy cow. The man attached to the pit bull wasn’t a man. He was a god. Intimidatingly tall and broad. Blue eyes. Black hair. Dressed in a perfectly-cut suit that only emphasized the power of his shoulders and the length of his legs.
How was this possible?
People who look like this don’t come into DoggyMart. Especially not dressed in suits.
But it was true. Here was a commanding alpha male, his hand on Ruff’s leash. And suddenly, I realized the leash was pink. Wait, was Ruff a girl?
Blushing, I stammered.
“It-it’s no problem,” came my words. “No problem at all.”
The man smiled again, so dazzling that my retinas burned. How was this alpha even real? He was like a prince, materializing suddenly in a little pet shop filled with suburban ladies and crazy cat grandmas.
“You just worked magic on this animal,” the man rumbled again.
I straightened, blushing furiously. But this wasn’t going to do. I had a job and responsibilities. So standing, my back stiff, I tried to keep my voice even.
“Yeah, dogs really like me,” was my reply. “It’s no problem at all.”
And to prove my words, the pit bull snuffled my fingers again and I stroked his head in a reassuring gesture.
“This guy is just a little unruly. Nothing a little training won’t fix. Have you taken him to obedience classes?” came my gentle inquiry.
The dark man shook his head.
“Naw. Bowzer isn't mine. I'm just babysitting him.”
Oh okay, so Bowzer was a boy, even if he had a pink leash. But this was still a good time to suggest some classes.
“Well, maybe you can ask the owner to take him to obedience school? They’re not expensive and even seven sessions can work miracles. Here, let me see if I can find a brochure for you,” I said busily, turning away. But my cheeks were flushing again. A tickling in the back of my throat warned me. Verbal diarrhea approaching in 3-2-1… Blast off! It never failed when I was nervous.
“I’ll give you some great doggie schools, call one and they might have an opening,” came my rushed words. “It’s good to get dogs like this into training really quick. Even if they go when they’re older, it still worth it.”
I kept babbling and babbling, providing far more information than was actually necessary. But the big man’s blue eyes gleamed, amused, even as I practically choked myself with sentences. Well, at least he was laughing at me and not high-tailing it out of here or making lame excuses.
Please god, just help me stop talking. Get a grip, Maggie! I scolded myself. Stop talking!
So taking a deep breath, my lips closed for a moment.
“Give me a sec to get that list.” And before he could tell me no, I waved and backed up. “Be right back!” was my merry call.
Moving like an Olympic sprinter, I dashed into the DoggyMart office and made a quick copy of the list of obedience schools and schedules. Grabbing the still-hot copies, I ran back to the dark man, chest heaving up and down like a heavyweight boxer.
Because I’m not a little girl.
I’m a curvy one.
And after all that running, my boobies heaved up and down, ass still swaying.
But this was work, so I shoved the printed list at the man with trembling fingers.
“Here you go,” came my breathy voice. Oh god, why did I sound so sexy? We were at DoggyMart for crying out loud, I should come across as friendly yet professional. “A list of doggy schools,” came my announcement, steadier then. Good.
And the man flashed another movie-star smile, reaching a huge hand to take the wobbling paper.
“Like I said, I’m just babysitting Bowzer, but I’ll definitely let my little sister know. Janine, god save her, dumped him on me to go backpacking through Europe. I’m stuck with this guy for two months.”
Oh wow, did I sense some sibling tension here? My eyes opened wide, lips parting.
“Well maybe you could take him to class on weekends then?” was my suggestion. Not thinking, I stuck my hands behind my back, and instantly my girls popped forwards on full display. They’re big Double Ds, lush and soft. Of course, the man’s eyes dropped to my creaminess, roving over the curves. Frankly, it happens with most guys. Skinny frames are what’s “in,” but trust me, men love sugar.
So rushing on, I babbled again nervously.
“A lot of times dogs just need attention, especially ones that are adopted.” Casually, I eased my hands back to my sides, but the man’s eyes didn’t move. That blue gaze drifted downwards, taking in my curvy hips, the big bottom that just wouldn’t quit. Oh god, this had to stop, this was so unprofessional.
“Can I help you find something else in the meantime?” I asked quickly, cheeks flushing. “Treats? Leashes? Pee pads?”
“Pee pads, huh?” the man drawled, that lazy smile growing even wider. “I think Bowzer’s past the pee pad phase, or at least he better be. Aren’t you boy?”
And obligingly, the pit bull bobbed his head up and down like he could understand.
“What else do you want Bowzer?” the dark man asked. “You want some food? Toys? Bones? This nice lady is gonna help us.”
And turning back, he flashed that smile again.
“Sure, I’m here for some dog food and whatever else Bowzer needs. Like I said, my sister dumped him on me with no notice, just a food bowl and a half-eaten bag of kibble. So we need to buy everything.”
I nodded.
“Okay no problem,” was my agreeable nod. “Let me show you our selection. We carry every premium brand of dog food plus a couple ones that just came on the market. Does Bowzer eat organic? Is he vegan?”
The dark man looked at me like I couldn’t be serious. But I nodded seriously.
“Believe it or not, there are a couple pet owners who prefer their dogs to eat vegan. So SciencePlus just put out a new type of dog food formulated from lentils and sweet potatoes. It’s supposed to taste just like meat.”
The dark man snorted like he couldn’t believe his ears.
“Bowzer’s a pit bull,” came his drill reply. “I think we’ll pass on the vegan treats.”
My smile was understanding.
“Just wanted to make sure you knew. Follow me, please.”
And with that, I spun on one heel, walking briskly to Aisle Three.
“Here it is,” I gestured to a vast array of foods, stacked from floor to ceiling, every kind possible.
“Let me know if you need anything else,” were my breezy words, and then I was gone.
“Thanks,” his deep voice called after me. “Thanks a million.”
So maybe there was some sarcasm there. Maybe this wasn’t a guy who appreciates vegan doggie meals and animal treats fortified with goji berries and quinoa. But hey, canines can be like humans. Or more accurately, humans are humans no matter what, and pet owners can be picky parents.
So I waltzed off, cheeks still slightly pink. Hopefully, I’d redeemed myself with my encyclopedic knowledge of dog food. Ha. Hardly. More like the alpha thought I was a nitwit who talked to much, a total nincompoop when it came to men.
Because it’s true actually. I’m a virgin so my experience with the male sex isn’t exactly extensive. It’s close to zero. That time with Marty Jenkins doesn’t count because I couldn’t bear to let him get within two inches of me, even though he tried.
“Come on,” Marty pleaded, stinking hot breath blowing in my face. The guy had had garlic with dinner, and didn’t know to brush afterwards.
“No Marty,” I said, batting his hands away. “We’re supposed to be studying, not doing this.”
“Doing what?” he whined. “I’m not even doing anything, you won’t let me!”
Exactly. And that’s how things were gonna stay. Slamming my book shut, I stood.
“Marty this isn’t going to work. We can’t be study partners anymore,” I announced.
The adolescent boy leaned back in his seat, picking at those yellowed teeth. I couldn’t help but notice he had a dark brown cavity on his left incisor, rotted and painful-looking.
But the teenage boy was done with me as well. He sneered.
“You’re never gonna be vet,” came those nasty words. “You got years and years ahead of you, girl. And this class? On animal physiology? Please, you’re never going to pass.”
My ears burned, face growing red. It’s true I was only at step one of a multi-phase process. But why did he have to belittle my goals? I’d make it, someday.
“Don’t say that,” came my stiff words, picking up my book bag. “Don’t even talk to me anymore.”
Marty guffawed again.
“Don’t worry,” he sneered. “I won’t. You’re just a tease Maggie, walking around in that tight sweater. Not worth it at all,” he huffed angrily.
My mouth dropped open. The sweater wasn’t tight! It was just a plain cotton crewneck from the Gap.
But that’s how my body is. Every top highlights my girls, the luscious Double Ds unstoppable, jiggly and soft, curving generously. But what were my options? To wear a garbage bag? Swath myself in a sheet?
So I didn’t even dignify his comment with an answer. Lips pressed in a tight line, I swept out of the library, head held high. I wasn’t gonna let a loser like Marty get to me.
But everything with Bowzer’s owner was different. That blue gaze roaming over my curves sent sizzles down my spine. I’d gone hot and then cold and then hot again, unlike the constant creepy crawly feeling in Marty’s presence.
And suddenly, the alpha reappeared at my shoulder.
“What else do you think I should get?” came that deep-throated growl.
Oh my god! I'm such an idiot. I’d been standing there in the middle of the aisle, lost in a daydream. Specifically, a fantasy about this man right here. So I looked up, brown eyes wide.
“Um, what do you have on hand again?”
A perfect black eyebrow quirked.
“Nothing at all,” he drawled, the corner of his lip curving upwards.
Right, right. I’d forgotten.
“Oh, okay,” came my stammer. “Well, why don't you take the bag to the register and I'll grab some other things for you while you’re waiting? It’s no trouble. “
I blushed again, hoping he didn’t notice. But of course, that azure gaze missed nothing. Sweeping over my frame, another smile pulled at the corner of his lips.
“Sure thing,” he rumbled. “We’ll just be over here. Come on Bowzer.”
And with that, master and pet moved towards the registers. Meanwhile, I kicked into gear like there was a fire under my butt. Dashing through the store, I grabbed anything and everything that made sense, piling stuff high in a shopping cart. An XL doggie bed, dishes for food and water, and toys. Lots and lots of chew toys. Plus some heartworm medication, a doggie toothbrush just in case, and a book on pet care. That would be enough.
A few minutes later, I rolled up to the cash register just in time to hear the man chatting with Leah, my manager.
“Maggie’s been very helpful,” he said to Leah, a middle aged married woman with two kids in high school. Nonetheless, she was drooling over the alpha, frizzy gray hair even wilder than usual.
“Oh of course,” she purred. “Maggie’s our best.”
“Exactly,” said the dark man. “And your best employee deserves a raise.”
What? What what? Really? He was putting my name in for a raise? This guy was not only a hero, but a god. I blushed rosily, bosom heaving once more.
“Oh thanks,” was my breathless interjection. “Thanks so much.”
The man turned my way then, another smile playing at those perfectly sculpted lips.
“Thank you,” he drawled, a twinkle in those eyes. “Thank you, Maggie.”
Was it my imagination or was there some kind of hidden meaning in that sentence. My inner voice scolded me. You’re overreacting, it scoffed. Please girl, get a grip. Act normal for once.
So I nodded briskly once more.
“It was my pleasure, sir. And make sure to give one of those training schools a try. Your sister would appreciate it, I'm sure, and it’d be good Bowzer.”
His bright blue eyes dipped down, and then up, and then down again. Oh my god, did this alpha just give me the once over again? In my lowly DoggieMart apron, hands dirty from stocking food?
But it was true. The powerful man’s eyes gleamed even as he jerked the pit bull’s leash, urging him up.
“Sir sounds good on your lips,” he growled, so low that only I could hear. “Real good.”
But then the moment snapped.
“Thanks again,” the dark man called in a normal voice, including Leah this time. “Thanks again ladies.”
And with that, he was gone, the pit bull padding obediently in his wake. Oh my god, oh my god. Did that really happen? Did our sexy visitor just check me out over and over again, before suggesting that I call him “Sir”?
But it was true. And as a shiver ran up my spine, I stared at his departing form. Because somehow I knew that my unnamed customer would be back again … and I couldn’t wait.