Puppy Love

by Gloria Herrmann

  Tiffany tried to focus on the movie that was playing in front of her, but her mind kept wandering—Colin, the kiss, work, Sir McCartney, just everything. Her phone was next to her and it vibrated. Apparently, it had disturbed Sir McCartney. He let out an annoyed huff. He looked up at her then went back to sleep. Tiffany shook her head. This dog cracked her up. He was full of personality, which came as a surprise considering all he ever did was sleep. Tiffany peeked at her phone. It was a text message from Colin. He explained that he was checking in on them both and would be back in a day or so. Tiffany could hear his accent as she read his words. God, I love his voice. And the feel of his lips. She’d probably like a lot more, too, but Tiffany knew it was out of the question. What if it doesn’t have to be? She started to sort out a solution. Maybe they could both have their cake and eat it, too. If Colin wasn’t stubborn like his bulldog, it might just work.

  Chapter Eight

  “Oh, how I’ve missed you.”

  “I know. It had to be so incredibly hard to be away from me these last few days,” Tiffany teased as Colin rubbed Sir McCartney’s ears.

  Colin looked up at her. He was not amused. There wasn’t even the slightest hint of a smile on his face or in his eyes.

  “Well, thank you again. I appreciate you looking after my boy.” Colin unclipped the leash that was on the dog’s harness. Sir McCartney ran inside Colin’s condo. He didn’t even look back at Tiffany.

  “It was no trouble. He was well behaved—stinky but well mannered,” she joked.

  Tiffany stood there. Things were definitely different between them. She wondered if she should say something, to address the elephant in the living room, that darn kiss—the same one she’d been thinking about nearly every day since it had happened.

  “So—” she began when Colin stopped her.

  “It’s late and I’m exhausted. I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.” Colin began to close the door. “Thanks again, Tiffany.”

  She remained frozen for a moment, stunned and a little sad, after the door had been shut. Maybe Colin was indeed tired. Tiffany tried to shake it off and look at the positive, and right now, she could only see one. Tomorrow was Friday, which meant Friendship Friday, which meant booze, carbs, a cheesy movie and her girls.

  Screw boys and bulldogs. Who needs them anyway?

  As she walked back to her car, the brightly lit parking structure seemed eerie. Tiffany felt very alone as she picked up her pace. Her compact car was only a few feet away, thankfully. Once safely inside her car, she was even more aware of the loneliness. She missed him. Despite his constant assault of smells, the dog was sweet and had kept her company. Tiffany missed Sir McCartney a lot more than she should.

  * * * *

  The next day all was quiet at work and Tiffany wasn’t so sure she liked it. This whole loneliness thing was starting to really get to her. For starters, Colin and Sir McCartney weren’t there. He hadn’t called her directly but had left word with the receptionist, who’d given her an annoyed look, pretty much questioning why she had to handle a message if Tiffany was his assistant. The message itself was simple enough. He wanted her to complete a few random tasks and take the rest of the day off.

  After quickly doing everything he’d wanted, she’d tried to text him to get confirmation on a few things that needed his attention but he ignored her. Screw it. Screw him. If he wanted to act childish about a kiss—an incredible kiss, but it was still only a kiss—then so be it. Tiffany had no desire to play any stupid games with him. There was no reason to avoid her and to act as cold as he had last night—or to leave a damn message for her with the company receptionist. It was his fault, anyway. He’d done the kissing, not her. He didn’t want to mix business with pleasure, yet he’d done it, not her. Practice what you preach, buddy.

  Tiffany sighed. She’d forgotten how complicated things could be with the opposite sex. She hadn’t dated in a while, but then again, none of the men that had been in her life had ever made her feel this way, either. Thank goodness, she was off work now and could go eat, drown her sorrows and laugh her worries away. Happy Friday.

  Seattle traffic was usually a bumper-to-bumper nightmare. Thankfully, the universe was working in her favor and it was a quick and easy drive over to Mackenzie’s place.

  “God, it smells amazing in here, Mac,” Tiffany commented as she entered Mackenzie’s house.

  “Fajitas tonight!” Molly cheered as she hugged Tiffany. “Oh…and mojitos,” Molly added as she raised her glass. Smashed bits of mint leaves were floating in the otherwise-clear beverage.

  Yes. Tiffany was suddenly very thirsty.

  “Right on. I so need this,” she said as she accepted an offered sip from Molly’s glass. “Wow, that’s awesome.”

  Tiffany walked to where Mackenzie was frying up colorful bell peppers and onions. ‘Heavenly’ was the only way to describe the scrumptious dinner they were about to feast on. Strips of lean steak, seared and juicy sat ready to add to the peppers and onion mix. A large stack of flour tortillas were being warmed by the side of the stove top. Tiffany’s tummy growled and begged for food.

  “Tiff, can you grab the guacamole and pico de gallo out of the fridge? The chips are over there.” Mackenzie pointed toward the opposite countertop.

  Tiffany went to the fridge and pulled out two large glass bowls of delicious-looking dips. The guacamole was bright and chunky. The pico just screamed, ‘Eat me!’ Without waiting a moment longer, she opened a bag of corn tortilla chips and dug in. The guacamole was refreshing and creamy. It was perfect. She plunged another chip into the pico de gallo. Best thing ever. Now add a mojito and they were in business.

  “This is so good,” Tiffany said in between bites.

  “I just felt like tonight called for some serious Mexican food.” Mackenzie added the strips of steak to the hot cast-iron skillet. It sizzled loudly.

  “Great choice, because I need some serious comfort,” Tiffany whined.

  “Uh oh, I know that look. What happened?” Molly asked as she handed Tiffany her own mojito. “Let’s go sit. We want to know everything.”

  “Not a whole lot to tell, sadly. Basically, Colin came back, I dropped off that cute li’l bugger and Colin acted kind of distant.”

  “Well, maybe he realized what a mistake it was to kiss you. He went against his whole principle of not mixing business with pleasure. So, was he weird to you at work today?” Molly asked as she grabbed a chip and shoveled some pico onto it.

  “No, he didn’t even bother to come in.”

  “Really?” Mackenzie added from the stove. “Did he call and tell you why?”

  “Nope. He left a message with the receptionist.” Tiffany smirked and sipped her minty drink.

  “That’s kinda dumb. I mean, you’re his assistant.” Molly raised her eyebrows.

  “Yeah, I know and, trust me. The receptionist gave me the most annoyed attitude.”

  “That’s kind of cowardly, I think,” Molly commented as she sipped her drink.

  “You know, that’s not even the worst part. I actually miss Sir McCartney.”

  Both Mackenzie and Molly released a dramatic sigh.

  “He is the cutest thing ever. I will give you a couple prints from those shots I got of him,” Molly offered.

  “I’m not the biggest fans of dogs, but he’s downright precious,” Mackenzie admitted as she turned off the stove and brought the food over to the table.

  “This is so good, Mac,” Molly said with a content and happy look on her face.

  “I’m feeling these mojitos.” Mackenzie took another drink.

  “Heck yeah, everything is awesome. I brought dessert and a movie,” Tiffany said cheerfully.

  Molly threw Tiffany a serious look. “So, what are we going to do about this whole Colin situation?”

  “Not a whole lot to do. He’s my boss and that’s it.”

  Mackenzie questioned with a knowing look on her face, “So, the next time he kisses you?”

  “
She’ll sue him,” Molly said happily. “Then she’ll own Blue Moose Coffee.”

  Tiffany laughed. “There won’t be a next time.”

  “Sure. I used to act like that with Owen. Now look at me.” Molly held up her hand, a sparkling engagement ring staring back at Tiffany.

  “Yeah, but that’s different. How are things going, by the way? Are we going to try again to search high and low for the perfect dress?” Tiffany asked, her attempt at steering the conversation away from her.

  “Yeah, Tiff’s right. We need to be planning, Molly,” Mackenzie agreed.

  Molly rolled her eyes in disgust. “I know. I know. I just hate shopping.”

  “Well, we don’t mind it one bit,” Tiffany said as she drove another chip into the pico de gallo.

  “Nope, we are totally down to help. You just need to be willing,” Mackenzie said as she tucked some meat and peppers into a warm flour tortilla. “Do your part, Moll.”

  “I am. Well, okay, maybe I’m not as willing as I like to believe that I am. I’m still holding out hope that we can pull off some kind of wedding in the tropics.”

  “Either way, we need to be planning.” Tiffany raised her glass. Feeling the increasing buzz from the drink, she toasted, “Here’s to Molly. May she find the perfect dress or swimsuit for her dream wedding.”

  “Amen,” Molly and Mackenzie said in unison.

  “What about you, Mac?” Molly turned her attention to Mackenzie, who seemed a little caught off-guard.

  “What about me?”

  “Jason. What’s up with Mr. Vegas?” Molly asked as she assembled a burrito out of the steak and peppers, dolloping some guacamole on top.

  “Well, since you asked. I’m planning to fly out soon to visit him.”

  “Whoa, really? I don’t know, Mac. Is that such a good idea?” Molly asked.

  “I really like him. He’s very sweet, and it might be fun to see where this goes.”

  “It can’t go that far. He’s so far away and you’re not allowed to ever leave Seattle. You do know that, right?” Molly teased.

  “I wouldn’t dream of leaving. If anything, Jason is kind of interested in seeing what job opportunities are in the Seattle area. He was here, as you know, right before you got engaged, and he put out some feelers. So, you just never know,” Mackenzie explained with a bright expression.

  It would be fantastic if Mackenzie were to get involved with a great guy, but what about her? She’d be the only one single, and that would sort of suck.

  * * * *

  Mondays were never pleasant, but they were even more crummy when a gorgeous Irishman was ignoring you. Colin hadn’t spoken a word to Tiffany all day. Well, there had been that curt nod earlier that morning. Does that count? Then there was Sir McCartney, who was lying next to Colin’s desk. Apparently, they were in solidarity. He, too, was ignoring her. Ugh, men.

  This was getting ridiculous. Tiffany’d had it. His childish behavior was grating on her last nerve. The least Colin could do was explain that the kiss had been a mistake. Hell, he didn’t even have to do that. They both knew now that it had been. He could be decent, civil and professional, but he wasn’t offering her that courtesy.

  The most difficult part about this entire thing was that Tiffany hadn’t meant for any of it to happen. It had been the end result of fighting with Mackenzie, drinking too much really good champagne and gobbling down too many crab cakes. He was the one who had caught her. He should have just let her fall, then things would have wound up differently and neither of them would have to deal with this confusing mess. So, why is it that every time I look over at him my heart caves in a little?

  Monday took its sweet time coming to a close. Tiffany shut down her computer, grabbed her purse and decided this evening she was going to set fire to her muscles and troubles. She only hoped her girls were down for some serious running, because it was about to be on.

  * * * *

  “I hate you,” Molly yelled from behind her.

  “Catch up,” Tiffany called back. She pumped her legs and forced herself to go faster. Her pink running shoes pummeled the sandy shore. She could feel her legs working overtime. Powering through the burn, Tiffany celebrated the endorphin rush as it surged through her.

  “Tiff, slow it down a bit,” Mackenzie pleaded.

  Mackenzie was a natural athlete and this running should be a piece of cake for her, so to hear her asking for mercy caused Tiffany to smile.

  She was taking pleasure in putting her body through this pain. It helped to erase the awful lonely feeling of today.

  “You guys, come on,” she shouted back.

  Tiffany picked up her pace even more and sprinted farther ahead of them. Her lungs grabbed at the air. Sweat was pouring out of her pores and her legs were calling for her to slow. Not gonna happen! The sand made running more of a challenge. It required more skill and amped up her endurance. The waves that splashed on the sand misted her, a welcomed relief as her body was heating up. Tiffany prayed she would just spontaneously combust—be reduced down to a pile of ash on the sand and get pulled out to the sea. All the issues with her lovely boss would be gone forever. Problem solved.

  Finally, she spotted a giant log ahead—decrepit driftwood, bleached from the sun and elements. She aimed for it. That was her finish line. Tiffany pushed even harder, generating more power through her frustration. Victory was hers when she made it to the log. She stretched and waited for Mackenzie and Molly to catch up. Their faces were red but more importantly, they were angry.

  “What the hell?” Molly tried to ask. She panted and tried desperately to catch her breath.

  “You okay?” Mackenzie stretched, breathing heavy. “Tough day at work?”

  “Sort of. I mean, we didn’t speak or anything.”

  Molly frowned. “Tiff, you need to handle this. Just lay it out and tell him how you feel.”

  “I don’t even know how I feel. I just know that it hurts not talking to him,” Tiffany answered. Tears burned her eyes the moment she admitted to herself and to her friends that she might very well have feelings for Colin. There was no might. She did have feelings and they were driving her bonkers.

  “Oh dear,” Mackenzie said as she wiped the sweat from her forehead and took a seat on the log next to Molly, who was perched on the decaying wood.

  Tiffany stood in front of them and saw them looking back with sympathy.

  “You like him, don’t you?” Molly asked.

  “I don’t even think it’s a question, more like a fact,” Mackenzie added.

  The tears started streaming down her face. “How can I have feelings for someone I don’t even really know? This is so stupid.” She wiped her cheeks and her nose started to run.

  “Love is stupid. I know this first hand.” Mackenzie raised her hand and frowned.

  “Yeah, it can drive a person crazy. Look how it was for me and Owen. Hell, he still drives me nuts,” Molly said.

  “But you love him, right?” Tiffany smiled.

  “Love makes us do very strange things,” Molly added. “We put up with so much. Owen could testify to that.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t love Colin,” Tiffany countered. Or do I? Is it possible to be in love with someone I hardly know and kind of hate?

  Chapter Nine

  It was hot, like the pit-of-hell kind of hot—scorching and baking the earth, unleashing its rage onto the land. Okay, just the city. Seattle could get extremely warm. It wasn’t always raining, regardless of what people thought.

  Fourth of July was coming up that weekend and an icky heatwave had decided to pay the area a visit. Owen had suggested they take his boat out and spend the day on the water. With this awful heat, the idea had sounded splendid and Tiffany was super excited, but it was still days away.

  Tiffany was sweating. She even had gross boob sweat. Her whole body was wet. Every crease and square inch was perspiring. She sat in front of a fan in her apartment. The window was open, but there was no breeze coming in. It was downr
ight miserable. Even the ice-cold water that she had been nursing was doing little to cool her down. Tiffany had tried reading, but her concentration on the story just wasn’t happening. She attempted to watch a movie but that wasn’t much better. She considered calling her besties to see if they were suffering, as well. Of course they were. No one enjoyed this kind of sweltering nastiness.

  Maybe I should write? It had been ages. Tiffany had tinkered with the thought of starting a funky little blog, blending her love of fashion and knowledge of the latest trends into something fun. Right now, though, it was too damn hot to even think about cute shoes or sexy clothes. Her brain was stewing in its own juices and any motivation she’d had quickly shut down.

  Her apartment was quiet. There was only the sound of the oscillating fan as the motor churned with each movement. Sometimes it sucked to be alone. Maybe couples stay together to keep boredom at bay? It would be wonderful to have someone there, even if only to complain with about the awful heat. Tiffany thought about all the prospective mates she’d dated. She had kissed plenty of frogs and none of them had turned out to be a prince. But how was it possible not to land at least one guy that she was more than willing to just deal with? Someone she could tolerate enough to have in her life, someone to waste their time together—just someone she could like.

  Then she thought of Colin. Why? What is the point of him even invading my thoughts? Today at work had been more of the same silent treatment she’d been privy to since he’d returned from his trip. However, Colin had snuck glimpses of her when he’d thought she hadn’t been looking. Little had he known she had been looking, a lot. No matter how irritated she was with Colin, Tiffany was still attracted to him. Why does he have to be so incredibly hot? His assortment of suits was enough to make her head spin, but the way he carried himself, down to his stride, all did funny things to Tiffany. Hearing him talk on the phone was murder. His voice oozed charm and she hung on to his every word. What the hell is my problem? This guy had made it quite clear that he wanted nothing to do with her. Yet that didn’t stop her from fantasizing about him. Oh, the many ways she’d allowed him to take her. Tiffany wondered if he thought about her when he stroked his cock. Was Colin’s mind as dirty as hers?