Chapter One

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Letting out a heavy sigh, I knocked on Mrs. Petterman's door which was two floors below my family's condo. The two doggies attached to my harness sat like good boys, staring at the closed door, while we waited for my first dog-walking customer to answer.

Single-handed, she started my business for me. Wait, was it considered a business? Well, whatever it was, she was the first to request my services. A good four years had passed since she originally asked me to watch her dog for the first time.

Her husband died before I met her, so she's always lived alone. Her son visited a lot, but he lived downtown, and when she got old, she didn't like leaving the apartment as often anymore. Dexter still needed walks, so I offered my services.

When she bragged about me to the other residents in the building, they asked if I didn't mind making extra money. Now, here I was, walking four to six dogs almost every day of the week and I loved it.

I knocked again, thinking she'd been in the bathroom when I knocked the first time. The door to the condo on the left opened and I froze. I knew exactly who it was, or, well, I didn't know his name or anything, but I knew his face and I knew his apartment.

My eyes stayed focused on Mrs. Petterman's door while I heard the rustling of keys then the securing of the lock. Peeking over, I caught a glimpse of him as he stuffed his keys into his pocket and checked his watch.

Gorgeous. I never got tired of seeing his beautifully sculpted face. His jaw was strong as he frowned at the time. His cheekbones were prominent, making his whole face look like a work of art. His lips were full and always looked so soft.

He glanced at me with those soft blue eyes, causing me to almost melt right there in the hallway. His eyes had slight wrinkles at the edges, and his light brown hair had a few obvious grays, warning me of his age. His head tilted as he gave me that same 'good afternoon' nod with a smirk he gave me every Thursday afternoon. Why, oh why, was it only Thursdays?

He had on a suit. He always wore suits. He had to have a good job. Late at night, my imagination ran wild with different fantasies over the last two years. A sexy lawyer or a sexy businessman or even a sexy banker.

My breath caught as I tried to say something, anything, to get this man to talk to me. Our eyes disconnected as he brushed past me and down the hall to the elevators. I watched him go before Mrs. Petterman finally opened her door.

Standing in front of me was a tiny old woman in the same house robe she wore most days unless her son came to visit. I was a little jealous, wishing I could spend most of my days without a bra. We couldn't all be so lucky.

She smiled as she assessed me. "Mia! Good to see you, honey. Come in for a minute?" She stepped back, leaving the door wide open.

I stepped in, the doggies followed. They were anxious as they attempted to scout the area, mark their territory, whatever. I stopped them and commanded they sit, offering treats as a last resort.

Mrs. Petterman disappeared down the hallway, to grab Dexter I assumed. So I stayed in the foyer, taking in the living room, left unchanged even after so many years. Her checkbook was in her hands when she returned. "I have a desperate favor to ask, but I'll pay you for your time."

I nodded, excited for the opportunity to make extra money. Not like a desperately needed it or anything... just nice to have. "Yes, ma'am. What is it?"

She smirked then let out a nervous sigh. "Could you watch Dexter and Jasper for me? My son, you know him, surprised me with tickets to Hawaii over Christmas and New Years." Before I could agree, she continued on, "I know it's a lot to ask, but I have WiFi here now so-"

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