Unexpected // Why Don't We

Chapter 8

Hayden's pov

"No. Don't let me stop you," I shook my head.

"No, seriously. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I adopted him when I knew he meant the world to you," he explained.

I smiled and put Ajax back in his kennel. Seth looked around some more and asked if he could go outside to play with Gino. Gino was a huge boxer. They played and bonded very well. There's a chance he likes Gino better than he did Ajax.

"I think this is the one," Seth said to me.

"Great," I smiled.

I called my manager who helps with the adoption process. After about 20 minutes, Seth came up to the front desk, smiling.

"Happy?" I asked.

"Definitely. I think Gino is, too," he looked down at his new dog. "Walk to my truck with me."

I called for JC, and he went and sat at the front desk. A few families had came while I was helping Seth, so there were kids running around. I walked outside with Seth and Gino. He got Gino in the truck and leaned against the door.

"Thanks," he smiled.

"No problem," I smiled back.

"Do you, maybe, want to come over later tonight?" he asked.

"I'd like that," I nodded.

"Six?" he asked.

"Sure," I said.

"See you then," he smiled before getting in his truck.

I walked back inside and got back to work.

~5:00/closing time~
I put food out for the dogs and cats for their dinner. Everyone else had already clocked out and left. I was always the last one to leave. I made sure all the doors were locked and that the place was cleaned up. I clocked out and locked the doors. Once I got home, Taylor was sitting on the couch still in her practice clothes.

"Hey, I have night practice tonight until midnight, so I won't be back until later," she informed me.

"Okay," I nodded.

"What are you not telling me?" she furrowed her eyebrows.

"Seth, the guy we met the other day with his friend at the soccer field, came to the humane society today. He adopted a dog and then invited me over to his place," I blurted.

"Get some!" she screamed.

"Please stop," I laughed. "Gotta get ready."

I went to my room and took a shower. I blow dried and brushed my hair. I threw on a white Tommy Jeans t-shirt with skinny jeans and my white vans high tops. I redid my makeup, and then I was ready. My phone buzzed. Seth had sent me his address. I texted him that I was on my way.

"Bye, Tay! I'm going to Seth's!" I called as I went out the door.

"Don't have too much fun!" I heard her say.

I drove to his place and knocked on the door. I heard Gino barking. Seth came to the door a few seconds later.

"Hey," he smiled. "Come in."

"Nice place," I said as I walked inside.

"Thanks. You can sit wherever," he told me as he plopped down on the couch.

I sat down next to him but not too close.

"What do you want to do?" I asked.

"We can watch tv, talk, whatever you want," he suggested.

We ended up talking about who knows what for two hours. Just getting to know each other better. His personality was amazing. Everything about him was. His laugh. His smile. His eyes. Was I falling for him? Maybe. I didn't know yet. He was a great guy. We had only known each other a few days, but it felt like I had known him forever. Gino started barking at the back door to be let out.

"One second. Let me take Gino out for a second," he smiled before getting up and going outside with Gino.

My phone went off. It was a notification from Twitter. Eben had direct messaged me.

~
Eben: Hey, cutie. I miss you.

Me: When are you guys coming back?

Eben: Not sure, but I cant wait to see you again. It was so nice hanging out with you.

Me: I can't disagree :)

Eben: Soon.
~

"Okay, I'm back," Seth said as he came back inside with Gino.

I turned my phone off as Seth sat down.

"Has Gino been good so far?" I asked Seth while petting Gino.

"Yeah, he's a great dog," Seth nodded.

"I'm glad," I looked up and smiled at him.

Gino went and laid down on his dog bed. Seth scooted closer to me on the couch.

"You're a really great girl, Hayden," he looked into my eyes.

"I don't get that a lot," I laughed slightly.

"Really? You're so sweet and genuine," he said.

"Most guys don't see that," I shrugged.

"Well, I do. And... I really like you," he held eye contact.

He glanced at my lips and then back up at my eyes. He leaned in and connected our lips. When we pulled away, I smiled slightly.

"Sorry," he looked away. "That was way too soon."

"No, it's fine," I told him. "Don't be sorry."

I put a hand on his knee, and he looked at me.

"I really should get back home before Taylor gets back," I told him as I stood up.

He walked me to the door. He opened it, but before I left, I paused for a second. I leaned up and kissed him. He placed his hands on my waist. After a few seconds, I pulled away.

"Goodnight, Seth," I smiled.

"Goodnight, Hayden," he smiled back.

I drove back home and got ready for bed. All I could think about was what had just happened.