Puppy Love

Part 2

"Chloe, sit!" you insisted, sighing at the hopelessness of training your dog. She was only starting to get the hang of it, but it had been two days since your first class and she should have been showing more progress by now.

Shaking your head and running your fingers against your scalp, you turned around to go upstairs and get ready for class, stopping dead in your tracks as something familiar caught your eye.

It was quick, but you saw it. A little tuft of brown curls passed by just outside, and you immediately recognized the hair as Shawn's, from puppy classes. Where did he even live, anyway?

You stepped closer to the window, attempting to see down the sidewalk, but you were unsuccessful. He'd picked up the pace, moving out of your line of vision within mere seconds, giving you barely enough time to process what was going on. You smirked, surprisingly not unsettled by the situation, and decided to continue with your life as if nothing had even happened.

That was until it became a regular occurrence.

Every morning at precisely seven forty-five, a beautiful husky pup would walk by your front door, followed by her even more beautiful owner. He wore sunglasses even though it was barely bright outside, allowing him to get away with eyeing your house. One morning he even stopped, appearing to be contemplating knocking. You wished he had.

It wasn't until the sixth day that you got up extra-early and pulled on some leggings and a sweater, slipping your runners on and putting your hair into a high ponytail. "Chloe, let's go!" you called, harnessing up your puppy and waiting by the window. It was primetime, and you could see Shawn and Geoff coming up the sidewalk. You ducked a little, waiting for him to pass so you could exit your house and catch up with him.

You let him get about twenty feet past your place before you jogged up behind him, moving quickly to catch up with his brisk strides. "Hey, stranger!" you called, slowing down a bit once you reached his vicinity.

He turned to face you, eyes widening a bit behind his shades as his cheeks turned a rosier shade of pink. Shocked by your boldness, he didn't seem to be able to say anything.

"Fancy seeing you here," you smirked, facing forward as you kept Chloe to your right side, preventing her leash from tangling with Geoff's. The air was crisp and you let out a little shudder, not yet warmed up from your little sprint.

"O-oh, um, hi!" he stuttered, a bit late, as if he were only now realizing that you had caught up to him. You raised an eyebrow, still expecting a response as to what he doing was in your neighbourhood.

"Yeah, I uh, I live a few minutes away," he huffed, tilting his head up at the morning sky. "I run every morning."

"Interesting, because I only started noticing you after you discovered where I live," you said smugly, noticing his crimson cheeks. He looked at the ground in search of something to say.

"Maybe you just weren't paying attention," he said, breaking into a smile and turning toward you, briefly meeting your gaze through his large shades.

"Classes tomorrow," you spoke, changing the subject. "You coming?"

"I'll be there," he laughed, motioning to his puppy. "She's been utter crap. Won't sit to save her own life."

"Same here," you giggled. "It's kind of hopeless, I'm praying we actually learn something this week."

"Maybe I'll learn your number," he said slyly, tapping you on the arm with his tattooed hand.

"In your dreams–uhh, wait, what's your last name?" you asked, giggling a bit.