Sour Patch

12

(Reese's pov)

Saturday had finally arrived I thought as I stretched out in my bed with a smile. the last few nights had been hell in the emergency room, but today was the play date with Jason. Looking at the clock I saw that it was almost ten. Good, that gave me time for a shower. I got up quickly and began my morning routine. After a short time I ended up staring at my closet with just a towel wrapped around my waist. What in gods name was I going to wear, yes it was a play date for my dog, but that didn't mean I couldn't try to gain a date for myself later on. Going through my options I decided on a pair of tight jeans, a batman t-shirt and my black combat boots. I mussed up my hair and sprayed myself down with cologne. I had just slapped on my leather bracelet when my phone pinged.

'Hey Reese its Jason I was just wondering if we were still on today, even though its raining I could pick you and Bruce up to avoid some of the rainfall if you want?'

My first thought was 'fucking shit, its raining?' But a quick look out my window showed a down pour in progress. My second was 'who the hell would turn down time with this man rain or shine'. So I quickly said sure and sent him my address. I quickly ran around and packed a backpack with drinks and Bruce's items setting it next to the door. My phone pinged again as I grabbed the Bruce's leash and collar. Taking a deep breath I checked and saw that Jason was here. After a short self pep talk, I wiped my sweaty hands on my jeans, put Bruce in his collar and leash. Took a deep breath and with my hand on the door, freaked out.

"Oh my god, what the hell am I doing Bruce? This man is not interested in me. Shit, he is probably straight." I started ranting towards Bruce who only cocked his head to the side as a reply. "Okay, you can do this Reese, Just don't flirt with the super attractive male who wants to play with your dog.........god that sounds dirty." Taking another breath I lead Bruce down to the street to meet Jason.

Right outside of my apartment building stood Jason with a very large doggy raincoat and an umbrella. Once we appeared in the alcove of the doorway he began dressing Bruce up in the brightest yellow rain slicker that I have ever seen, complete with boots. Dumbfounded I just stared at him, like who the hell buys that kind of thing in the first place, and for a strange dog secondly. By the time Jason was done Bruce reminded me of a gigantic neon banana Jason shot me a grin, and I started laughing.

Jason offered me his arm as he opened the umbrella and all i could think of was an old fashioned gentleman. This man without realizing it just started a super romantic gesture. Taking a deep breath and mentally chanting repeatedly that this is not a date, I linked my arm with his and slid under the umbrella. Stepping into the rains downpour we ended up walking down the block until we reached vehicular device. I don't know shit about cars, all I know was it looks suv like. The walk had been silent, so I ended up startled out of my thoughts when jason leaned closer to me and spoke.

"Do you still want to do this? You seem awfully quiet." His breath ghosted over my ear sending a shiver down my spine.

"Sorry just lost in thought." I left the words 'about you' unsaid. "Of course I still want to do this, the last few days with Bruce have been heavenly."

He nodded as he opened the back door of his car and helped Bruce in, "are you sure?" He questioned again while opening the door for me.

"Yes." I firmly replied as i slid into the car.

Jason smiled as he closed the door and walked around the car to get in himself. He eased into traffic and headed towards the park, the radio was playing quietly in the background and we settled into a comfortable silence.

"How have you been Reese?" His smooth baritone voice sent a shiver down my spine.

"I have been great, lucky me the emergency department hasn't had any major injuries the last few days, so there's that."

"Your a nurse right?" He questioned with a quick glance.

"Yeah, it's a hard job some times but its really rewarding to help others feel better. I mean really if we can just put all our differences aside and work together, granted most people put their differences aside cause they are in pain, but it feels good regardless."

"That sounds amazing, it's good you're so passionate about your job."

"Yeah, hey you passed the park." I said while turning in my seat to look at the passing park.

I felt myself get anxious, this stranger has me in his car going only god knows where. It didn't matter how sexy he was this wasn't what I agreed to. Bruce must have sensed my anxiety because he snapped to attention and let out a deep growl searching for the danger.

"I know." Jason said however he wasn't able to complete his sentence due to Bruce lunging at him and attacking his arm with his sharp teeth. 

I sat and watched in horror as Bruce's jaws  snapped shut around Jason's arm. As it happened I realized a couple of things.
One Bruce was defending me.
Two Jason was driving in the middle of a downpour.
Three we were all in the front, blocking vision and mobility of the driver.
Four traffic was everywhere any wrong move and we were going to crash.

To give Jason credit he didn't even swerve under the dog attack, he released the wheel of the car with the arm Bruce had grabbed, compensating with his other hand. Amongst Bruce shaking his arm Jason let loose a long strand of vulgar language mixed with hisses and gasps of pain. Yet he somehow managed to control the car and gently park in a driveway of a two story house.

All of this took about five minutes, while I sat in frozen horror watching the scene before me. Jason then unbuckled opened the door and rolled out of the car and Bruce's jaws. Kicking the door shut he was cut off from my vision as Bruce continued to  lunge at the door.