Strictly Forbidden

Strictly Forbidden (9)

Chapter 9

Cheeko splashes water all over my front, as I wash him from head to toe. I had simply given up on trying to stay dry. Now, I stand in the tub with him, drenched in brown dog water. Duke never had bathed the dog inside before; his idea of bathing Cheeko was to spray him with the water hose. After our argument was over about it, I ran down to the gas station in hopes of them have dog shampoo and I lucked out.

“Why don’t you hold still?” I grip at the dog for what seems to be the hundredth time. Cheeko’s sloppy dog grin reminds me that the dog doesn’t care to make my job easier.

A knock comes from the door. “You okay in there?” The hint of amusement in his voice was not so cleverly hidden. 

“Your dog is just a stubborn as you are!”

The door cracks open and Duke takes one long look at my appearance. Then he bursts out into booming laughter, lighting up the whole room.

“Oh, hush.” I know good and well what he is seeing. My yellow shorts and white tank covered with a brown dusty color, my hair wet and in a sloppy bun, soap all the way up to my knees and the dog’s tail smacking me in the side with ever happy swish. In short, I’m a total wreck. “You know you could give me a hand…” I mutter, earning another hardy laugh from mister high-and-mighty.

“I told you to just spray him down. You are the one that felt the need to bring soap into the matter. I am not going to. I mean, look like you!” His mouth turns up in one corner, eyes bright with humor, and I am unable to stay irritated at him.

“At least turn the shower head on, please. There’s no point in me trying to stay dry, so let it rain!” He bends over, pulling the stopper out of the gunk filled tub, before turning the shower on.

“Sam just called. She has a surprise for you tonight. She said wear the red dress she got you. Oh, and I am not cleaning the tub.” With that I am graced with freezing cold water all over my body.

“Duke Terrence Huff, I would not go to sleep tonight if I were you!” I scream at him, as he exits the room, forever chuckling. He will pay.

I jump out of the frigged rain of the shower and finish rinsing off Cheeko’s now clean fur.

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“I will not go on a blind date! No, no, no, no, no, no. No. Period. Are you crazy, Sam?” Sam looks up at me sheepishly.

“But I promised, and I will be there. I won’t let anything happen to you! Come on, it’s time you got out some.”

I growl, “You know what happened the last time we went out. I got thrown out of my house, I still can’t remember fully what happened, and I pierc-“ I cut myself off, remembering that Duke sat on the sofa, watching us. He gave a questioning glance to me.

“I know, but I promise no drinking tonight. It’s just dinner and a walk in the park. They are paying, come on. He is really cute.” She begs and I know I’m going to lose this battle. “You’re already dressed, and we have to meet them in ten.”

I drop my shoulders, “Sam, I don’t want to. All my life I’ve been set up with guy after guy. ” Her eyes drop and now I’ve killed her spirit, I just couldn’t do that to her. With a deep sigh, I nod my head. She beams.

“Trust me. You will want to see him again.” She nudges me with her elbow.

“I don’t even know his name, Sam. I think you are getting ahead of yourself.”

“It’s Benjamin Richards. He is twenty-two. Tall, dark, and handsome! And he is doing well for himself in the world. Now, get your shoes on and let’s go.” She leaves out the front door without another word.