Page 41 of Beautiful Life
Tony says, “No,” at the same time I bellow, “Yes!”
Before anyone else can say anything else to confuse the situation, I ask quickly, “When can I move in?”
She still looks somewhat confused. “Anytime, we just need to get the paperwork filled out and your deposit with the first month’s rent.”
“Great!” I exclaim with mock enthusiasm.
“Well, thank you,” she says and goes on with her practiced sales shpeel. “We are very happy to have you here as a member of our community.”
“She’ll never be here,” Tony says matter of factly with a big smile. “I’m getting a dog.”
“Oh.” She’s back to surprised. “We have a no pets policy.”
“I know!” Tony and I both say at the same time.
Honestly.
I try and pry myself away from him so I can go sign a six-month lease on an apartment I might not be at very much because I have a feeling I’m going to love Tony’s dog. But Tony doesn’t let me go and leans down to kiss me, this time playfully. All of a sudden, he’s in a really great mood. The jerk.
I scowl. “You’re happy all of a sudden.”
He kisses me again. “I’m just excited about my new dog. Come on, let’s go sign your lease then I’ll take you to dinner. We’ll celebrate your apartment and my dog.”
He grabs my hand and pulls me out of my new apartment. I quickly glance around thinking it’s really, really small and wondering what just happened. If I let myself think about it, I’m pretty sure Tony just hoodwinked me with thoughts of a puppy. At least I can say I’m not moving in with Tony because I’ll have my own apartment, even if I’m not in it much.
Shit.
I can’t think about this right now. I have a lease to sign.
*****
Leigh
Shit again.
Tony has been on the phone the whole time I sat in the management office of my new apartment complex filling out my paperwork and making necessary payments. I could barely concentrate because of the phone calls Tony was making.
First, he called his Uncle Nic. Nic is an architect and builder. After eavesdropping on his phone call, I learned Nic designed and built Tony’s house. While talking to Nic, Tony told him all about his plans for a dog and because of the dog, Tony needed a bid on a fence, thus the reason for the phone call to Nic in the first place.
The second phone call was to his brother-in-law, Lanny. Lanny is a vet and has his own practice. He talked to Lanny at length about breeds, rescue dogs versus puppies, breeders, and just about everything dog under the sun. Tony also informed Lanny he was having his yard fenced, like yesterday, to have it all ready for his new dog. From my eavesdropping, I learned if you rescue a dog through a rescue organization, they’re picky and have all kinds of requirements, such as the fence, which is why he said it would be done yesterday.
Tony finally shuts down his phone, looked at me with another annoying smile. “Aren’t you done yet? It’s not like you’re buying dog. Or rescuing one for that matter. Apparently not just anyone can rescue a dog. Those organizations have really high standards.”
I give him a glare. “I’m hungry.”
He takes my hand and hauls me out of the office pulling me to his Explorer. He gives me another yank and all of a sudden, I’m pinned against the passenger door, Tony’s long hard body pressed up against mine. He leans down and kisses me, this time intense, like he can’t wait another second to get his lips on mine.
With his big strong hands spanning my jaw and up behind my ears into my hair, he lifts his head just enough to look down at me. “I can’t wait to get a dog.”
I slump against the car. He’s completely wearing me down. I don’t know how much longer I can take it. I feel his fingers tense in my scalp. When I open my eyes, he’s smiling at me. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you excited about my dog, gem?”
I let out a big breath. “Your dog scares me.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Why?” he asks, moving in toward my face, his lips close to mine.
