Pawsitively Improvised

Are We Done Yet

Chapter 3

           She grumbled the entire time she was peeling the wet clothing off. He had been nice enough to include a laundry bag for her to put her things into. Turning back to the dry stack she wondered who the belonged too. She hoped they wouldn’t mind her borrowing them. Taking the grey shirt from the top of the pile she shook it allowing the folds to tumble out. A growl rumbled in her throat as she held it up in front of her. If she had to make a guess, she would say the shirt and she would bet the bottoms too were exactly Jude size.

           She stood there debating whether to wriggle her way back into her soggy clothes, or just wear what he had given to her. If the dry outfit hadn’t been so appealing, she would have chucked them right back at him. Power play or not her stubborn nature was beginning to falter. Especially at the sight of the wadded-up mess sitting in the laundry bag.

           Walking out the door sometime later, Jude looked her over from head to toe. She felt ridiculous. The sleeves on the long-sleeved t-shirt hung past the end of her fingers by at least four inches. The athletic shorts resembled capri pants on her. There was a knotted mess in the front where she tried to rig them to stay up. He may have had a lean figure but obviously he still dwarfed her. When his gaze got to her waist, he stifled a laugh. She glared at him aware she probably resembled a petulant child. Shaking his head, a broad smile beamed at her. The sight of it making her more disgruntled than she had been. She was not expecting him to invade her personal space. That was exactly what he did though as he tried to fix the mess she had made of his clothes. Taking one arm and then the other he meticulously rolled each sleeve up so her hands were free. Next was the shorts. Kneeling he undid the compilation of knots causing her to grab at the waistband to keep them on. His broad shoulders shook silently. She wanted to sock him in the face. Unfortunately, her need to not bare her bottom half to a stranger had her keeping her hands in place. Pulling on the drawstring he worked hard to ensure he got them just right.

           “So, when are you going to begin your swim lessons?”

           “I never said I was taking any.”

           “You will if you’re coming back. I won’t have you actually drowning in the pool next time.” She scowled down at the dop of his head. When was he going to drop this topic?

           “I’ll make sure not to come back then.”

           “Oh, but I insist that you do.” She couldn’t figure the guy out. He had had two other women nearly tripping over themselves for his attention earlier and the one he bugs is the only one who would rather he be far away from her. She had heard somewhere that guys liked the chase. Was that what this was? She was a challenge for him?

           “I have a very busy schedule. Between work and my dog, I really don’t have the time to spare.” Standing back up he crossed his arms over his chest. He didn’t seem to be buying her excuse.

           “You have a dog?”

           “Yes. A big vicious one at that. He’s very protective of me.” She gave him a sweet smile as she thought about Renaldo, her fluffy border collie. Anyone who gave him attention was his friend for life. He even tended to get a little ‘too friendly’ causing everyone to call him Randy. The nick name stuck much to her chagrin. Honestly if he attacked someone it would be their leg he would pounce. She wasn’t about to tell Jude any of that though. Let him believe she had an attack dog. Too bad he was undeterred.

           “Then we’ll have to find time between your work and other responsibilities. We wouldn’t want to take time away from the big guy.”

           “I don’t think that’s possible.”

           “Bring your work schedule to the pool when you get off today and we’ll figure it out.”

           “You don’t give up do you?”

           “Nope.” She sighed as her shoulders slumped. If she wanted to get away from him, she was going to have to come up with something better.

           “And if I don’t?” Smiling he leaned forward until they were at eye level.

           “Did you forget that your boss loves me?” The challenge was burning in his eyes daring her to try and wriggle free. She glared at him holding his stare refusing to back down. Leaning back, he smiled smugly down at her. He had misinterpreted her look and she wasn’t about to clue him in. Let him believe he’d won. He’ll figure it out when she didn’t show later.

           The two of them headed back into the pool room. Her coworkers were helping the last of the kids out of the water. Kevin was wriggling in his seat, but he was still in the chair. He must have really wanted to take those classes to have listened so well. Jude held a paper out to her as they walked over to the antsy little boy. Taking it from him she saw it was the list of days the class was held he had promised Kevin.

           “Okay Kevin let’s get going. I’ve got the paper for you, and we’ll put it in your bag when we get back.” Kevin squealed in delight hopping out of the chair to run up and give Jude a hug. Once he was done, he grabbed her hand pulling her over to the rest of the group.

           “Don’t forget what I said.” Jude called after them causing her to wave distractedly in his general direction. She wanted to get out of there as quickly as Kevin did. Just not for the same reasons. “It was nice meeting you Kira.” Her steps faltered when he had called out her name. Why had he kept badgering her for it if he had already known what it was. Crystal had probably told him seeing how they seemed to be close and all. She was going to have to have a talk with her cousin later after work. She couldn’t have him using Crystal to get her to do what he wanted.

           In her haste to be away from him she didn’t care that her coworkers lagged to continue flirting. She ignored the two of them taking charge of the group and herding them all out the door. She was simply glad that the daycare was located behind the rec center. The sooner the day was over with the better.