Head of Desire

    I quickly turn off my stereo as my phone starts ringing loudly in my back pocket, wiping my hands I answer it was my regular greeting. "This is Livias Grooming! How can I help you?"       I turn back to the poodle on my grooming table and continue to brush out the beautiful dogs fur.  My smile fades as the person begins speaking in a husky stern voice. "I will be there in 2 hours with my dog, he has fleas and I need them gone." "Sir I'm sorry but I am finishing up my last client for today and I'm booked throughout the week, would you like to set up an appointment for a later date?" "No, I will be there in 2 hours; He is getting done today. Ill pay you $200 just get it done."     I freeze as I process what was just said and after a long pause I sigh, "What kind of dog is he?..." I could hear the mans smile as he answered,  "He is a shepherd, I'll see you in 2 hours"     I glare at the phone as he hangs up and groan, why do people have to be so rude?! Well at least I'm getting paid a lot. My smile returns as I turn back to the small poodle on my table. I stroke her soft fur and coo at her, causing her tail to wag. "At least I'm around you guys more then I am them."     I stare at the clock and sigh as I watch the clock hit 5. My poodle left about an hour ago and I am not so patiently waiting for the shepherd.  I lay my head on the table for a second before quickly getting up and gathering my thing. Why should I wait for this guy when I don't even know if he's coming or not?! Huffing I yank the door to my shop open fully prepared to storm to my car in frustration, only to shriek in terror at the tall man in front of me with his hand raised like he was knocking.     I grab my chest and lean over taking a deep breath trying to calm my rapid heart beat. "Sorry I wasn't expecting you to be there!!" I feel a rough tongue lick my arm and look to my side to see a beautiful fully black German shepherd. I smile as I rub his head and ears before scratching under his neck causing him to stretch and do that cute doggie smile.  "Aw, aren't you just the most beautiful boy!" The dogs tail thumped at my compliment. Standing up straight I begin talking to the owner about the process like I always do. "So I'll start off with a flea bath before moving on to the other soaps to make sure there isn't anything left to worry about when you com-" I feel the air leave my lungs as I finally look up to the man in front of me.     He was easily a foot taller than me, maybe more. His frame and build easily towered over my small form, he had hints of tattoos peaking out from under his black T-shirt and hair as black as night to match. Power rolled off of him in waves as his dark eyes bore into my body. His eyes held curiosity and confusion.  Swallowing, I try to gain my composure as I avoid his eyes the best I can.     "It's strange," I freeze as his voice sends shivers down my spine. "He normally doesn't care about anyone other than me." I awkwardly smile as I hold my hand out for the leash.    "Well I guess that's a good thing, I'll be done in about 2 hours."      Silently he drops the leash into my hand before swiftly walking back towards the parking lot without another word. I sigh; that was a bit rude and look down at the dog, I reach for his tag and flip it over, in beautiful lettering it read 'BOOMER'. "Come on Boomer, lets get those nasty fleas off you!". Pulling him into the shop I place him into the tub and get to work.     About an hour later I finish him up with some doggie cologne and smile at the lopsided smile I receive from Boomer. "There you go buddy! All done!" My smile falters as Boomers smile drops from his fluffy face, quickly changing into a very aggressive snarl. I gasp as he lunges towards me, only to be yanked back by the table restraints. I fall backwards; startled, but firm hands stop my fall before I hit the ground. Looking up I'm face to face with Boomers strange owner. His face still stern just like before.     It's silent for a minute before I feel my face begin to burn as I quickly stand up, pushing away from him and brushing off the non-existent dirt on my pants. I clear my throat before I speak. "He was doing great up until just now! I'm not sure what exactly happened...." I fall silent as the man stares at his dog before eventually moving to unhook him. I watch as he silently clips the Leash back on as Boomer jumps from the table.       Boomers tail wags swiftly as he trots up to me with the same smile as before. I step back cause the dog to pause before slowing his pace and finally bumping my hand with his snout. Instinctually I cherish his soft fur smiling at him.  "Boomer come."  Boomer glances at the man without moving for a moment before walking towards the  door, his mysterious owner following after him. I start to speak; not remembering being paid; before looking at the table. Where Boomer once sat was 4 neatly laid out 100 dollar bills. My mouth drops open as I rush out the door to catch him and ask if he meant to leave that much but I was greeted by a lone car parked in the back of the parking lot. My car.  Well I guess I'll just keep it. I look at my surroundings one more time before gathering my things and heading to my car. Once there I quickly unlock it and get in before quickly relocking the doors. The feeling of being in a dark parking lot alone isn't great.