Love From a Book

Chapter Two - Dean

I'm at the office in a meeting, but my mind is elsewhere. Not here with the budgets and presentations, but with a certain woman who works at the pet store. Elsie... the name suits her, she's absolutely stunning with deep green eyes, and the way they shine is... well, wow is all I can say. They are indescribable. I loved how animated she was, telling me about all the different foods. She's passionate about her job, and it shows.

I've found myself thinking of her all morning. Her perfect curvy figure, her gorgeous long brown wavy hair, and they way she fiddled with it when she was nervous. The way she blushed at me when she saw me staring. And how her voice sounded, it was musical, almost like a little bell chiming.

"Sir?" Oh god, Mike is talking to me. What was he saying? It's something about the budget. "Increase the budget by twenty per cent and get Janet to email me the changes." I'm sick of this meeting now, time to get out of this boardroom and back to my office. "Yes Sir," and he rushes back to his laptop presumably to tell everyone he's managed to secure a budget increase. That will put them all in a good mood.

Back in my own office, Cariad, my sweet springer spaniel, comes trotting up to greet me. I give her ears a little tickle before heading back to my desk. She walks at my side and then flops in her bed at my feet. She has several beds actually dotted all over my office, plus a few more in Janet's. Janet is my P.A, and she adores Cari, who am I kidding everyone in the office loves Cari. Not that I blame them, I love her too. She's such a sweet dog. She has such a beautiful energy about her, and she accompanies me all over.

I hope this new food works out for her. She's been really withdrawn lately with her skin flaring up. I know it will take a few weeks to notice a difference, but I'm optimistic. My mind wanders back to Elsie. She has a springer, too. I picture her curled up at night on a sofa with a dog similar to Cari and smile to myself. I have to see her again. And she practically invited me back with Cari. Maybe I should go back and let Cari pick some new treats.

The next morning, I rise early and head out for my morning run. Cari runs next to me. She does love to run with me. She's very faithful, never leaving my side for my moment. I run further than usual today, my mind flooding with thoughts of Elsie again. I find myself wondering what she likes, other than her job and obviously her dog. I wonder what makes her tick, what her hobbies and interests are. I need to see her again.

I turn back home. I need to shower and take a trip to the pet store. "How about some new toys girly?" Cari ferociously wags her tail in response. So much so her whole body practically wags. I chuckle in response. "Come on then, sweetie," and we run back home together. An hour later, and she's fed, watered, and happy, and I'm fresh from the shower, dressed for the day, and we are ready to go.

I ring Tate. My personal body guard and driver to tell him where we are going, he brings the car around and opens the door, I climb in the back while Cari runs around to the passenger side, and I chuckle. "Opting for shotgun today, are we, girl? Alright, I'm coming, Miss, " Tate says to her. She's got everyone wrapped around her paw. She hangs her head out the window all the way. She's just loving life.

We make it to the store not long after it opens. I hope she's working today. It's just occurred to me that she might not be. I had Ray my I.T. guy and Tate run a basic background check on her, but it didn't cover her working hours. Only that she isn't a raging psycho. In my business, one can never be too careful. When you have money, there are very few people you can actually trust. Most only want you for your money.

"Come on, girl, let's go get some new toys." Cari hops down and falls into step beside me. I see her the second I walk in. God, she looks even more beautiful than I remember. She has her back to me, and she's wearing some beautifully fitting jeans that hug her curves. I'm not ashamed to say I stand and admire that figure for a moment. There's a springer spaniel sat at her side wagging its tail while staring at her in adoration, and I know how that dog feels.

She turns around then and spots me instantly. Her face lighting up in a bright smile. It's the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. Her eyes roam down to Cari. "Hello. Who do we have here?" She asks, coming towards us, This is Cariad or Cari for short." I tell her. "May I?" She leans down to Cari's level,"Of course, " and she tickles Cari's ears just like I do. Cari melts immediately and leans into her. Elsie runs her hands all down Cari's side and rubs vigorously, sending Cari into seventh heaven. The other springer paws at her arm for attention. "I'm sorry, Casper, you're still my best boy," she says, using one hand on each dog so neither one gets jealous.

"She's beautiful" Elsie says looking up at me and I'm imagining her like she is now, on her knees, except she's sucking my c**k looking up at me like that instead of petting my dog. "Thank you. I think so, too. Is Casper your dog? I remember you said you had a springer too, " I ask her while trying to remove the dirty image from my mind. "Yes, he is. I'm not on shift today, but I promised Casper here a new toy, " she says as she shifts and moves to get up. I offer her my hand to help her. She grips my hand, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through me, and in that moment. I know she's the one.

"He's lovely. What a coincidence. That's why we are here too. I promised Cariad a new toy, " she laughs. "I guess we are both slaves to our dogs then. Come on, hopefully all the new ones are out on display now so they can have their pick." And with that, she leads the way to the back wall where the toys are. Casper and Cariad pick exactly the same toy. A little yellow duck that quacks when you squeeze it. "Seems like our dogs have the same taste," she giggles, and my god, it's magical. I'd do anything to be the one that makes her laugh like that again.

We pay for the toys, and I walk her out. Cari and Casper walking side by side tails wagging like mad. They are the best of friends already. Tate is waiting outside. "Hang on, Elsie. Let me put Cari in the car, and then I'll walk you over to yours. " she looks surprised but nods her response. I get Cari in the car and turn back towards her. "Okay, allow me, Miss," and I offer her my arm. She raises her eyebrows, which has me wondering what is she thinking? She accepts my arm, and we stroll across the car park.

Casper is running slightly ahead as he's obviously spotted her car. I see it all happen in slow motion, but I'm powerless to stop it. A car speeds into the car park, but another car is making it's way out, and they look set to collide. The speeding car swerves last minute to avoid the other car but now starts heading towards us. I'm about to move us out of the way, but Casper suddenly darts back our way as if he thinks he can take on the car. Elsie yells, "CASPER! NO!" And then a loud yelp and thud.