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“You don’t say.” I laughed.
A dog’s bark pierced the air. He—based on name, of course—went low on his front paws then cornered like he was on an opposite track and darted left while the tall man went right and tripped on his own feet and did a rather spectacular tuck and roll then bounded back up on his feet.
“Whoa.”
“Yeah, my dad is weird.”
“I can’t roll like that.”
“Oh, you should see him in his Judo class. He tosses people around like rag dolls.”
I grinned down at Poppy. “You guys get more intriguing by the minute.”
“Bosco!” Poppy giggled as the dog headed our way full steam ahead.
“Oh, crap.” I braced myself for impact and went down hard. A lapful of dog and a very exuberant tongue was my reward. There were worse things. “Get down, you crazy mutt.”
Bosco’s eyes were a piercing Husky blue in a mottled calico-colored face. Another tongue lick took off half my makeup then he bounded off again.
“Dad!”
“Shit—shoot!” The guy winced and crouched down in front of me. “Are you okay?” His attention was still on the dog, but I could tell he was torn.
I gave him my most responsible smile. “Your kid is safe with me—go get the dog.”
He pushed his overlong feathery hair out of his eyes. “You look okay. More than okay.” He gave me a quick grin, and his accent gave me a little shiver.
I rolled my eyes. “I work in the building across the street. I’m harmless.”
“Anything but harmless, love.” A dimple dented his cheek. “But I’ll be right back.” He glanced at Poppy. “Good?”
Poppy nodded and gave him a thumbs up.
I laughed and crossed my legs under my long graphic sundress then prepared to enjoy the entertainment.
Super Judo Dad took off. Poppy plopped herself in the grass next to me and we both giggled at the antics.
“Bosco should be in agility training.”
“What’s agility training?”
“You know those dog shows you see on TV sometimes? Where the dogs do the obstacle course?”
“Oh, right!” She clapped when Bosco zipped around a tree. “Not sure he’d follow directions enough.” She slapped her hands over her eyes as Bosco took out a picnic basket lunch and swiped a sandwich.
“Sorry!” Judo Dad yelled as he upped his speed.
The dog stopped long enough to wolf down the sandwich and that was his mistake. Poppy’s dad dove on the leash. Then again, the dog didn’t seem inclined to run now that he was happily killing a perfectly good foot-long sub, wrapper included.
He stopped at the picnic blanket and tried to apologize. He even went for his wallet but they just waved him off and gave the dopey dog a good scratch. The dad took out a business card, and the couple grinned, taking it and thanking him.
Hot dad and the dog came running back to us. The man collapsed in a heap on the grass in front of us. He was barely winded, but he was sweaty. It didn’t take away the hot factor. In fact, his perspiration just curled his feathery hair even more.
The dog shoved his head under Hot Dad’s arm and laid his huge head in his lap. The man ruffled his fur and there was no censure in his touch. “Dumb dog.” He sighed. “I’m really sorry. Thanks for watching Poppy.”
I wouldn’t mind being called Poppy the way he said it either. “No problem.” I held out my hand. “Ryan.”
“Grant.”
