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She pulled into her driveway, and much to her surprise, Sam was lying on her front porch. It was almost as if he had been waiting for her to come home. He stood when he saw her pull in, his fluffy butt wiggling with excitement.
“Aww,” she said, really hoping that he didn’t have an owner. She really could get used to that type of greeting when she came home from work.
He greeted her with a small yip. Reaching down to scratch his head, she said, “How did you escape last night?”
Jane turned to unlock the door and let herself and Sam in. “I’m really going to have to pick up some dog food for you if you’re going to stay. Probably a couple of bowls too. Maybe some stuffies for you to play with or a ball.”
Sam followed her into the house. The first thing Jane did was kick off her shoes and yank her bra off. The dog looked at her as if she had lost her mind.
“Don’t look at me like that. Those things are a bitch. If you were a woman, you’d understand. You’re probably starving, aren’t you?” She made her way to the fridge to find some food for the dog.
“I’m sorry I won’t be able to snuggle with you on the couch tonight, but I have a hot date. One I’m actually looking forward to. I haven’t been on a date in more than a decade. I’ve given up on men, but there’s something about this one. He’s so hot. But I just don’t know.
“I’ve promised myself to never get into a situation like I was in before. But what if it’s different this time?” she said. “But what if it’s exactly the same? I don’t want someone who expects me to work all day and be their maid at night. Or have dinner ready for them when they walk in the door. Ugh. I really hope this guy isn’t like that. Or maybe I should just calm down because it’s just dinner, and this is our first date.”
Jane cut up her last chicken breast for Sam and refilled the bowl she had given him for water. He quickly gobbled up the offering and drank some of the water.
“You’re such a good boy.” She yawned. “I need to take a nap before I start getting ready for my date.” Jane checked her phone. She had five hours. Plenty of time for a catnap.
Sam followed behind her as she made her way to her bedroom. She slid off her jeans and top and quickly replaced them with a pair of shorts and one of her softest tank tops.
“Oh, don’t be such a prude. I’m sure you’ve seen women change before. I swear, though, you make some of the funniest and most expressive faces for a dog. I’m not sure that’s normal,” she said, climbing under the covers.
Sam hopped up on the bed beside her.
“You better not have fleas,” she said as he snuggled against her.
He let out a soft growl.
“I’m serious. The last thing I want is bugs in my bed. So if you do have them, keep them to yourself. I’ll add dog shampoo to my grocery list, along with the dog food and toys.”
Jane was on her side, with one arm under her pillows and the other wrapped around Sam.
“This is perfect,” she said as she drifted off to sleep.
* * *
Two hours later,Jane woke to Sam licking her face. Forgetting that she had fallen asleep next to him, she woke with a start.
“What the …” she pushed Sam away and covered her head with the blankets.
He pawed at her and let out a soft bark.
“Okay, okay. I’m awake. Geez! You’re far more effective than an alarm clock. I guess it’s time for me to get up.”
Sam hopped down from the bed and barked louder at her.
“What?” she asked, following as he trotted to the back door.
“You need to go out? Are you going to come back?” she asked, really hoping that he wouldn’t run off like he had last night.
He whined at her.
“Gimme a second.” She ran to grab her phone. Sam trotted after her.
“Smile,” she said, pointing the phone toward him. She laughed when Sam showed his teeth in his best doggy smile.
“Perfect! I just wanted a picture of you in case you don’t come back from wherever it is you go.” She opened the back door and let him out. “Be careful and watch out for cars.” Her heart felt heavy, letting him run off like that, but what choice did she have? He clearly wanted to go out. It wasn’t like he was her dog. He probably had a nice warm home to go to.
