24. Eggplant Emoji is for Dick
Chapter twenty-four
Eggplant Emoji is for Dick
Neil
Monday morning dragged while I impatiently waited for noon to come. Finally, I got a text from Sawyer saying he was here.
I scooped up Bubblegum in my free hand, cradling her under my arm like a football, and carried her downstairs so she could do her business,. I then returned her to the office and put her in her kennel.
When I got out front, Sawyer was just coming back down the ladder. I admired the view of his ass flexing in the thin board shorts he favored.
“You really should have a spotter when you’re using a ladder,” I told him as he stepped off the last rung.
He shot me a grin and patted his ladder. “Perfectly safe, see?” He grabbed a leg and gave it a good shake. The ladder didn’t budge.
“Still. To be safe.” I crossed my arms. “I’d feel better if you had someone here when you go up and down.”
Sawyer gave me a sheepish grin. “Alright. Let me just put this away, and we can go for hotdogs.”
The ladder flattened with two smacks of Sawyer’s hand, and he easily hefted it over his shoulder. I followed him across the parking lot to a Subaru hatchback.
“How are you going to fit that in there?” I asked. The ladder was nearly as long as the car.
“Oh, the seats fold down. That’s how I transport my surfboard.” He opened the hatchback with one hand and then easily slid the ladder inside.
I had to admit the thought hadn’t occurred to me. I reached for the passenger side door as Sawyer slammed the trunk. It was locked. Sawyer shook his head and came around the car to put his hand over mine on the handle. His touch sent an electric thrill through me, even though there was nothing overtly sexual about it.
“No need, it’s just a short walk away at the beach,” Sawyer said.
“Not the downtown beach?” I gripped his hand, slipping my fingers through his.
“No, it’s by the marina. They cater to all those rich folks with boats.” Sawyer winked at me. “Despite that, they still have the best dogs in town.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “When you first sent the text, I wondered if the hot dog emoji was literal or stood for something else.
“No, when I mean dick, I use the eggplant emoji.” He brushed shoulders with me, a lopsided grin on his face.
I felt my face heating up. “Good to know,” I mumbled.
We walked in companionable silence for a few blocks. The never-ending California sun beat down on me like a sledgehammer. I felt like I was sweating through my shirt already. Not a very sexy date.
Gulls cawed overhead, and a cool breeze blew in from the bay, but not cool enough to cut through this heat. Still, I enjoyed walking with Sawyer, even if I wished I could have brought Bubblegum with us.
“It’s so hot,” I said, tugging on the collar of my polo with my free hand to let in a breeze.
“You need to get with the program.” He gestured to his loose tee and board shorts.
“I’m going to be sunburned, too.”
“You’re right,” he said, blushing. “I should have warned you about the walk so you could put on sunscreen. You’re not used to this sun.”
I nodded and gave him a half smile.
“I appreciate you not bringing Bubblegum out with you. I know you’re bringing her to work with you.”
“Of course. I won’t startle you with her again,” I promised him. “I also have a muzzle for when you meet her next, so you can be sure she won’t bite. She’s trained to wear it,” I hastened to assure him. “When I first adopted her, she had a habit of nipping when she was excited, so she’s used to it. Just say when.”
Sawyer only nodded in response, and we lapsed back into silence.
The sign came into view, and I burst out laughing.
“The Dog Father?” I said through wheezes. Their logo was even a long wiener dog holding a hot dog in a bun like a cigar. “You could have warned me.”
His eyes danced. “And ruin the surprise?” He tugged on my hand, but I pulled back and wrapped my arms around his middle.
I leaned into him, sealing my mouth over his. Groaning, Sawyer kissed me back. My entire body lit up like fireworks.
He hugged me back. “What was that for?”
“For being you.”