Page 25 of Love in Mission City

Gabbi Grey

Carter

On my first day in my new condo, I meet a sweet older guy with two adorable dogs. It’s love at first sight on my side—and not just for the dogs. My shy neighbor has given up on finding a partner, so it’s up to me to convince him to give to give love a second chance. Over joyful walks, shared dinners, and little intimacies, he’s warming up. But can I get him to let go of the past and embrace a future with me?

Byron

My dogs adore the cute, younger guy who’s moved in next door. In fact, they can’t get enough of his affection. I’m immune to his charms, of course. I had my heart broken once. I can't go through that again. Still, the more time we spend together, the more I think that if I ever were to change my mind, Carter would be the man I’d choose.

Anything’s Pawsibleis a 15k instalove age-gap, opposites-attract, grumpy/sunshine gay interracial romance short story with a curmudgeon accountant, a Gen Z writer, and two of the cutest dogs ever.

Dedication

Kaje

Contents

1. Chapter One

2. Chapter Two

3. Chapter Three

4. Chapter Four

5. Chapter Five

6. Chapter Six

7. Chapter Seven

8. Chapter Eight

9. Chapter Nine

10. Epilogue

Chapter One

Carter

Iwas humming to myself as I exited the elevator on the fourth floor of the condo building I’d moved into yesterday. I was sorting through the mail—all for the last guy with a super weird name. I planned to throw it back withreturn to senderwritten across it since I didn’t know the guy or if he’d left Mission City entirely. Lost in my own little world, I nearly tripped over the two little dogs who shoved past me to get into the elevator.

“Rosebud. Sheffield.” An annoyed voice followed them as they were yanked back.

Instantly, guilt swamped me. I didn’t mind dogs. I hadn’t tripped. They didn’t need to be pulled back and have their obvious enthusiasm corralled. Or an attempted corral. Clearly, they were still grinning as I exited the elevator. Gently, I let my messenger bag fall to the floor. I could’ve held the door, but the thing was already closing, and something told me meeting these two clearly charming pups was more important. I crouched and held out a hand to each so they could sniff. “Which one isRosebud and which one is Sheffield? I mean, it doesn’t really matter…but I am curious.”

An exasperated sigh escaped the owner. Or the guy who I assumed was the owner. “The Jack Russell—on your left—is Sheffield. The mutt on your right is Rosebud.”

I wasn’t thrilled with the wordmutt. More like indeterminate breed. Maybe some pug? Poodle? Bijon? Hard to say and, in essence,muttkind of fit. “Oh, Sheffield, such a dignified name.”

He clearly had no issues as he licked my fingers and allowed me to scritch behind his ears.

“And Rosebud is such a perfect name for a beautiful girl like yourself.”

Rosebud hesitated, but eventually licked.

When I tried to pet her, she took a step back.