Page 26 of Love in Mission City

I pulled my hand back, but continued to hold my hand out. “You’re safe with me, little one. I’ll never hurt you. And we’re on the same floor, so I hope to see you often.”

Sheffield was still accepting pets, while Rosebud leaned in for another lick before backing away.

After another moment, and with great reluctance, I stood. “They’re great…” I caught the eye of the owner. Or who I supposed was the owner. He could be the dog walker. Except I didn’t read that. Most dog walkers wore didn’t wear expensive button-down shirts, jackets, and…jeans?

“ZOOM meeting.”

“Ah.” For the first time, I met his gaze. Stunning dark-brown eyes, a face I’d call aristocratic—although that might’ve been the expensive suit coat—and lips I guessed to be soft. The black hair suited him.

He cocked his head. “Rosebud never greets people that way.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I must’ve startled—”

“No, I mean, she’s skittish. She doesn’t lick anyone’s hand.”

But she had mine, obviously. “She wouldn’t let me pet her.”

“Doesn’t matter.” His smile, although tentative, showed some true tender happiness. “She’s…”

His watch beeped. “Shit, that’s my ten-minute warning.”

“I’m going to make a leap and assume another meeting?” I was already reaching for the elevator button. “I can take them out.”

He eyed me. “I can’t ask you to do that.” He gestured with his chin. “And Rosebud might be upset.”

I bent again.

She sniffed again.

Sheffield nudged his way under my other hand, clearly wanting attention, but not willing to push Rosebud out of the way.

The elevator pinged.

“Look, I live in 406. You can take my messenger bag and my laptop as collateral.” I rose and stuck one hand out to hold the door and reached for the leashes with my other.

After a long moment, he handed the leashes over. Then he gently grabbed my messenger bag. “I’m in 407. My meeting is for an hour. The baggies are attached to the leash.”

A little plastic dog-bone thingy with the end of a bag protruding was hooked to the leash. I coaxed the dogs into the elevator. “Come by my place and you can take them at that time.”

“But the fur—”

“Don’t care.”

The elevator door closed.

Sheffield tried to jump up to reach my hand.

“Okay, you’re a spry one. How about you stay down while Rosebud takes in the fact I’m new to her?” I crooned the words.

She eyed me suspiciously.

I didn’t blame her. I’d have to work hard to earn her trust.

On the first floor, I directed the two out of the elevator and toward the front door.

Sheffield yanked.

Not wanting to have a discipline moment so soon, I encouraged Rosebud to keep up.