Chapter 55: Chapter 53

Song: 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns and Roses

She's got a smile that it seems to me

Reminds me of childhood memories

Where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky

Now and then when I see her face

She takes me away to that special place

And if I stare too long, I'd probably break down and cry

Whoa, oh, oh

Sweet child o' mine

Whoa, oh, oh, oh

Sweet love of mine

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HANNAH'S POV

The next morning, I was sitting on the lawn, soaking up the heat of the sun of an ending summer as the winter approaches. I love winters, especially here in New York, but I don’t mind having some sunlight on a breezy day like today.

Consider how the night ended on a weird note, I slept rather well. Probably because I’ve made my peace with his toxic statements, and unfortunately, I can say I’ve gotten used to them, i don't have other choice but to do so.

The one-time kiss that we shared wasn't as exciting now as it was before, mainly because now I see the reality of it. I don’t know why he did that but it can’t be for a good reason. In fact, maybe it was to prove that how easy I am because I didn’t resist it and that it proves me to be a slut. He didn’t hold back but called me out on the first opportunity. Now that I think about it, it was to mock me and I fell for it.

But not again.

NEVER AGAIN!

Hannah, do you realize how pathetic your life has become that all you ever think about is him? No matter if it’s good or bad, it’s always him. I questioned myself and got no answer.

I don’t even like him, dammit!

And now I have to live with him, God knows how worst things will get from now onwards.

Can I be more screwed?

It’s okay, Hans, you’re a survivor, you’ll get through this too.

Just relax, close your eyes and breathe in and breathe out.

A few minutes passed when a roaring car entered the driveway inside the premises of the house and caught my attention.

I tried peaking to see who it could be but failed due to tinted glasses.

My curiosity also raised for no apparent reason.

I don't get visitors here but now since he'll be here too, it'll be a different story. And since not a lot of people know about us I wonder who'll be allowed go to enter here.

The car stopped in the car porch and Andy got out of it. I smiled and waved at him and he waived back and moved to open the back door.

Is there someone else with him?

My face broke into a huge smile and before I got think or react further it sprung on me and sniffed me.

And when I say ‘it’, means it’s a dog.

A medium sized but a very hairy dog, probably a British golden retriever.

I laughed and fell on the grass as it bounced on me and licked me all over as I patted its head.

Oh boy, I love dogs!

I think it liked me too, as it didn’t bark or growl with anger, but got right into playing with me. On the other hand, I couldn’t be happier as I tried cuddling, but it just didn’t let me because of its own excitement.

“Aww, look at you all happy,” Andy came around and gave me a nice hug and kissed my temple “You know he doesn’t usually behave like this, he’s a good boy, but today you’re bringing out his naughtiness” he laughed as he saw us.

Andy and I have become good friends as he often stops by to meet me at the office.

My colleagues give me an eye here and there as to how I know all these "hot men" but I've learned to ignore them. Now instead of over explaining myself to them to hide it, I leave them hanging with suspense and make up stories of how I know them.

A different story each time though. It's too fun to see that now they don't know what's truth or false.

I've made my own little game out of my misery.

“Oh, I like naughty boys!" He looked at me with slightly wide eyes and a mischievous smile.

“Aww, aren’t you a naughty girl, Hannah?” it’s only then I realized what I said.

“Ewe, shut up, Andy,” I hit his arm lightly, “You know what I meant." Ignoring him, I smiled back at the dog as I scratched his head, and he licked my feet.

“You know, Elijah was also a well-behaved boy once. Are you bringing out his naughtiness too?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

“I only bring out the worst in him,” I rolled my eyes at him, remembering what happened last night.

“It’s okay, keep trying,” he put his arm around my shoulder. "Maybe try scratching his head too for a change,” I laughed as I imagined doing what he said.

“That’ll require a lot of training. I chose my muses wisely,” I winked at him. We both laughed.

I don't know Andy that well but I can tell he's a good friend. He's good to me, at least and I enjoy his company too, unlike that of his friend.

“Seems like you liked him,” he said with a smile. "And he liked you too,”

“Oh yes, I do,” I said as if talking to a child. I sat down again to pat him, “Is this cutie yours? What’s his name?” he shook his head.

“I didn’t call you for chit-chat, Andy,” came an intense and devoid of emotions voice of Elijah Norman who just walked out of the door. The dog, seeing him, went towards him now and started licking his feet and jumped up and down on him.

“Yes, sir,” Andy saluted. "Goodbye, ma’am,” he bowed a little. "No need to get jealous, bro. We were just talking." Patting Elijah’s shoulder, he went inside the house.

Now that it was only the two of us, I really noticed him.

He is dressed in a black tee shirt and denim shorts with flip-flops and oh my God!

THEM Legs Are Fine! Like they are lean but muscular, not too hairy but very manly kinda fine.

How can a man look so hot in just plain tee shirt and shorts?

It’s the first time I’ve seen him dressed so casually and he didn’t disappoint. I swear I never want to ogle at him but damn, he’s hot!

Like Bradley Cooper hot, if you know what I mean.

Disliking him for the person he is won't change the fact that he's a very sexy man.

I, on the other hand, am dressed like a couch potato in my oversized sweat shirt and trouser. As much as I enjoy cold my tolerance for it is a little less so I like staying cozy.

“Are you done?” his voice brought me back to reality and I realized he can see me checking him out. Shit!

“Oh no, I wasn’t checking you out!” It came out a little too enthusiastically for someone trying to deny the allegation. You're so stupid, Hannah.

“I didn’t say that,” yeah, you didn’t say that but you were implying it to embarrass me, you bastard!

“Is this your dog or Andy's?” I asked. Instead of dwelling in shame I started playing with the dog again as he circled around both of us.

“Mine,” and he’s back with his one word answers.

“Never took you as a dog person,” I said.

“We…” he paused, “I rescued him from the road when he was a baby,”

“Since how long have you had him?” I inquired still kneeling down and playing with him.

Him as in the dog, you guys!

Not him, THE HIM!

Eww, you dirty minds!

“Six years almost,” he leaned against the pillar and watched us.

“Wow, that’s some commitment. What’s his name?”

“Dodi."

“Are you serious?” I laughed, “You named your dog Dodi and not something like Rembrandt or Richard or Theodore?” I finally looked at him and saw him not laughing at my brilliant joke. Weirdo.

It sounds funny that his pet dog has an actual cute pet name and not him giving it a name of an old soul like he is.

“My Dad’s name is Richard,” there was no change of emotion on his face as he said that with crossed arms.

“Oh shit,” I instantly covered my mouth, “I didn’t mean it. I’m so sorry.”

Why the earth doesn’t open up and swallow me whole once and for all?

Fuck! Why does such things always happen to me?

Why I can't keep my mouth shut?

Why do I have embarrass myself?

Why, just why?

He shook his head and walked back inside.

“Come on, Dodi, let’s go inside,” he called as he walked ahead.

Dodi barked and didn’t follow him but instead stayed rooted by my side.

I guess he’s made his choice.

“Dodi,” he said sternly like a warning as he turned around to see him still not moving.

Dodi whimpered and started circling around me.

“He’s made his own decision, I didn’t tell him to,” I shrugged my shoulder as I smiled with triumph that his dog chose me over him.

He didn't say anything after and went back inside.

“Alright, buddy!” I raised my hand for Dodi and he high fived me, “I think we’re going to have too much fun together. Come on let’s play.”

I laughed and screamed while running in the lawn as Dodi chased. After a long time I felt like a kid again.

All the while I was totally unaware that someone is watching us from behind the curtains in the house.

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Author's note:

My favorite character has entered the story.

All you dog lovers mark your attendance.

This one is a little personal as this character is inspired by my dog and his name is Dodi.

He's the absolute light of our house.

I love reading your feedback and suggestions in the comments and it means so much to see you all anticipate it.

Love you all so much. Without your support, we would never have gotten this far.

Please leave as many likes and comments as you can and predict what will happen next.

Hmm, guess who's POV will be next? Who could be peeking from behind the curtains?

P.S. Andy made a little entry. stay tuned to see what he has to offer.

Much love