Let Me Hold You by Melanie Schuster Page B

then took her to the groomer, and when they were finished with her she was even cuter.
    Alana had used her time while Domino was being groomed to purchase a dog bed, dog food, leash, collar, harness, toys and a couple of sweaters. And a snappy red raincoat with polka dots for rainy days.
    “She’s a little charmer, isn’t she? Isn’t she a papillon?”
    “Yes, she is,” Alana said, impressed that he knew the breed. “I put an ad in the paper and I’ve been watching the ads to see if anyone is looking for her. I really pray no one is because I’ve gotten really attached to her. I named her Domino.”
    “Because of her mask, right? She looks like she has on one of those fancy masks that people wear at masquerade balls.”
    Alana had to smile at the picture Roland made with the little dog in his lap. Domino was generally shy around men, Alana had learned, but she was obviously crazy about Roland. She looked so pleased with herself and so happy to have all his attention that it was just the cutest thing ever. She finally remembered her manners and thanked Roland for the tulips.
    “They’re lovely. I really appreciate them, Roland.”
    “I’m glad you like them. I enjoy giving you flowers because I love seeing you happy,” he said. “I also brought them as an apology because I think you misunderstood my intent the last time we were together and I want to put things back in order.”
    “You don’t beat around the bush, do you? I guess I should apologize for not taking your calls. That’s childish as well as being passive-aggressive and I’m better than that. Do you want a lint roller for your suit?”
    He was wearing a really expensive one that looked like it was hand-tailored for his height. It was a beautiful black worsted worn with a lavender shirt and purple silk tie and pocket square that gave him the look of a Fortune 100 CEO.
    “Naw, I had some meetings earlier but I’m going home after this, so it’s not a problem. I’ve had dogs all my life so I’m used to dog hair, muddy footprints, whatever. She looks very well cared for, by the way.”
    “She is. She’s been to the vet and the groomer and she has a nice bed and lots of toys and she’s the best company in the world. I haven’t gotten any answers to my ad and I haven’t seen any lost dog posters, and if I do, I don’t how I’ll react. I don’t want to lose her,” Alana admitted.
    “Don’t worry about it, Alana. I think she was meant for you and you were meant for her. It’ll be fine.” He laughed as Domino gave a little bark of agreement.
    “Listen, honey, I had to go out of town and I’m just getting back, which is why I haven’t been here to plead my case in person until now. I wanted to know if you’d have dinner with me so we can talk about me putting my foot in my mouth the last time we were together. Does that sound doable?”
    Alana felt the usual rush of pleasure she felt whenever Roland was near. “Yes, it does. Would you like to come over tonight? I’m not a trained chef like you, but I can make a mean sloppy joe,” she said with a laugh.
    “How about if I come to your house and cook for you and Domino? I have the feeling that you don’t like leaving her too much.”
    “You’re right about that. The first time I was leaving to go to work she went and got her leash and brought it to me as if to say, ‘I’m ready, let’s go,’ so I’ve been bringing her in with me. Dinner at home sounds like heaven, actually, and we’d love it. By the way, would you like to see the progress we’ve made on Black Beauty?”
    “Absolutely, I sure would. May I bring the little princess with me?”
    “Of course, just don’t put her down. She’s getting to be real sociable and I don’t want her trampled underfoot.” She got up and came around the desk. “Come with me and see if you notice any improvements,” she said cheerfully.
    They walked through the showroom to the service area, stopping several times so that customers