A New Puppy --- Part 8

****

Crystal realized Jim wasn’t going to let go of her hand. She let him pull her along behind him. She still couldn’t believe the intensity of that kiss. She had never been effected so quickly and strongly by a man’s touch. She knew she was relatively inexperienced for her age because of her focus on her profession. It had been at least six months since her last date, well maybe longer than that as she thought about it.

Shaking her head, she focused on her surroundings. The living room was painted in a light teal color, matching the southwestern decor. The fireplace on the far wall looked well used with plenty of wood stacked next to it, causing Crystal to notice how the smell of burnt wood lightly brushed the air. Jim’s son, David, stood leaning on the mantle looking like a younger version of his father. There was a dark brown leather couch with teal and white throw pillows. Two chestnut colored cloth chairs sat opposite the couch. David’s girlfriend sat on the edge of one of the chairs. Her hair was black with blonde highlights. Her skin was almost as pale as Crystal’s.

Jim sat on the couch pulling Crystal down beside him. “I guess it is time you met Crys. Crystal Werner this is my son and his girlfriend.”

David’s expression was bleak. “Who is she?” He asked, his head nod indicating Crystal.

Jim sighed. He glanced at Crystal his eyes holding an apology. “Crystal and I are dating.” Jim released her hand and rose from the couch. “David, lets talk in private.”

David followed Jim toward the kitchen. He paused as he reached the doorway and turned back to Crystal. “I’m sorry if I am being rude to you Crystal. There are things you don’t understand.” And with that cryptic statement he stepped from the room.

Crystal sighed. Who knew getting a dog could be so complicated? But she had agreed to a date and she appreciated that Jim was protecting her by not telling his son they had just met. The kiss in the kitchen was not really appropriate for two relative strangers. Crystal couldn’t regret it though and was looking forward to the evening when she and Jim could be alone again. Crystal noticed that David’s girlfriend was staring at her. Well maybe I can be of some help here.

“Hi. As you heard I am Crys. I didn’t catch your name.” Well if charm wasn’t her skill she could always fall back on politeness.

“It’s Megan. What’s, I mean, what’s going on? We were suppose to come over to discuss the trip to Europe and David saw you and flipped out.”

“I’m not sure but I think he was a little surprised that his dad is dating.”

“Um, wow. David always talked about how all the women that were after his dad. You’d think he wouldn’t be surprised that he would date.”

Crystal stowed that knowledge away for future use. But she wasn’t going to give Megan the satisfaction of reacting to what was obviously a loaded statement. So she smiled instead and changed the subject. “So you’re planning a trip to Europe. Jim mentioned that. Something about a disagreement on how long the trip is for?”

“Um, yeah. You could say that.” Megan looked down and rubbed her hands on her jeans. Crystal wondered if it was a nervous gesture.

Suddenly David’s voice could be heard from the kitchen. “But she’s a bilagaana!”

Jim’s response was muffled in reply but David’s follow-on comment was clear as day. “Yeah, but I am not planning on MARRYING one.”

Both Crystal and Megan’s heads turned to the doorway leading to the kitchen at the mention of marriage. Crystal would wait for more data but even talking of marriage was crazy. They had just met. She didn’t know anything about Jim other than he was hot and kissed like a dream.

“What’s a bils... a bila...?” Megan’s question pulled Crystal from her thoughts.

“Bilagaana,” she finished for Megan. “It means someone who is not part of the Navajo nation. White man, or in this case white woman.” Crystal watched as Megan digested that reply.

“So he isn’t planning on marrying a white woman.” Megan sounded shaken. “I thought, well I thought he loved me more than I cared for him. What am I to him? A status symbol? A fun fuck?” Megan stood up.

Crystal looked at her with compassion in her eyes. “Megan. You both are young. It doesn’t sound like you were planning on marriage anyway.”

“No. I wasn’t but I mean that is kind of cold isn’t it, being his white woman fling.” Megan walked toward the kitchen. The voices of the men were back down to a murmur. “David. I’m leaving. I’ll drive you back now or you can stay here.”

David rushed out into the living room as Megan was opening the front door. “What the fuck, Megan? Can’t you see I need some time to talk to my dad?”

“No, David. No, this white woman can’t see that at all. Asshole.” Megan said icily as she walked out the front door, slamming it behind her.

“Shit.” David bit out as he rushed after her.

Crystal rose from the couch and looked out the window. David dove into the passenger side of the car as Megan started it. They drove off together with David gesturing wildly. Crystal looked at her own car and thought about just getting in and leaving this whole confusing afternoon behind her. But she remembered the easy banter she had with Jim. The kiss was a bonus, but to find a man she could really talk to, well that meant too much just to throw it away. She sighed and turned and walked into the kitchen. Jim was standing leaning against the stove. His expression appeared guarded.

Crystal smiled at him. “Well, I don’t think you have to worry about Europe any more.”

Jim burst out laughing. “No. I suppose not.” His expression grew serious. “To be honest, I stopped worrying about that the moment we kissed.” He looked away from Crystal. “That was a mess. Are you okay?”

Crystal walked closer and leaned on the counter next to the stove. “I thought about leaving.” She said staring at the floor. “Can you explain the marriage comment?”

Jim ran his hand over his face. “Sounds a little crazy, I know, but David pissed me off. He was objecting to you in general and specific terms. Seems he had someone else picked out for me. I think I said something like ... it’s not like I have asked her to marry me ...yet.”

“I’m betting it was the ‘yet’ that set him off.” Crystal grinned feeling relief that Jim made the comment to challenge his son.

“You might be right.” Jim grinned back.

“Crys, I had no idea. No idea, that any of this would be an issue to him. I would still like to date you, to see where this can go between us. But I would understand if you want to walk away. Hell, I would understand if you want to run screaming from this madhouse.”

“Is this something he is going to get over, or is this going to be there? I don’t want to be the cause of a split between you two.”

“My first reaction is he damn well better get over it. I don’t know. He shocked me. Who knew he harbored hope that his mother and I would get back together?”

Crystal’s eyebrows raised. How am I expected to compete with the mother of his child?

“Don’t look at me like that. There is no way I am getting near that woman again. She took off when David was a baby. I have had no contact with her for over eighteen years. She is back, though, and I guess she is in contact with David.”

“Jim, you don’t owe me an explanation.” Relief flooded Crystal.

“Hell.” Jim turned and stood directly in front of Crystal. He placed his hands on either side of her face, leaned down and kissed her. They both reacted, immediately leaning in to each other. Crystal instinctively stood on her toes to get closer to him. Jim forced his lips away from hers. “I owe it to you. I owe it to myself to explore this. I’ve never reacted to a woman so quickly, so strongly. Are you really willing to walk away from this?”

Crystal stood still, her face cradled in Jim’s hands. “If it was only the chemistry I would have left already.”

“But there is more. I know, we talk. Really talk. You practically read my mind. It’s as if our spirits mesh.”

Crystal closed her eyes and nodded. Opening them, she made up her mind. “I want this. I want to try.”

The relief was evident on Jim’s face. “You will remind me to take this slow. I want to make this work. I want to know you, all of you, including your workaholic tendencies.” Jim teased.

A stray thought ran across Crystal’s mind. “Do I still get a puppy?”

Jim leaned in and brushed his lips against Crystal’s. “No one has ever called me a puppy before.” He whispered with a grin.

A New Puppy --- Part 7

****

Jim stared into her eyes. He realized by her pleading expression that this attraction he felt wasn’t just one way. She didn’t want to leave any more than he wanted her to go. This was moving too fast though. He shouldn’t feel this strongly about someone he just met. He stood and walked around the table while they listened to the car coming closer. Holding out his hand to her, Jim knew he should have felt nervous. But all he felt was anticipation. Change was coming and he was embracing it, like he was running with the wind.

Crystal looked at Jim’s large hand. Her right hand moved toward his slowly and steadily.

“Who are you?” Jim asked her, his voice sounding strangled. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“I don’t want to leave.” Crystal admitted to him, her voice barely a whisper as she weaved her fingers through his.

Jim leaned down bringing his lips next to Crystal’s. “I will do this right. I would like to ask you on a date, Crystal. Many dates. We will take this slow.” As he spoke Jim’s lips lightly brushed against Crystal’s. He restrained himself from fully kissing her. The sounds of the car grew louder in the background. But now that he was this close to Crystal he couldn’t pull back. It was all he could do not to press forward. He deliberately held her loosely so she could back away if she wanted.

Jim watched her beautiful green eyes widen with desire. Her right hand was entangled with his but he felt her left hand on his back, sliding upward. He focused on the heat her sliding hand left on his body. He stiffened trying to resist the additional temptation but she continued moving her hand until it cupped the back of his large neck. Then using it as leverage she pulled them together to complete the kiss Jim had begun.

They both groaned as their lips fully met. Jim’s free hand grasped her more strongly to him as he explored her mouth. Crystal’s softness had him groaning again with need. Too fast. We’re moving too fast. But damned if he could slow down. His body was responding to hers. She was soft and wet. His tongue was exploring the shape of her lips. He wanted her. Somewhere in the background he could hear a car door slam and then another. Voices, male and female could also be heard. Jim couldn’t care enough to let his focus wander from Crystal’s mouth. Her tongue ran across his lower lip and he needed all his focus not to escalate this further. He pulled her body more tightly to him. He groaned again when she molded herself against him. His erection was growing against the weight of her.

Their breaths became rougher and more desperate as they kissed. Jim couldn’t hold her tight enough. He was afraid to let go of her hand because he knew if he had both hands free he would be tempted to start removing her clothes. As it was he had slid his free hand under the back of her loose over-shirt. Too fast. In an effort to pull her up toward him his hand slid down the length of her back over her cotton camisole. Stop it, he told himself but he didn’t listen. His hand slid down into the back of her pants touching the bare skin of her buttock and the silky smoothness of her panties. She groaned and pressed harder into him as he massaged her skin. Jim hadn’t felt this needy and out of control in years. First kiss and I am mauling her. I need to stop. It was all he could do to keep his hand from sliding further south. He wanted her, all of her.

“Dad?”

Jim whirled so that his back was to his son, keeping Crystal hidden against his body. “Just give us a minute.” He growled as Crystal buried her red face into his chest. Jim slid his hand up to her waist. He knew Crystal was mortified.

“Dad?” His son’s voice was filled with disbelief.

“Come on.” Added a female voice.

He heard them both retreat to the living room. As he continued to hold Crystal to him. Resting his cheek on her head that was against his chest. He tried to slow his breathing but it was difficult as she was still pressed up against him. Well, chemistry isn’t going to be an issue, he thought wryly. My son and his girlfriend are here. I need to focus. He reached down and put his hand on Crystal’s chin, pulling it up so he could look into her eyes. He saw confusion, fear and embarrassment there. “Best ... first ... kiss ... ever.” He said his voice barely above a whisper.

She smiled up at him. “Me too.” Her expression changed to pleasure and teasing.

“Hold that thought. Go out to dinner with me tonight?”

She nodded.

“I think I need to handle my visitors. Come with me?”

“Wait.” Crystal called out quietly. Jim looked at her expectantly. “What are their names?”

“My son is David. He has told me her name but I don’t remember it.”

“Jim.” Crystal said chidingly. He just smiled back at her. “Ready?”

Crystal nodded in response.

A New Puppy --- Part 6

****

Crystal stared down at the table before responding. “I haven’t had too much luck with the two legged variety. I need a partner that I can’t ignore when my next research project catches my attention. One that won’t get angry at me for not listening to how their day went. I can be a rather selfish person when the research catches me.” Crystal couldn’t believe it. This man just seemed to pull the most embarrassing information from her. Well, damn it. This was her. Her work was important to her. Too bad men’s egos didn’t seem to be able to handle that.

Jim looked away from Crystal as he asked the next question. “In my culture a dog would be a family member. Are you prepared to add to your family?”

Crystal considered Jim’s question. She knew by his stillness that the bantering was over and he wanted, no almost seemed to need, a true answer. She gathered her thoughts before speaking.

“If I understand correctly, the Navajo’s believe that we are all relations. All the animals and the humans. So I think I understand the nature of your question. Would I be willing to treat my dog with the same respect as a son or a daughter? I would like to think that I would treat them with more care than that. A human, at least an adult, has the ability to make choices and be independent from their parent. A pet is tied more strongly. They don’t have the choice to leave and start an independent life. It will be up to me to provide for the welfare and happiness of my dog.” Crystal gained the confidence as she spoke her voice developing a firmness. “I recognize that will require me to modify my behavior. My work will have to be put aside for the needs of my dog. I think I am ready to do this. To find a better balance in my life.”

Jim paused as if considering her response. “You have given this a lot of thought. What happens if you fail?”

Crystal bit her lip. “It could happen. This is one reason I am asking help from you. If I am an ‘unfit owner’....” Crystal trailed off. She placed her hands flat on the table before her. Taking a deep breath she continued. “I don’t tend to fail at what I decide to do. I need to develop some balance in my life and so I will. I will be a good partner with my dog.” Crystal was determined to work this in a positive manner. She would not let thoughts of failure interfere with her goals.

Jim nodded respect showing on his face. He flicked open the binder on the table with work roughened fingers. “I am familiar with four or five Burnese breeders. But not all are in this state. His finger ran down the page as he scanned his own notes. “I haven’t updated this in a while. I’ll need to make some calls.” Jim glanced at Crystal. “Do you have some time? I could....”

“Sh!” Crystal cocked her head to the side as she listened.

Jim stilled in response to Crystal’s request. The sound of a car engine grew louder. The sound of rap music competed with the engine’s rumbles.

“Shit. I’d forgotten her,” Jim muttered.

Crystal turned quickly toward Jim. “Would you let me help you?” She asked, her voice tight. Crystal felt the tension rise between them as she worried about rejection.

A New Puppy --- Part 5

****

Jim looked at her closely. She was small, well, more thin than small. She appeared delicate but there was intelligence shining in her pretty green eyes. Jim was caught up watching the expressions fly across Crystal’s face. Her intelligence seemed to show through more now as she dropped the meek smile. "Actually that was pretty good advice. Why was my idea about the clothing good?"

Crystal shrugged. "The choice of the shirt does two things. First, it reminds her that you and your son are part of something she isn't. I assume that since you thought I was her, that she isn't native?"

Jim grew more interested in the conversation. "Good assumption. And the second reason?"

Crystal colored again. "You wear it well. Looking good helps with confidence and energy. These are both excellent tools for negotiation."

"Thanks." Jim couldn't remember the last time he had received a compliment from a young women. This girl must be five to ten years his junior. But she had very pretty eyes and he enjoyed her innate honesty. He realized he needed to adjust his thoughts. She was only here for a breeder recommendation and what did she say; ‘advice on timing’?

"Well enough about me, you want a recommendation on a Burnese Mountain Dog?" Jim rose and grabbed one of several binders off the shelf and turned back toward the table. He wasn’t sure but he might have caught a look of disappointment on her face.

"Yes, yes I do. I also want some recommendation on timing. You know, what age is best to bring a puppy into a household. But could I ask one more question?"

"Of course." Jim said sitting back down at the table.

"Why is she a bad influence?"

"She wants him to tour Europe with her. At first I saw no issue with it, as they were going over the summer. But now she wants him to take a semester off college to extend the trip. He'll lose his scholarship. But she's convinced him he can get a job when they get back."

"Oh? What about her? Is she in college?"

"She is graduating this spring. They plan to leave right after her graduation."

"Bitch. Selfish little conniving bitch."

"My thoughts exactly. But to be fair, I don't think it’s all her. I believe my son is afraid to let her be on her own in Europe. He not only worries about her safety but the potential competition."

"Ah, the lure of the sexy accent."

"So is that all if takes now-a-days? A little French accent and all the woman will be at my feet?" Jim’s face lit up with a grin as he realized how much he enjoyed teasing Crystal.

"Not for me. I prefer the British accent." Crystal grinned back at Jim.

"Have a bit of a thing for chimney sweeps?"

"Ha! Dick Van Dyke's accent was terrible!" Jim was pleased that she had followed his vague reference to Mary Poppins.

"You'd have thought that Disney could have afforded a better voice coach for him."

Jim abruptly realized that he was flirting with the young blonde woman and, even better, she was flirting back. It had been a long time since he had even felt like making the effort. But he wanted to get to know Crystal more, she seemed to be able to follow his thoughts. It was going to take a long time to help her pick out a dog if he had anything to say about it.

Leaning closer to Crystal he asked softly, "Why a Burnese?"

Crystal instinctively leaned in closer as well. "I need a hiking partner."

“They come in the two legged varieties as well you know.”

A New Puppy --- Part 4

No crafting time so more story instead ----

****

"Oh! So you're going for the 'me heap-um big mean Indian' look." Crystal blurted out. She bit her lip but, as usual couldn't keep her opinion to herself. Crystal knew the effort to look forbidding was unlikely to work. The shirt fit him too well to scare a woman.

Jim laughed out loud. "I don't know whether to be offended or laugh my ass off," he teased Crystal.

"Well I am glad the big scary Indian decided to laugh." Crystal smiled back at Jim. "I don't think it will work, you know."

Jim's eyebrows rose. "What do you mean? It worked on you."

"No it didn't. I mean, I was surprised by your abruptness but my biggest problem was I was trying to be charming. And I suck at that! Besides she will expect your attitude as I assume your son has shared the issues with her."

Jim paused as he mulled that over. "Wait. Why did you give up on the charming?" He asked with a smile.

"I just figured if you laughed at my stupid heap-em comment, I didn't need to try so hard." Crystal realized she was enjoying this conversation which was unusual for her. Outside of work colleagues, she normally had to try hard to keep the talk flowing.

"What do you recommend, since you think 'big scary Indian' is off the table?" Jim asked breaking into her thoughts.

"Oh. Hm. You could still do scary Indian if you want but if she is used to manipulating men, she is likely to see through it. What about your wife talking to her? It may be harder for her to get around a woman."

"No wife. Next suggestion?"

"Girlfriend? Sister? Daughter?"

"My sister might be a good idea actually. But since the boy's girlfriend is supposed to be here any moment, I'll have to do the first meeting without her. Why are you so convinced that a woman's touch is needed?"

"Well, I was reading some research on how to influence people and the approach was different for a man than a woman. She could be good at manipulating both but it sounds like she is successful with men. Also when in a negotiation it is better to have more people on your team then on the other side. Aside from the obvious intimidation factor it allows one side to distract the focus of the other. Your idea of clothing was good. It sets the tone." Crystal stopped abruptly. "I'm sorry. It can be dangerous to ask a research scientist a question," she said sheepishly.

A New Puppy --- Part 3

****

Jim set the sweating glass of ice water in front of Crystal. He didn’t want to focus on anything other than the issue with his son’s girlfriend. The woman calmly sipping ice water in front of him was polite and quiet. She turned red in embarrassment at the drop of a hat. He couldn't imagine the meek woman before him having that big of an impact on anyone. Best to get her on her way as fast as possible since the girlfriend was likely to arrive soon.

"So Crys, you want some advice on selecting a dog?" Jim asked as he sat down. He stayed on the edge of his seat though as he was anxious to get the conversation over with before the girlfriend arrived. Jim guessed that, as a tiny woman, she would want a small lap dog like a terrier or a Shih Tzu.

"Actually, I've selected the dog breed. I am looking for recommendations on reputable breeders as well as some advice on timing."

Timing? Jim had no idea what she meant by that. "I am most familiar with the sporting and larger dog breeders. But I could hook you up with some people that deal with the smaller breeds."

"But I am looking for a Burnese Mountain dog. That isn't exactly a small breed." Crystal blurted out.

Jim sat back with a start. He usually considered himself a good read of people. But he was not doing well with this woman. He chalked it up to his distraction with the girlfriend.

"It looks like I keep guessing wrong about you." Jim, thinking it best to come clean, continued with his confession. "I'm a little distracted. My son's girlfriend is suppose to stop by today. I don't like the influence she has on him. Hence the native look." Jim indicated the beading going down his chest.

Inspiration Number 6

Embossed Glossy

A little glossy paper, a cuttlebug embossing folder, some sandpaper and some distress ink.

I also added in a little Basic Grey ribbon and a Hero arts stamp. The sample uses a Stampin Up heart punch which is double popped.