Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
I wanted to do something special for him to show him how much he meant to me. I got the urge to facepalm myself when an obvious answer came to me; something to fuel his creative spark while giving us some romantic time together.
But even if it was the perfect idea, I didn't want to take up Sterling's whole weekend if he had other plans. So I asked him, "Are you busy this afternoon? There's somewhere I'd really like to take you."
"I am busy," he replied, deflating me until he added with a smirk, "I've got a date with a pretty incredible guy."
"What a coincidence; so do I."
We chatted and cuddled until the buzzer sounded on the dryer, signaling that our clothes were fresh and ready. Once we were dressed and Cooper was strapped into his harness, the three of us stepped outside.
"It's close enough to walk if that's okay," I said, and Sterling smiled.
"Sounds good. I'm sure Cooper will like that too."
I held Sterling's hand as we started down the sidewalk, towards our destination, which I kept secret from him. But after a few turns, he guessed it by asking, "Are we going to the University?"
"We are. I thought you'd like to sit with me while I grade some papers."
Sterling smiled. "That's nice; I'd like to check out your office where you work."
I couldn't hold back my snort of laughter. "You are so sweet, but I was just teasing; we are going to the college, but we're doing something much more fun than grading papers."
"Anything is fun when I'm with you," he shrugged, and my heart damn near exploded. "I would like to visit your office if we have time."
I'd make time for anything he wanted. "You got it."
Cooper walked confidently along the path he and Sterling took every day. Once we crossed the quad, where they typically stopped, I noticed that he became even more alert, watching to keep Sterling safe from obstacles on this new route.
When we approached our destination, I told him, "This is the art building." I opened the door and as we walked down the hallway, I explained, "I'm friends with Professor Greenway, who teaches Pottery Development and Design. She has open labs on Saturdays so that her students can work on their projects, and she allows me to use the equipment every now and then. I thought it'd be fun for us to make some pottery together."
Sterling's face lit up with a bright smile. "That sounds so cool! I've never done anything like that before, though; I might suck at it."
"No way. It can be a little tricky at first, but I'll be here to help you. Besides, you're creative and talented, and I'm sure you'll do great."
Just as I reached for the door to the ceramics lab, it opened, and a short, stout lady emerged. "Well hello there, Beckett," she greeted with a smile when she saw me.
"Good morning, Professor Greenway."
"How many times have I asked you to call me Cheryl?" she asked with a faux glare.
“Forgive me,” I requested with a bow of my head. I always wanted to be respectful of her title, but she was a friendly woman who liked being called by her first name, even by her students. “Good morning, Cheryl.”
“That’s better.” She beamed and turned her attention to the gorgeous man at my side. “And who do we have here?”
My chest puffed up with pride when I replied, “This is my boyfriend, Sterling.”
Cheryl bounced her brows at me in approval before greeting, “It’s nice to meet you, Sterling.”
He dropped my hand to offer it to her. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
Cheryl shook his hand with both of hers before asking, “Are you a student here?”
Sterling seemed a bit surprised by her question, judging by the tilt of his head. “No, ma’am. I’m just visiting with Beckett.”
“Well, you’ve got a good man, here. All of the staff adore him.” My cheeks heated at her compliments.
“I know I do,” Sterling smiled, warming my cheeks even more.
“And you have an adorable pup,” she continued, looking down at Cooper. “Hi, sweetie. I would love to pet you, but I know you’re working hard.” She explained, “My brother-in-law has a service dog who detects and alerts him of upcoming seizures. I’m amazed at what these precious animals can do.”
“I couldn’t make it without Cooper,” Sterling agreed. “But you’re welcome to pet him, if you’d like. Some dogs get distracted when they’re pet on the job, but Cooper handles it well. Plus, Beck is leading the way today.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Cheryl lowered onto one knee and buried her hands in Cooper’s fur. “Aw, you’re such a good boy, aren’t you? Yes you are!” Cooper thanked her with a flurry of kisses on her cheeks. “Oh, thank you.”
Once her face was glistening, Cheryl laughed and raised back onto her feet. “Thank you, that made my day.” Sterling nodded and she looked over at me. “Are you coming to use the lab?”