David Lane sat on the dilapidated bench by the pond, throwing small pieces of stale brown bread into the pond. He’d been there for a while, shivering in the late Spring breeze, and now he had a gaggle of ducks, moorhens, and geese waiting for a bit to launch their way. David tried to be fair to all the birds, but some of the little quackers were crafty beasts and swam into different positions, hoping they’d be in the right spot for the next piece of bread. After three months of sitting by the pond, David had their measure. He scolded the trouble-makers for trying to buck the system and made sure all those who waited patiently got their bread first.
David was just about to reach for the last slice when he was covered in a wave of freezing cold water, and the birds rose up in a flurry of outraged squawks. The peace had been shattered by a Labrador who was now splashing around excitedly in the water snapping at the few soggy lumps of bread that still remained.
“Bozo, get out of there!”
David looked over his shoulder to see a dark-haired man dressed in shorts and tight T-shirt running towards him, waving his arms at the dog. David tried not to stare but damn, he was a sight to be seen.
“Bozo, you idiot, get out of the water!” Bozo barked happily and stayed where he was, ignoring his owner’s commands, and the hissing from the geese nearby. The man ran over to the edge of the pond, but Bozo managed to stay just out of his reach. “Damn dog! I’m going to have your knackers for Christmas dinner if you don’t get out of the pond. Come on, Bozo please.” The man’s threats and pleading had the same effect as the shouting. Bozo just gave him a toothy grin.
“Do you want some help?” David joined the man by the water’s edge.
The man studied David, still dripping from his impromptu shower. “Christ, I’m sorry.”
David gave him a shy smile. “It’s okay. So, do you need help?”
“You think you can catch my stupid dog?”
“I can try.”
The man shrugged. “Go for it, but I warn you he doesn’t listen to anyone.”
David took the last piece of bread out of the plastic bag and waved it at the dog. “Bozo, Bozo, want a treat, boy? Hmmm?”
Bozo’s eyes lit up at the sight of the bread and jumped out of the pond to launch himself at David. One minute David was offering the bread and the next he was lying on his back, Bozo straddling his chest, shaking water over him and reaching eagerly for his treat. David gave him the bread hastily, hoping he didn’t lose his fingers in the process.
The man grabbed Bozo’s collar and hauled him off David. “Gotcha, you bastard.” He clipped the lead onto the collar and wrapped it around his hand, then he bent down to help David to his feet.
Jesus, he was strong. David’s eyes widened as he was virtually hauled off his feet.
“Are you all right?” The man stared into David’s eyes. David couldn’t help noticing he had beautiful eyes, a brown and green swirl that made David’s knees go gooey. “Did you hit your head?”
“I’m fine,” David said, a tad breathlessly. He felt a nudge into his side and looked down to see Bozo nudging the bag. “There’s nothing left in there.”
“Doesn’t stop him trying. He’s a nightmare where food is concerned.”
“Is he really called Bozo?” David asked.
“I’m afraid so. He’s been this way since he was a puppy and he’s four now. Nothing between the ears. Jeff.”
David stared at him, confused. “What?”
“My name. Jeff Lewis. And you?” Jeff transferred the lead and held out his hand.
“David Lane.”
They shook hands, and David was so focused on Jeff’s face it took a minute for David to notice Jeff was still holding his hand, his brows furrowed as he looked down. David tugged his hand away, resisting the urge to put it behind his back, and took a step back.
“Would you like a drink?” Jeff jerked his thumb at the pub next to the pond.
David shook his head. “I’ve got to go. It was nice to meet you, and you, Bozo.” He scratched Bozo behind the ears. “Bye.”
“Bye, David.”
As David hurried away, he looked back once. His heart jumped as he realized Jeff was still staring after him.