Of Paws and Pet Rocks

By J.D. Walker

Barry Dunning is a pet stylist and a gentle soul. Animals love him and he adores them. And while he would love to have a dog or cat of his own, the lease on his tiny studio apartment doesn’t allow pets. So, he paints miniature cats and dogs on rocks, instead.

Hurt by an ex-boyfriend, Barry doesn’t date. But his sister Trixie is always pestering him to get back out there, though he doesn’t think anyone would want him or his baggage.

Not so. Sheldon Svenson, the owner of the animal shelter where Barry volunteers on weekends is attracted to Barry and asks him out on a date. Barry -- for once taking his sister’s advice -- accepts.

Dinner ends in disaster, but Sheldon, undaunted, pursues Barry and asks for another chance. Will Barry decide to risk losing his heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Oct 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781634860680

J.D. Walker

J.D. Walker likes to keep her stories short and sweet. A multi-published author, she is also a musician, artist, and lover of all things knit and crochet. For more information, visit lifebyjo.com/jdwalker.

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Of Paws and Pet Rocks

By J.D. Walker

Published by JMS Books LLC

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2016 J.D. Walker

ISBN 9781634860680

Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

NOTE: This ebook was previously published by Amber Quill Press.

* * * *

This story is for all the Barrys out there. You deserve a happy ending.

* * * *

Of Paws and Pet Rocks

By J.D. Walker

Aren’t you precious? I cooed as I rubbed behind the ears of Mary Queen of Scots, the little Shih Tzu on the table before me.

Her tail wagged happily, and she panted as I gave her lots of doggy attention. Matteus Browning, her owner, hovered nearby.

You don’t have to stay, you know. There’s a waiting area outside. I cleaned Mary’s ears and then started on her nails.

I worked as a pet groomer five days a week. I even had my own private room so I could give specialized attention to each animal in my care, without distractions from other workers. Though sometimes the owners preferred to stay and watch over their little Fifi or Mumsie.

But she gets nervous when I’m not around, you know? Actually, he was the nervous one, but I wouldn’t say that, of course. It was cute, if a little bit overkill.

I understand, but your precious Mary will be fine. So, unless you want to get wet when I bathe her, please take a seat in the waiting area. I promise she’ll be fine.

Are you sure? I dealt with anxious owners like Matteus on a daily basis, and the man was practically wringing his hands.

Absolutely positive.

Okay. He petted Mary one last time, and reluctantly left the room.

All right, your majesty. Let’s make you the prettiest dog ever to grace canine royalty. I got to work, and after a little while, presented a clean, well-groomed Shih Tzu, worthy of a gold medal at a dog show to her owner.

Thank you! he gushed. She looks fantastic! Mary gave a happy little bark as I handed the leash to her human, and the little dog turned her head to lick my hand when I petted her. Sweet pooch.

I’m glad you think so. Make sure you bring her back to us. You get a free grooming coupon after the fourth visit.

You bet! I watched as Matteus walked proudly with Mary past the other dogs, cats, and owners awaiting their turn. It always made me glad to have satisfied customers. I checked the sign-in sheet