Entering the park Ava followed the signs that led to the dog run area. Sara had really managed to shock her yesterday. Having Sara ask her to meet with her outside the hospital was the last thing she had expected. While it was what she had been hoping for, Ava was still nervous. She wasn't sure what to expect. I can do this. Finally spotting what she was looking for, she headed for the large fenced-in area.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes were playing in the fall sunshine. She easily spotted Sara leaning against the fence just inside the dog run, near the gate. Ava stopped for a minute to admire the woman. Instead of the Dockers and button-down shirt or scrubs she was used to seeing Sara wear, she was dressed in lycra shorts and a t-shirt. Ava's gaze ran appreciatively over her well-muscled body. Broad muscular shoulders, well defined biceps, and a flat stomach with trim hips led down to heavily muscled legs. Ava knew that Sara was a beautiful woman, but now, dressed like this… Ava shivered as a wave of arousal cascaded down her body. The strength of her response surprised her. Friends. She sternly reminded herself. I'm going to be her friend. She forced the distracting feeling away before heading over to Sara.
"Hey, Sara. Good morning."
Sara offered a tentative smile. "Hi, Ava. Glad you could make it." She opened the gate for Ava and motioned her inside the dog run.
The realization that Sara was a bit anxious made Ava feel better about her own nervousness. To give them both a chance to get used to being together in a non-work situation, Ava took the time to look around. Excited dogs chased each other, dodging the park benches scattered throughout the area.
Several small dogs ran up. Ava knelt down and held out her hand to be sniffed. Once assured of their friendliness, she petted them. She smiled at Sara when she squatted down next to her and offered her own gentle ear rubs to the canine trio.
Ava stood as the small dogs scampered off. A lot of heer tension had eased. Dogs were great stress relievers. She looked at Sara, pleased to see she appeared more relaxed as well. "They were cute but I still like big dogs best."
"Well, luckily I can help you out there." Sara said. "Ready to meet my boy?"
Knowing Sara had a big dog, Ava checked out the dogs nearby. "Which one is he?"
Sara quickly scanned the area. "He must be down at the other end. See where those trees are? He'll come when I call."
That's when Ava noticed how large the fenced area really was. "Great. I'm looking forward to meeting him." Ava glanced over at Sara. Uh-Oh, never saw that look before. Sara had a little half smirk on her face. The look screamed - look out, here comes trouble. Ava tried to brace herself for whatever was coming. At the same time, she was delighted to see sara relaxing the tight control of her emotions she maintained at work.
Sara led them over toward a group of benches. Just as they reached the seats, Sara let out a piercing whistle, causing Ava to jump. "Sorry about that, I should have warned you." She pointed off to the left. "Here he comes." Sara slapped her palms against her thighs. "Come on, Thor. Come here, boy."
Ava turned toward where sara had pointed and nearly fainted. Charging straight at them was the biggest dog Ava had ever seen.
"Oh my God, Sara! That's not a dog, that's a horse!" Ava took a step back and moved slightly behind Sara.
Sara grinned as the big dog skidded to a halt in front of her. "I thought you said you like big dogs."
Embarrassment that her bravado had slipped so badly, Ava scowled at Sara. "Yeah, big dogs. You didn't say anything about a horse."
"Don't worry." Sara said, trying hard to control her laughter. Reaching out and stroking her big dog, Sara reassured Ava. "He's big, but he's harmless." Sara took Ava's hand and urged her to stand next to her. "Ava, this is my Great Dane, Thor."
Ava offered her hand to be sniffed.
"Thor, this is Ava. Be nice." Sara said.
Thor took a step forward to check her out. Ava swallowed a bit nervously when she realized the dog's head was almost her chest height. And she was tall for a woman. He wagged his tail and proceeded to give her a thorough sniff. She smiled as her trepidation eased. Ava quickly saw what a gentle giant the big dog really was and began to stroke his head and ears.
Thor made his approval known. He gazed into her eyes, and then laid his head against her breasts.
"I don't believe it." Sara muttered. She shook her head and stared.
"What?" Ava asked as she continued to pet Thor.
"I've never seen him do that with anyone except myself or my sister. He's not unfriendly, but he tends to be standoffish about giving affection to strangers. Usually he sniffs someone and then just walks away."
Thor suddenly leaned harder into Ava, forcing her to step back as his weight against her increased.
"Thor" Sara grabbed his collar. "Back up." She urged Thor back several steps. "Sorry."
Ava laughed. "It's okay. He's not bothering me." Pointing to the bench next to her, she said. "Why don't we sit down and you can tell me about this handsome boy?"
Sara sat down but kept a firm grip on Thor's collar.
"He's fine, really. Let him go." Ava said as she moved to a spot on the bench near Sara.
As soon as Sara let go of Thro's collar he headed for Ava.
Ava was a bit taken aback when Thor stepped close. The huge dog's head was now level with hers. She met his eyes and was surprised by the intelligence that shone in them.
Thor gently laid his head on Ava's lap. When she began to stroke his head he closed his eyes and sighed in contentment.
"Come on, Ava is not a cuddly toy!" Sara reached for Thor's collar.
Ava laughed. "He's fine, honestly. Leave him." She looked down at Thor while stroking her hand down his neck. "I knew Great Danes were big, but I never realized they were this huge."
"They can get pretty big. Thor is larger than average."
Ava gulped. "Good thing he's so docile."
"Yeah, they are big babies for the most part. But under the right circumstances they can be very protective of their owners." Sara stretched, arching her back.
Ava struggled to keep her eyes on Sara's face where they belonged. "Ready to go jogging?" Either that or I'm going to need a cold shower.
"Sure, let's go." Sara snapped Thor's leash into his collar.
Sara guided them back to where they had started before slowing down to a walk. Knowing Ava had not jogged in a few months, Sara had offered the one-mile route. Ava had opted for the two-mile trail. Bet she's regretting that decision about now. Ava was bent over at the waist with her hands resting on her thighs as she tried to catch her breath.
Allowing her eyes to run over Ava's body for the first time, she took in the tall, slender figure before her. She had been so nervous earlier she had not really paid much attention to Ava's attire. Ava had on nylon running shorts and a t-shirt. Sara had suspected a gorgeous body lurked beneath the professionally tailored slacks and silk blouses she wore at work. The reality was much more than she had anticipated. Your imagination sucks. Drops of sweat trailed down Ava's well-defined arms and legs that seemed to go on forever. Her tight, sweat-soaked t-shirt clung to a flat stomach and hugged her breasts. Sara's libido immediately flared to life, and she pushed it down with difficulty. Friends. Just friends. Se repeated what was becoming a mantra.
"You okay?" Sara asked.
Ava straightened up and started to shake out her arms and legs. "I'm fine. I know I'll probably be sore tomorrow, but it still felt good to get out and run. I need to get back to regular workouts."
"You're welcome to join Thor and me anytime on our runs." What are you doing? This was supposed to be a one-time thing until you saw how she acted at work afterwards. Sara couldn't bring herself to retract the spontaneous offer. It felt right.
A quick glance at Ava proved she was just as stunned by the invitation as Sara was at having made it. A smile tugged at Sara's lips as Ava tried to regain her composure.
"I wouldn't want to intrude. I know you don't get to spenda lot of time with Thor." Ava said.
Beautiful and incredibly thoughtful. Sara knew Ava was offering her a graceful way out. "Thor really likes you." And so do I. "It's not an intrusion. We enjoy your company."
That beautiful, sun out from behind the clouds smile that Sara was coming to adore, blazed across Ava's face. "That would be great, Sara."
Thor bumped Sara's hip.
"Sorry, boy." She had been so distracted by Ava she had forgotten what she was supposed to be doing. "I need to get him some water. Walk over to my truck with us?"
"Sure."
On the way to the truck Sara couldn't help noticing the occasional sour look Ava was throwing at Thor. She looked him over but couldn't see any reason for Ava's apparent ire.
"Is something wrong?" Oh, I bet I know what the problem is. Sara was so used to his drool she forgot most people didn't appreciate being covered in Thor's slobber. Sara pulled the small white towel she had tucked in her waistband and wiped Thor's muzzle. "Sorry. Did he slime you?"
"No, he's fine." Ava glanced down at Thor, and a slight scowl once again marred her face.
Sara was getting a bit worried. Had Ava decided she didn't like Thor after all?
Ava looked up at Sra and laughed. "Don't mind me. I'm just jealous."
Huh? "Of what?"
Ava pointed at Thor.
"Of Thor? Why?" Sara asked. She looked back and forth between Ava and Thor, totally confused by this turn of the conversation.
"We just ran two miles and he wasn't even winded. He looks like he could go another two miles, easy, if not more. I'm jealous. I used to do five miles at a time and now look at me."
Sara did as instructed. Ava's hair was windblown and damp with sweat, her t-shirt was wet with perspiration, and her face was still flushed from exertion. You're beautiful. While undoubtedly true, Sara figured it was best to keep that observation to herself.
Pulling on her own damp t-shirt, Sara made a show of checking herself out. "I look pretty much the same. I can't keep up with him either. I kept him by my side today. Normally he runs in front of me and zigzags back and forth to get some extra mileage. I think he runs twice as far as I do, and he's still not tired." She reached over Thor's back and patted Ava's shoulder. "Don't feel bad. He's a lot younger than we are."
Ava snorted. "Great. Thanks. I feel much better now." She looked down at Thor. "You just wait. Once I get back in shape, we'll see who gives out first."
Thor let out a woof as if accepting the challenge.
Ava jumped and then laughed. She gently bumped Thor with her leg. "No comments from the peanut gallery."
Ava is so good with him. No wonder he likes her. She talks to him like Laurel and I do. Watching the two interact, Sara had a feeling her quiet, solitary life was about to change. Her heart felt light at the prospect.
Thor's pace quickened, and he began to tug on the leash at the sight of Sara's vehicle.
Ava leaned against the side of Sara's car and sipped her water. Not only did Sara have a large container of water for Thor but also a cooler with small bottles of water. Thor was standing next to Sara, drinking his fill from a bowl she had placed in the open hatchback of her truck. Ava was still amazed by the big dog's size. He had no trouble reaching the bowl to get his drink.
The day had turned out better than she had ever expected. Sara's standing invitation to join her and Thor whenever they went jogging had been a particularly amazing and welcome surprise.
Having enjoyed herself, Ava didn't want her time with Sara to end so soon. While not completely sure she wasn't pushing too fast, too soon, Ava decided to take a chance. What's the worst thing that can happen? If she says no, so be it. At least I tried.
"Hey, Sara."
Sara looked up and smiled.
"Could I interest you and Thor in a trip to the local Del Java for a cup of coffee?"
The smile on Sara's face faltered for a moment and then quickly reappeared. "Sure. That sounds good."
Ava didn't miss the slight hesitancy on Sara's part. But she agreed. That's what counts. She was looking forward to the opportunity to sit and just talk with Sara. It was something they had never really gotten to do at work.
"Okay. Let me go get my car and I'll follow you."