Arizona's POV

It's a little after 5 p.m. on Friday, and Callie has survived her first week here at Puppy Love. She has done remarkably well for someone who has never done this type of work before. She picked up on everything so fast, and by Wednesday she was doing everything without my help.

It has been a slow week for us, so it was just me and Callie working until Yesterday, when Teddy, Alex, and a few volunteers came in.

After our pretty intense conversation on Monday, Callie and I continued to talk and share more about our personal lives. She still hasn't opened up to me about the trouble she got into that landed her here, but we've gotten to know each other pretty well over the last few days. We have also been partaking in some hardcore flirting, and we've both been caught, more than once checking each other out… Needless to say, I am crushing harder than ever on the beautiful latina goddess.

Even with all the flirting, I'm 99.9% sure Callie is straight. We've talked about our past relationships, and from what she's told me, she's only had one serious relationship, which was with a guy. I was a bit more timid when she asked if I was dating someone, I simply told her I was single, and quickly changed the subject. I'm gay, and I have always been very open about my sexuality. I've never been the one to worry about other people's opinion...until Callie walked into my life. I wasn't sure how she would react to me being gay. I never thought of her as a close-minded woman, but she grew up in a very strict, very Catholic home, and there was a chance that she could share her family's beliefs. Our friendship was off to a great start, and I didn't want me being a lesbian to ruin that.

Thankfully, the fear of not being accepted by her was short-lived. By lunchtime on Wednesday, I had somehow found the confidence to tell her.

*flashback*

"Alright Arizona, now it's your turn to share."

I look up from my lunch and give the brunette a confused look. "I'm always willing to share with you! I asked you if you wanted half as soon as I pulled my lunch out."

Chuckling she gives me a eye roll and says "I wasn't talking about sharing your lunch, Dimples."

I smile at use of the cute nickname she has given me. Yesterday a guy came in to the rescue looking for a puppy to adopt, we don't currently have any puppies, but I eventually convinced him that adopting an older dog would be a great idea. Callie swears I was flirting with him, and flashing my "killer dimples" is what finally made him give in.

Raising an eyebrow, I say "well if you're not talking about my lunch, then what are you talking about?"

"I have told you tons of stuff about my ex, and you've told me nothing except that you're single."

Well shit. Shoving a mouthful of salad in my mouth I nod. After swallowing my food, I say "oh… uhhhh, well what do you want to know?"

"whatever you want to tell me. I mean I understand if you don't want to share too much, but tell me something!" she says as she shrugs her shoulders.

I give her a nod and take a deep breath. I should just say it. She'll be fine with it...I hope. She's staring at me, waiting for me to say something.

"just tell m- I cut her off by not so elegantly blurting out "I'm gay."

And without even missing a beat Callie says "okay, so what is your ex's name? How long have you been single?" I'm just sitting here staring at her as she is throwing out her questions, then suddenly her eyes go wide.. uh oh, I guess she just realized what I said…

"OH MY GOD! Have you never had a girlfriend? Is that why you won't tell me anything? Arizona are you still a virgin?!"

I have to laugh at that. Arizona Robbins, queen of one-night stands, still a Virgin? That is Hilarious. The more I think about it, the more I laugh. I'm laughing so hard I have tears running down my face, while Callie just stares at me, waiting for an explanation. I try to get my laughter under control, but every time I look at Callie's very confused, very annoyed, and very adorable pouty face I lose it all over again.

"Stop laughing!"

"okay, okay. I'm sorry." I say and look up to Callie just in time to see her roll her eyes at me, while letting out annoyed growl and putting her hands on her hips….and the laughing continues...

"Arizona Robbins if you don't stop laughing and explain yourself I am leaving." she turns to head for the door.

"Callie, wait!... I'm sorry…. I'll stop." I choke out between fits of laughter. After a minute, I finally get control of myself, and take a few deep breaths. Callie turns back around and waits for me to continue.

"I'm sorry Callie, really I am."

She's pretending to still be mad, but I see the corner of her mouth twitch and I know she's trying hard not to smile as she says, "mmmhmmm. Start explaining Chica."

"okay well for starters, I assure you, that I have had a girlfriend, I've had multiple girlfriends. And I am definitely NOT a virgin!" I finish my statement by giving her a cocky grin.

"So why were you being so hush hush about it?"

My face takes on a more serious expression as I tilt my head to the side, and just look at her for a second, before I say "honestly? I was nervous about what you would think of me after you found out.."

Giving me a confused look the brunette says, "you were scared I would think differently of you...because you're gay?"

Shrugging my shoulders, and giving her a shy smile I say "I just.. I know you said you grew up in a very religious household, and I was scared that you may not agree with my lifestyle. I didn't want to ruin our friendship, because I really, really like being your friend Callie."

I watch the brunette, as she closes the space between us. Once she's close enough, she reaches out with both hands to gently grasp me by both my shoulders, and gives me a sweet smile.

"Arizona, I promise you, that you being gay will not in any way affect our friendship. It doesn't bother me at all."

I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding, and return her smile. "it doesn't " I ask her, just needing a little more reassurance.

Callie looks me straight in the eyes when she says "why would it bother me? Love is love, right?"

"Right."

*End Flashback*

Spending time with Callie has quickly become my favorite part of the day. There's just something about that woman, that draws me in. We had this instant connection the moment we met on Monday morning, and I knew right then and there, that even if it never goes further than friendship I hav- no, I need Callie to be a part of my life, so a weight was lifted off my shoulders after our talk on Wednesday.

I've been sitting in my office for the past 20 minutes daydreaming about a certain sexy latina, when I should be finishing up this paperwork. I look up when I hear footsteps in the hall outside my office, and catch a glimpse of long tan legs as she walks past my door. Speaking of Callie... quickly coming up with an excuse to talk to her, I call out"Hey Callie? Are you busy?"

I listen as her footsteps falter, then pick up the pace as she changes directions and walks back towards my office. I quickly look down at the papers littered on my desk and start flipping through them to make it seem like I was actually doing my work.

"Nope! Just finished locking up the kennels. What's up?" I look up from the papers I am currently pretending to read, when I hear Callie speaking.

Smiling at her and saying the first thing I can come up with, I ask, "before you leave, do you mind going up front and helping Teddy finish sweeping and mopping up there? Everyone else has already left for the day, and Alex and those guys from Transport tracked mud everywhere."

(In case you're wondering, Transport are the people, who come to pick up animals and transport them to a different rescue, or their new homes. Sometimes they're paid to transport, sometimes they're volunteers.)

Giving me one of her famous megawatt smiles she says "not at all! I don't have anywhere to be until 9, so I'm good to stay for a bit longer." then that smile turns into a mischievous smirk and she adds, "Just as long as I have time to get home, shower, and make myself look sexy!"

I let out a little giggle at that...'darlin, you don't have to try..wait...does she have a date?!' ignoring my internal freak out, I decide it's best not to comment, so I simply reply "Awesome! You're the best Cal."

Smirking she says "Oh, I know." and turns to head up front.

Going against my better judgement, I call out to her. "Hey Callie?"

Turning on her heel, she looks at me, "yeah?"

When she meets my gaze, I feel my heart speed up. I bite my lip, debating if I should say anything or not. I guess I've been quiet for too long because I hear her ask "did you need me to do anything else?"

Shaking my head in the negative I reply "umm..no. I actually was just going to tell you….that you don't have to try."

Giving me a confused looked she says

"um, what don't I have to try?" 'smooth Arizona. Real smooth.'

"you said that you're going to try to make yourself look sexy…" I pause for a moment to see if she understands, but she just continues to stare at me. I feel myself blushing as I quietly add "and I'm saying you don't have to try…"

I watch as her look of confusion turns into one of her very sexy smirks "Arizona Robbins, are you saying you think I'm sexy?"

Blushing at her question, I shrug my shoulders and say "well, yeah." regaining my confidence, I playfully,

(but so very truthfully) add "I'd date you" and give her a sexy wink.

Watching as Callie throws her head back and lets out a loud laugh, I smile. 'I love her laugh…' I can't help but allow my eyes a roam a little. I imagine myself leaving a trail of kisses, starting at that strong and sexy jawline, then working my way down her neck, tracing her clavicle with my tongue, kissing my wa-... I'm brought out of my not so innocent thoughts when Callie begins to speak.

"Are you flirting with me Ms. Robbins?" she's asks in a very seductive tone.

Shifting a little in my seat, I Raise an eyebrow and giving my best dimpled smile, I reply with a very flirty "well Ms. Torres, that depends. Do you want me to be flirting with you?" I know we're just playing around, but I can't help but want her to say yes. 'Say yes, say yes, say yes...wait, calm down Robbins. Yall are just joking around..don't go getting all excited and blurt out something you shouldn't'...and with that thought, I decide It's time to end our playful banter.

She opens her mouth to reply, but I quickly cut her off by saying, "We better get back to work, so we can all get out of here."

I swear I see her smile falter for second, but before I have time to overthink it, she's nodding in agreement, and letting out a quiet sigh as she says "yeah, I guess you're right. I'm gonna go help Teddy...Thank you. For umm, the compliment." then she quietly adds "I know we were joking around but, it makes me feel really good, to know that someone as attractive as you, finds me attractive enough to consider dating..." wait what? Did she just imply that she isn't beautiful? She can't seriously be saying that...There is a long line of people (me included), that would give anything to be with her...she looks to the floor, and I watch as her shoulders slump. She all of a sudden looks so dejected, so insecure. So broken…'that asshole really did a number on you, didn't he? You deserve someone who will give you their all….I'd give you my all… if only I had a chance….'

I can't stand to see her like this, and without a second thought I grab her chin, and pull her face upwards until she's looking at me.

"Callie...all jokes aside, you are so incredibly beautiful." At this Callie let's out a humorless laugh. "hey! I'm serious Callie! You are beautiful, inside and out. You. Are. Beautiful." I give her a small smile and she gives me one in return.

"You really think that?"

"Yes, I really think that."

She's searching my eyes, looking for any sign that I may be lying to her. All she'll see is honesty. After a few seconds, I know she's found what she was looking for because she gives me one of her best smiles and pulls me in for a friendly hug. I Wrap my arms around her waist as she wraps hers around my shoulders. Her hold on me tightens as she turns her head and nuzzles into me. I can feel her lips brush against the shell of my ear as she whispers, "you're beautiful too" I close my eyes as a shiver runs up my spine. I feel her start to pull out of our embrace, when she suddenly halts her movements. She pulls back enough to look into my eyes, and I meet her gaze. I can feel her breath wash over my face with her every exhale, and it's driving me crazy. I'm not sure what's going on, but I sure as hell ain't about to complain. I don't know how long we've been standing here together... It could've been seconds, minutes, maybe even hours. But I'm too busy getting lost in her soulful brown eyes to worry about the time that's passed. I feel my breath hitch, when she suddenly makes her move and lays a soft, barely there kiss right on the corner of my lips. I'm frozen on the spot as she pulls out our embrace, gives me a shy smile, and silently walks out of my office. I stand there staring after her and bring my fingertips up to trace the place her lips had just touched. I swear it's tingling.. my mind is running a million miles per hour. What the hell does this mean? Does Callie have feelings for me or was it just a friendly thank you kiss? That didn't feel like a friendly kiss…UGH!

I run my hand through my hair and blow out a frustrated breath. "what the hell do I do now?" closing my eyes, I try to calm myself down. "I can't think about this now. I need to finish this paperwork so I can go home. Then I can figure this shit out." I open my eyes, and walk back to my desk, I sit down and with thoughts of Callie still running though my brain, I attempt to get some work done.

Callie...Callie….Callie…. What are your doing to me woman?

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

I finally managed to get my brain to function once again, and I'm now halfway through with filling out this week's paperwork, so I can fax it over to the boss lady. 'why fax something when everyone nowadays has an email? Everyone except my boss' I look over to the fax machine, let out an annoyed huff, and roll my eyes. "I seriously have to teach that woman how to use a computer.." 'keep dreaming Arizona, it's never gonna happen.'

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I check the time and see that it's 5:35. Yep, definitely need to get to work if I want to walk out with Callie..and Teddy... I grab the bottle of water, sitting on the corner of my desk and gulp half of it down, then get back to my papers.

20 more minutes go by, and just as I am sending the last page through the fax machine, there is a knock on my door frame. I look up to see my best friend and Callie standing in the doorway. Teddy waves, and Callie gives me a shy smile. I wave back to Teddy, but my eyes are still trained on Callie when I say, "Hey Teds, you two get everything done up front?"

"Yep, all done. We were just about to leave, when Callie suggested us come check and see how much more you've got."

I can't help but smile, as I watch a Callie look down at her feet. "that was very thoughtful of you Callie."

Callie kicks her foot out, then looks up to me and shyly says "I figured if you didn't have much left, I-, I mean we could wait for you, I wan- thought we could walk out together." she finishes her little ramble with a nervous chuckle, as a bright red blush makes it way onto her cheeks.

Teddy makes her presence known when she cuts in and says "actually, I really need to be heading out. Henry just texted me and said he just landed at SeaTac, so I've got to get to the airport to pick him up."

"Oh shit Teddy! I totally forgot he was coming in today! What are you waiting for? Go get your guy!" I walk over to Teddy and playfully push her out into the hall while saying, "get to moving missy!"

"Don't have to tell me twice! I'll text you later, maybe we can go get some drinks or something, yeah?"

"Sounds like a plan, just let me know."

"will do! See ya in a bit Ari. Bye Callie!" with that Teddy takes off down the hall.

"just text me!"

"Bye Teddy! Have a good weekend!"

Callie and I both wait to hear the front door chime to signal Teddy is out of the building, then we both turn to face the other.

Callie breaks the silence by asking "So you almost done? I don't mind waiting on you to finish up so we can walk out together."

"I actually was finishing up when you and Teddy walked in. Let me just grab my bag and we can get out of here." I turn to head over to my desk and grab my bag, when I hear Callie ask, "Hey, where's Dax? I missed him today."

Walking back over to Callie, I reply "He's staying with my mom until next Wednesday, while my dad's out of town for that Military conference I was telling you about."

"Oh yeah, that's right."

We continue walking in comfortable silence, and as we reach our cars I realize I'm not ready to say goodbye yet. I want to ask her about earlier, but I decide against it. Callie kissed me, so if she feels there is something to talk about, she'll bring it up….hopefully.

I playfully hip check the tall brunette and as nonchalantly as I can manage I ask, "Sooooo, hot date tonight?" please say no, please say no….

"Nah, I'm going to Joe's with a couple of friends tonight." she says as she leans against the side of her car and turns so she's facing me.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, as I Nod my head I say, "Sounds like fun! I hope you enjoy yourself."

"Well I was actually wondering if maybe you wanted to join us? Alex is gonna meet us out there, and you can invite Teddy and her boyfriend too." she starts biting her lip, as she waits for me to reply.

I should say no. I don't know if I'll be able to control myself seeing her all dressed up...especially after I take a few shots...I get handsy when I drink...

"I would love to." I say giving her a smile, which she instantly returns. I can control myself for one night...I think..

Letting out a happy sigh she says, "Awesome! I can't wait! We're all meeting up at Joe's at 9, so I guess I'll see ya in a few hours?"

"Indeed you will! I'm looking forward to seeing you all "sexied up" Ms. Torres." I give her a flirty wink, and I turn to head for my Jeep. Did I really just say that to her?! How can I expect to have control when I'm drunk, when I can't control myself completely sober?

"Hey Arizona?" I hear Callie call out, just as I open up my door.

I look back at Callie and say "Yeah?"

She gives me a sultry smirk as she says "it goes both ways darlin. If you expect to see me all sexied up, I expect to see all kinds of Sexiness when you walk through that door tonight." and with that she climbs into her Range Rover, and peels out of the parking lot.

Oh boy… I am in SO much trouble…..