Watching from the side, Ginny observed how volunteers played with dogs before asking for permission to try approaching any. After getting a few tips and demonstrations from the staff, Ginny and Alan started interacting with a few dogs.
At first, they sat still and let the dogs sniff them. Later, they purchased some snacks and bribed the dogs' stomachs. While rubbing different dogs, Ginny's back was leaning against Alan's back. Once in a while, they would exchange a few smiles and talk about adopting a pet in the future.
Ginny rubbed one of the furry buddies in her embrace and baby talked to it. "Oh~ Who is this cutie I see? Huh? Huh? Is it you? Hmm? It's you! Awwww, you're too cute. I want to bring you home, but I can't."
Alan laughed at her childish talk and found her extremely adorable. She didn't notice the other dogs returning to their den as she focused on the small one she was petting on her lap. It was almost time for the dogs to get some rest, but Ginny didn't know.
He spread his fingers and asked silently for five extra minutes. The staff understood his meaning, looked at the time and nodded in response. Slowly adjusting his position to face her way, he watched her giving the dog flying smooches.
Although he's had a few girlfriends in the past, none of them made him feel as relaxed as Ginny did. This girl had a simple mind and doesn't ask for much. Even though he brought her out for a meal or two, she returned the favor. Most girls he knew contrasted in many ways. They either expected too much from him or wanted a physical relationship.
To him, all he ever wanted was spending time like today. They didn't have to go anywhere fancy or exciting to have fun. Just sitting by each other and laughing about the smallest things were enough to pass by a day.
"Hand, hand." She laid out her palm, wanting to train the dog to hold out its paw. As she repeated two more times, Alan noticed the staff tapping on her watch. He didn't have the heart to see her leave disappointed, so he made a move.
Raising one finger towards the staff, he bent down and gently moved the dog's paw onto Ginny's hand. "There. Hand, hand is done." Smiling at the cute interaction between them, the staff walked in to get the dog. Immediately, the dog stood up and ran towards the staff.
Before the dog left its position, it had retracted its paw from Alan's hand and gave his hand a small stomp. Out of instinct, Ginny's finger grabbed his hand as she felt the familiar warmth in her palms again.
The staff held the dog in her arms. "It's time for the dogs to take rest. You two can leave whenever you want, but there aren't any dogs available at this time. If you're interested in any of them and want to adopt, then you can let me or other staffs know."
"Thank you," Ginny and Alan said as they nodded in response.
"Should we go? Or do you want to take another few looks?" He asked as he brushed away fur remains from his pants with his free hand. He noticed her fingers holding his, but didn't want to mention anything about it. ' It took me half a day to come up with failed attempts. At the end, a dog did the trick for me. If only we have headed straight here since the beginning, then I wouldn't have done that many lame ideas.'
"Mm, we should go. It's not like I could afford to adopt any of them right now anyway." She wanted to get up and realized why he had been sitting. He didn't try standing because she was holding onto his hands!
Looking at their hands and then at him, she could feel her heart beating faster than before. It wasn't the electricity shock kind of feeling that movies portrayed. It wasn't the hot, damn, wonderful feeling of heaven. Instead, it was a simple, warming touch that made her feel comfortable.
"S..Sorry. I didn't notice I was holding your hand." She let go of his hand after snapping out of her daze.
"Oh. No problem." He stood up and straightened out his clothes. Since the moment she had begun sitting on the floor, her legs were crossed. The dog's weight had numbed her thighs, but she hasn't felt anything until now. She unbent her legs and tried standing immediately. Due to her rush, her right calf cramped up.
"Ahh.." She ended up back on the floor with her arms stretching to massage her calf.
"What's wrong?" He quickly bent on one knee and inspected her leg.
"I'm cramping on my right calf." Seeing how she massaged her calf randomly; he elevated her leg onto his lap and softly massaged it. In the middle of massaging, he would bend her leg back and forth. Soon, the pain dissipated and she looked more relax.
"I'm fine now. Thanks for your help." Releasing a deep exhale, she made a second attempt to stand up. This time, he extended his hand to help her up. Taking a minute to decide whether she should hold his hand or not, he had already made the choice for her.
His hand reached for hers. "If you don't take my hand, then I'll have to carry you out. Would you like piggyback ride or princess style?" Without giving his words a second thought, he naturally spat out what he had in his mind. He was worried about her leg because it had just stopped hurting.
"I'll..hold your hand." Borrowing the strength of his pull, she managed to stand up with no problem this time. As they exited the shelter, she waved farewell to the cute dogs. After that, she felt a bit shy in holding hands since she was feeling fine now.
"Uhm, I'm really fine now. See? I could walk on my own. Let's.." He had predicted her following words and was very close to letting go of her hand. Who knew that at this perfect moment, she missed the small step in front and almost tripped.
Her squeezed shut eyes slowly opened as she realized she was leaning onto something. Looking up, she saw Alan's obvious smile as if he was saying, 'And what were you trying to say just now?'
"Uhh... this.." She tried explaining it was an accident, but he didn't give her the chance to let go anymore.
"There are many small steps and rocks around this neighborhood. I think I should continue holding onto your hand just in case you fall." This date was going smoother than a baby's butt cheek for him.
Staring at their hands, she really felt like diving into a hole to hide her embarrassment. She didn't know Alan was thinking how cute she looked when she realized she fell into his arms. Since it was still early, Ginny mentioned a beautiful park around the area.
"It's still early. How about we take a walk around the area? I heard there was a beautiful park in the neighborhood." She checked her phone as they waited for the streetlights to change color.
"Sure." Even if she says she asks for a free dinner, it wouldn't be a problem for him. At the end of the day, he had accomplished his goal of holding her hand. He felt content and extreme joy.