Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
Looking at the list of dogs she's supposed to walk today, Lili, a can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Her heart skips a beat as she sees the names of the dofs she's been assigned to. The sun is just peeking over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the quiet neighborhood. She takes a deep breath, filling her lungs with the crisp morning air, and sets off on her first route of the day.
As Lili approaches the first address, she notices a quaint little cottage with a well-maintained garden. The scent of blooming flowers fills the air, creating a serene atmosphere. She knocks gently on the door, her blonde hair catching the early morning light. The door creaks open to reveal a sleepy-eyed woman in a bathrobe, clutching a steaming mug of coffee.
"Good morning!" Lili chirps, her voice a blend of cheerfulness and professionalism. "I'm Lili, from the Happy Paws Walking Service. I'm here to walk your dogs today." She flashes a reassuring smile, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of a new adventure. The woman, Rachel, nods groggily and motions for Lili to come in. "Thank you so much," Rachel murmurs, handing over the leashes to two eager golden retrievers. "They're both pretty well-behaved, but Charlie can get a bit over-excited." The dogs, Toby and Charlie, wag their tails vigorously, eager to start their day with a stranger who smells faintly of the outdoors. Lili nods, her thoughts racing with the various dog breeds she's encountered in her short career and how she'll handle their unique personalities. She gently takes the leashes, feeling the warmth of their trust. "Don't worry, I've got this," she says confidently, her eyes meeting Rachel's with a promise of care. The woman smiles gratefully before retreating back into her cottage, leaving Lili to face her first challenge of the day.
With a gentle tug on the leashes, Lili leads Toby and Charlie down the cobblestone path. The early morning dew kisses the blades of grass, leaving a trail of shimmering diamonds in their wake. The scent of the garden lingers as they make their way to the park. The golden retrievers' tails wag in unison, a silent conversation of excitement as they pick up the scent of other dogs on the morning air.
Once they reach the park, Lili allows Toby and Charlie to roam off-leash, their paws pattering against the soft earth. She watches them frolic, feeling a twinge of guilt as she remembers her true intentions. But she quickly suppresses the thought, focusing on her cover story of simply being a dog walker who adores animals. She needs this job to fund her secret desires.