Making money was definitely not one of my fortes.

My resume was nothing special, and any company I applied for seemed to think the same. SO, to pay for gas, bills, and tuition, I had no other choice but to make a one-woman business. Washing cars, mowing lawns, babysitting, you name it- I would do practically anything for an extra buck.

My mindset was no different as I tied the laces on my running shoes, ready to head out the door. Today's first job was dog-walking, one of my least favorites. I got my exercise in, sure, but those dogs dragged me if I was too slow for their liking. I usually jogged/walked with them for a couple miles, taking a break or two to let them do any business and so I could rest a bit.

I sat down on the familiar park bench, clutching the leashes of the 4 dogs I was responsible for at the moment. There was a Great Dane, a Beagle, a Terrier of some sort, and a straight up mutt. As much as you think the big dog would be the problem, it was always the smaller ones that I had to look out for. Reaching into my backpack, I pulled out a bowl and water bottle and poured some for the dogs to drink.

I was taking a sip for myself when I nearly spilled the rest down my chin, spotting a fellow dog walker. To say he was fit would be an understatement. In the summer heat, he'd taken his shirt off only to reveal unrealistic body expectations.

I don't know how long I'd been staring, but apparently it was all a bother to my little Beagle. He tugged on his leash a bit harder than I was prepared for, and all too quickly escaped my grasp.

And he ran straight for Mr. Muscles.

I tightened my grip around the other 3 leashes as I got up, leaving my bag and spilling the water with a greater mission on my mind. The remaining dogs ran alongside me, all in a chase for the stubborn pup. I was nowhere near catching him, and I felt a rush of embarrassment pass through me as he began howling.

"Oh, for God's sake," I groaned. I saw that he'd finally stopped to woof at another dog up ahead, and sped up a bit.

I was only a few feet away when a stranger picked him up.

"I'm sorry, he's quite the loudmouth," I laughed, trying to calm my heavy breathing.

"No problem. My girl needed some motivation anyway," the stranger chuckled, leaning down to pat his own black dog. When I finally looked up to meet him, I felt my cheeks flush.

"Here, I suppose you'd like him back," he handed him over, and I took him back into my arms. I did my best to prevent the goosebumps that threatened to rise as I made contact with the handsome man.

"Thanks."

"Sure. Name's Liam," he held out his free hand for me to shake. He had a firm grip that made me weak in the knees. I introduced myself as well, but it came out more as a quiet slur.

"These all your dogs?"

I struggled to answer, "No, I just walk them," without drooling over his appearance. Did this guy know what he did to people?

"Need help taking this one back home?" he asked, scratching the pup's ear.

"Oh no, that's alright."

"Alright, then. See you around," he smiled before turning away.

"Well, it would be nice to have some company," I called, just seconds later. He turned and grinned, offering to take the leashes as I went back to retrieve the things I left by the bench. Soon enough, we were off.

We walked back in the direction I came, making small talk. Turned out he was a year above me, and went to the college across town. He was a real nice guy and the more we talked, the more I found myself feeling genuinely comfortable with him.

We approached the dog's house all too soon, and I almost wanted to take another walk down the street and back just so I could talk to Liam some more. I reluctantly knocked on the door, returning the dog and collecting the money. Turning back to Liam, I handed him half of it.

"What's this for?"

"Well, you helped me with my job, it's only fair."

"Nonsense. Keep it, I just wanted to talk to a pretty girl," he grinned, and I had turned red before he even finished the sentence.

"I still have three dogs to walk..."

"Mind if I stick around?"

"Please do."

We walked and talked some more, and I felt myself occasionally bumping up against him. For a second, I was reminded of the scene in 100 Dalmatians when the dogs tangled up their owners. I shook the thought from my head. I'd only just met him!

An hour flew by, and we eventually returned all the dogs. Arriving at my doorstep, I began to thank him.

"Thanks for walking with me. Gets lonely with just barking."

"Any time. We should do this again. You said you do more than just dog walking?"

"Yeah, anything to help with bills. I actually have a car wash to work at in about 30 minutes."

"Now that you bring that up, I do think my car needs a good scrub. I'll be there!"

Before I could put in another word, he was on his way back down my driveway. I smiled after him, the peculiar man who'd just happened to brighten my day.

And little did I know, the next 50 years of my life.