Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Canine Conundrum ❯ Canine Conundrum ( Chapter 1 )

Canine Conundrum

 

“I love dogs,” Lauren said, rubbing her sore neck. “Don't get me wrong, considering the dog was my idea, but---”

 

“But you're tired of sleeping on the couch,” finished Anne. “How long has it been, Lauren?”

 

“Almost a month,” Lauren replied before sighing heavily. “Henry insists that the dog sleep in bed with us, but unfortunately we don't all fit. We did get a Great Dane, after all.”

 

Anne sipped her coffee, her finely manicured nails reflecting the light from the fixture above. She pursed her thin lips and nodded sympathetically. “Have you told Henry any of this?”

 

Lauren shifted uncomfortably in the booth, her back aching from where the springs night after night had dug in. She stared down at the yellowed table, once white in another time, almost transfixed. Brushing a stray dark strand from her face, Lauren sighed in exasperation. “Honestly, Anne, I've tried. All he tells me is that Bella cries if she's not allowed on the bed. If I had known before hand, I would have---”

 

“Asked to get a smaller dog?” Anne quipped, one of her thin dark eyebrows raised in amusement.

 

“Yes.” Lauren shook her head. “I love Bella, but I fear we're headed for an episode of It's Me or the Dog.” Lauren narrowed her eyes when Anne giggled softly. “Don't laugh. It's not that funny.”

 

“I know.” Anne took another sip, the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile. “I'd call it pathetic.”

 

A silence settled over them as they retreated to their own thoughts. Lauren stared out the window at the traffic zipping by in flashes of light. She watched a woman walk her papillon puppy down the sidewalk, the animal playfully chewing on its leash as they passed by. A small smile crossed Lauren's face, but it was pained. She truly did love dogs, but it seemed hers was at the heart of her dilemma.

 

“So---,” began Anne, her voice soft. “Have you and Henry had, well you know, since Bella's arrival?”

 

“Do you mean have we had sex?” Lauren snorted. “No. Henry's entire focus is on Bella. I'm lucky if he manages to acknowledge my existence.”

 

“Oh dear.” Anne frowned. Her glance cast towards the table. “So he's had no interest at all?”

 

“None.” Lauren took a long sip of her coffee. She rubbed her neck again. “Aren't men the ones that are supposed to end up sleeping on the couch, anyways?”

 

“I think that's a myth perpetuated by the media,” Anne replied, her blue eyes sparkling. “It would seem that the Women's Liberation Movement did have its drawbacks, after all.”

 

Lauren laughed, shaking her head. “Be serious, Anne.”

 

“I am.”

 

The waitress approached, a coffee pot in her hand. The lacquered name tag read “Alice” in bold black letters. The petite red-head smiled warmly and asked in a pleasant tone, “Would you ladies like a refill?”

 

Anne nodded, pushing both her and Lauren's cups towards the table's edge. “Thank-you.”

 

Lauren kept her head down and her eyes averted, curtly nodding her thanks. She was grateful for the momentary interruption to gather her thoughts. She accepted the fresh cup of coffee and proceeded to stir in copious amounts of sugar and two of the half-and-halfs provided. Blowing over the steaming liquid to cool it, Lauren took a sip. The warmth filled her mouth pleasantly, then filtered throughout her body.

 

Glancing up, Lauren noted the amused expression on Anne's pale face. Waspishly, she retorted, “I'm certainly glad that my predicament is so funny to you.”

 

Anne chuckled softly, the sound rich. “I wouldn't be your sister if I didn't.”

 

Lauren playfully smacked her sister's arm. “That may be true, but could you be a little less obvious about it?”

 

“Of course,” Anne replied, her voice sardonic.

 

Lauren sighed. “You never change.” She sipped more of her coffee, watching the traffic pass by. Quietly, she commented, “It's not Bella's fault. I love the dog very much. She behaves well and isn't that troublesome---for a puppy anyways. I just wish I could find a way to get Henry's attention back. It never used to be a problem. Do you think he's---”

 

“No. Henry doesn't have the hallmarks of being a cheater.” Anne smoothed her hand over her red blouse. “If from what you've told me is true, the only female he's cheating on you with would be Bella.”

 

“Great. He'd rather have a dog than me.” Lauren buried her head into her hands. “And here I thought that I already felt terribly unattractive. Thanks.”

 

“You're welcome.” Anne took her compact out and touched up her already impeccable make-up. “You're not doing yourself any favors wearing those tattered sweat pants, that worn t-shirt, and no make-up, you know.”

 

Lauren groaned. “I know, but why bother getting all dressed up when he won't notice anyways?”

 

“You'll have to make him notice, Lauren.” A wicked smile crossed Anne's face. “I have an idea, and if this doesn't work, you may have to seriously consider if Henry is gay or not. Get your sexiest negligee out of your closet and put it on before he comes home---say while he's on the walk with Bella. Stand in your bedroom doorway so he'll take the hint and not simply go to bed with the dog. If that doesn't work, you're out of luck.”

 

Lauren chewed her bottom lip. “It's worth a try. What else do I have to lose---I already sleep on the couch.”

 

“Exactly.” Anne's blue eyes twinkled with mischief. “Something tells me that you may be sore for other reasons than a bad couch spring come tomorrow.”

 

“Anne!”

 

 

Arriving home, Lauren fumbled with her keys, dropping them. As she bent down to pick them up, she spotted the note from Henry on the door: Took Bella for a walk at 6:30. Be back soon. Lauren snorted. He had only been gone for fifteen minutes. Given that their walks lasted for nearly two hours, she would have plenty of time to spring her surprise on him.

 

Lauren unlocked the apartment door and entered, locking it behind her. She rushed to her closet and threw it open. Rifling through, she searched for her negligees. It was a good thing that Lauren only had four to choose from, narrowing down the chances for indecision. Pulling them from their hangers, Lauren went into the bathroom to try them on. She certainly hoped that this would work. She was tired of playing second fiddle to the dog.

 

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, Lauren assessed herself. Her sister had been right. No wonder Henry preferred the dog over her. Blowing hair out of her eyes, Lauren muttered, “Damn. I do look like Hell.”

 

Her dark, wavy hair was unruly, marred by several fly aways. Her unmade-up face appeared pale and plain. The tattered sweats and old t-shirt did nothing to flatter her figure. Overall, her appearance was just plain lazy. Wrinkling her nose, Lauren felt disgusted with herself.

 

Pulling the shower curtain aside, Lauren turned the water on, allowing it to warm up. She stripped out of her clothes and stepped inside, allowing the water to wash over her. It felt nice to have the spray hit the knots in her lower back, easing the soreness. Lauren grabbed her rose scented shampoo and washed her hair.

 

Once her hair was washed, Lauren debated shaving her legs. She examined the mini-forest growing on them and sighed. It would seem necessary---if she was going to get anywhere tonight. Part of her felt guilty. She shouldn't do these things because of a man. She should do this for herself. Damn her feminism, Lauren wanted to get laid tonight.

 

Grabbing her razor, she began to shave the hair off in one straight swathe from ankle to thigh. She rinsed the blade and repeated the process, careful not to press too hard. Blood wouldn't be considered sexy---quite frankly little squares of toilet paper dotting her legs wouldn't, either. Slowly, her legs emerged clean and smooth. Satisfied, Lauren finished washing and stepped out of the shower.

 

Sitting down onto a stool, she began to comb her hair. There were several snags, and a few times Lauren's hair managed to wind itself around the comb. She cursed under her breath, “Damn it. Piece of crap comb.”

 

Finally, the tangles gave way, allowing Lauren to work the comb through her thick mane. She grabbed the hair dryer and plugged it in, drying her hair, all the while teasing it with her fingers. Lauren made sure her bangs framed her face, the effect softening it. It was nice to have the body and shininess back after it had been so dull.

 

Picking up her negligees, Lauren held the lacy lavender one to her body. Looking in the mirror, she found the color to be too soft. The neckline appeared too squarish. The lace and bows made it look frilly. Lauren frowned, knowing that this modest negligee had to have been one of her first. It just lacked the sensuality she desired, and she set it aside as a reject.

 

Grabbing the black one, Lauren held it up. This negligee had leather straps and bodice. She could tell, just by looking at it, that it would be tight and form fitting. Lauren couldn't remember buying something so ridiculous. It just sent the wrong message. This could have only found its way into her closet one way.

 

Lauren giggled and shook her head. “Very funny, Anne. Who gives their sister a dominatrix outfit? Oh, Henry would notice alright, but I'm trying to seduce him, not shoot a BDSM snuff film.”

 

The white one was soft and lacy with long billowy sleeves. The bodice was covered in opalescent beads, and it flowed towards the floor, almost like a dress. There was a slit, not on the sides, but down the middle. It had been a Halloween costume once; she had been a virginal sacrifice to Henry's vampire at a party a couple years ago. This negligee was beautiful, but didn't suit Lauren's purposes.

 

“Okay, then. Either we shoot a fetish film, or we reenact a fairytale wedding night.” Lauren snorted and discarded it. “How about neither?”

 

The last negligee was a rich emerald green with a v-neck and flowed nicely. Slipping it on, Lauren smiled. It accentuated her ample bosom while seductively following the curves of her hips. She also loved how the thin straps bared her shoulders and arms. Best of all, it brought out the green of her eyes. For the first time in a month, Lauren felt desirable.

 

She fluffed her hair again and pouted playfully in the mirror before laughing. “Perfect. He had better notice this.”

 

Taking out her make-up bag, she applied a smoky mauve eyeshadow, a light blush, and a soft pink lip gloss. Pleased with herself, Lauren left the bathroom to retreat to the bedroom. There, she lit a couple of candles for atmosphere and turned back the covers. Satisfied, Lauren moved to the bedroom doorway, and leaned against the door frame, posing seductively.

 

The front door opened and closed, signaling that Henry and Bella had returned. Lauren heard the dog bark and snort, followed by the clicks of her claws on the floor. A thud sounded, and Henry grunted. Bella must have knocked him down in her exuberance.

 

“Okay, Bella,” Henry said through his chuckles. “I had fun, too. Come on, let me up so I can give you a treat.”

 

The dog barked again, the clatter of her claws indicating that she had scampered to the kitchen.

 

Lauren felt her face flush, and she licked her lips in anticipation. Her heartbeat thudded in her ears. She tousled her hair nervously, trying to enhance her look. Lauren smoothed her negligee, making sure that it hugged her curves sensuously.

 

The sound of dog food tinkling into the dish reached Lauren's ears. The bowl scraped loudly on the kitchen floor as Bella ate quickly. A sound of running water followed as Henry filled the water dish.

 

Henry chided, his baritone playful,” Now, now. Bella, don't eat too fast. It's not going to disappear.”

 

Henry's footsteps slowly approached down the hallway. As he came into view, Lauren was struck by his appearance. His thick, dark hair looked disheveled. He ran his hand through it, causing it to stick up further into an array of cute cowlicks. Henry wore a pair of tattered jeans and a stained and faded t-shirt.

 

Upon closer scrutiny, Lauren noted that his lean frame was tense. His full lips were drawn into a thoughtful pout. Henry's brow was furrowed and his tanned face appeared haggard. A five-o'clock shadow had crept over his face, replacing his usual clean shaven look. If she was honest with herself, Henry looked worse for wear than she had. Lauren frowned, wondering what had brought on such a mood swing. Didn't he realize that she was home?

 

Looking up, Henry's hazel eyes widened in surprise, and his jaw fell slack. He licked his lips, his eyes sweeping over her, appraising her. Slowly, Henry's arm slipped to his side. He whispered, his voice hoarse, “Laurie?”

 

Stepping away from the door frame, Lauren sashayed playfully towards Henry. She smiled wide and giggled softly. Mussing her hair, Lauren teased, “Remember me, Harry?”

 

“I---uh---” Henry stuttered. He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. His other hand gently squeezed her hip, pulling her flush against him. A boyish smile flickered across his face. “Yeah, Laurie.”

 

“Good.”

 

Henry leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. He threaded his fingers through her hair and searched her face. Henry brushed his lips against hers in an almost kiss before pulling away. He clenched his hand into a fist at his side and sighed, the sound frustrated.

 

Bella clicked down the hallway and jumped up on Henry, her tail frantically waving. She barked a couple times before sloppily kissing Henry's cheek. Her paws found footing on his shoulders, and in her excitement, she knocked him down onto his bottom. Then, Bella began to throughly lick his face.

 

“Bella!” Henry cried out in protest. “Okay, okay. I get it. You need to go out.”

 

Confused, Lauren blinked and threw her hands up into the air, finding the situation incredulous. Henry had noticed, but yet again she found herself in second place to the dog. She had been so close! What was so damn interesting about the dog that it so utterly consumed Henry?

 

She heard the door open and close, resulting in a hollow silence. Lauren muttered, “Okay, then.”

 

Lauren was tired of dodging the inevitable confrontation. She moved to the living room and sat down in the big easy chair facing the door. She crossed her arms and waited. Tonight, she would find out why the dog received her place in bed.

 

After a few minutes, the door reopened. Henry entered and unleashed Bella. She promptly ran to the couch and jumped up. In the way of dogs, she turned three times and prepared to lie down on the thick cushions. Once comfortable, the Great Dane rested her head on her paws, obviously choosing her spot for the night.

 

“Well?” Lauren asked, breaking the silence.

 

“Well, what?” Henry asked, his eyes averted.

 

“I would like to know why the dog gets more attention than me. Mind filling me in?” Lauren stood, nearing him. She looked up into his face, noting the slight blush. “Well?”

 

“I---” Henry's shoulder's slumped.

 

“I've slept on the couch for a month now, and we haven't made love once in that time.” Fingering her silk negligee, Lauren whispered, “Did I do something wrong, Harry?”

 

Henry fidgeted and rubbed the back of his neck. He bit his lip and nodded. “Maybe.”

 

“Maybe?”

 

His blush flooded his cheeks a brilliant scarlet. Henry ran his hand over his face and stared at the floor. “You know the last time we---uh, you know, fooled around, and I was, well, uh, performing some foreplay, you know, down there----you laughed.”

 

Lauren blinked then burst into giggles. “So that's what has been bothering you and why Bella's taken my spot in bed? Oh, Harry.”

 

“It's not funny, Laurie.” A small pout formed on his full lips.

 

“But it is.” Lauren moved closer, brushing against him. “I laughed because your fingers tickled my inner thigh.” She leaned up, whispering into his ear, “Want to know a secret?”

 

“Okay,” Henry's tone sounded dejected.

 

“Being tickled made it feel good. Really good. I liked it,” Lauren purred.

 

“You did, Laurie?”

 

“Yes.” She tilted his face down and kissed him. Pulling back, she rested her forehead against his. “Wanna find other ticklish spots, Harry?”

 

A wicked smile crossed Henry's face. “I plan to, Laurie.” In his silky baritone, he whispered, “Tomorrow night, wear that kinky leather one for me.”