Dick spotted you the moment you walked into the park. His stomach did that stupid flip it always did when he saw you, even though he’d spent all morning convincing himself this was just another walk with Haley. Nothing to do with you. Except, of course, it had everything to do with you. He watched as you strolled over to your usual bench, settled in, and cracked open your book. Same spot, same quiet focus that made it impossible not to look at you.

Not today, though. Today he wasn’t just going to stand around like some lovesick idiot.

“Alright, Haley,” he muttered, crouching down to unclip her leash. “This is your time to shine, girl.” Haley wagged her tail like she was in on the plan—which, technically, she was. He slipped her a treat, gave her a little nudge, and off she went. Full sprint. Ears flopping. Straight to you.

He jogged after her, grin locked and loaded. Easy, casual, like he hadn’t just orchestrated the whole thing. “Sorry about that!” he said, scooping Haley into his arms, one hand ruffling her fur. “She’s usually better at listening, but I think she’s got a thing for you.”

Which, yeah, same.

He’d bribed Haley, given her a pep talk, and sent her on a mission. Desperate? A little. But after weeks of pretending he wasn’t here for you, he wasn’t about to let this chance slide. Haley would get her reward later.

Right now, all that mattered was you. And not looking like a total idiot in front of you.