She Agreed to Dog-Sit for a Neighbor, Not Knowing the Owner Was a Billionaire Who’d Soon Love Her

The Unexpected Guest

The knock on Piper Coleman’s apartment door came at the worst possible time. She was balancing on one foot, desperately tugging on her work pants while simultaneously brushing her teeth. Another late morning; another day of chaos. Another knock came, more insistent this time.

“Coming!” she called, spitting toothpaste into the kitchen sink.

She hobbled toward the door, still wrestling with her zipper. Mrs. Abernathy from 3B stood in the hallway, looking frazzled. The elderly woman’s hair was unusually disheveled, and she clutched a small rolling suitcase.

“Piper, dear, I hate to impose, but I’ve got a family emergency in Florida,” Mrs. Abernathy said.

“My sister fell and—well, it doesn’t matter. The point is, I need to leave immediately.”

“I was wondering if you could possibly watch Bruno for a few days?”

“The neighbor in 4A said he’d pay for a dog sitter, but they’ve fallen through and I’m desperate,” she added.

Piper blinked. Bruno was Mrs. Abernathy’s neighbor’s dog, a golden retriever she occasionally spotted in the hallway. She’d petted him once or twice but didn’t know much about him.

Piper didn’t know his mysterious owner, whom she’d never actually seen despite living in the building for nearly a year.

“I don’t know, Mrs. Abernathy,” Piper said.

“My schedule at the library is pretty packed this week, and I’m already behind on my thesis research.”

“Please,” Mrs. Abernathy pleaded. “I wouldn’t ask if I weren’t desperate.”

“Bruno’s owner is away on business, and I promised I’d take care of everything.”

“He’s a good dog—hardly any trouble at all.”

“I’ve got his food, toys, everything you need right here,” she said.

She gestured to a large canvas bag at her feet that Piper hadn’t noticed before. Piper glanced at her watch. Late again; her boss at the university library would not be pleased.

“How long would it be?” Piper asked.

“Just four days, maybe five at most,” Mrs. Abernathy replied.

“His owner will be back by Saturday.”

Piper sighed.

“All right, bring him over.”

Mrs. Abernathy’s face lit up. “Oh, thank you, dear!”

“Bruno is in my apartment. Here’s my key; just let yourself in.”

“And he’s in his crate in the living room, and this is all his stuff.”

She thrust a canvas tote bag into Piper’s arms.

“The neighbor left detailed instructions,” she added.

“He’s very particular about Bruno’s care.”

Before Piper could respond, Mrs. Abernathy was hurrying toward the elevator.

“I’ve got to catch my flight. Thank you again. You’re an angel!”

And just like that, Piper became a dog sitter. After a frantic dash to the library, where she received the expected lecture from her supervisor, Piper finally returned to her apartment building that evening. She used Mrs. Abernathy’s key to enter the tidy apartment.

She found Bruno waiting patiently in a large, plush crate.

“Hello there, handsome,” she said as she opened the crate door.

Bruno bounded out, all golden fur and excitement. He immediately pressed against her legs for attention.

His tail wagged so hard his entire body shook.

“Okay, okay,” Piper laughed, kneeling to pet him.

“Let’s get you over to my place.”

She gathered Bruno’s belongings: the expensive-looking leash, the memory foam dog bed, and the gourmet dog food. She led him to her apartment.

While Bruno explored his temporary home, sniffing every corner with great interest, Piper finally had a chance to look through the instructions. The note was typed on thick, cream-colored stationery with a simple QV monogram at the top.

“Thank you for your help—Quinn.”

Piper raised her eyebrows at the meticulously detailed schedule.

“Your dad’s pretty organized, huh, Bruno?”

Bruno tilted his head at her, those intelligent brown eyes studying her face.

“Well, I guess we’ll manage,” she said.

She reached for her phone to set alarms for all of Bruno’s scheduled activities. The first day with Bruno went surprisingly well. He was well-trained and affectionate, following her around the apartment with devoted attention.

The only challenge was waking up at 6:15 a.m. for his morning walk. Piper was decidedly not a morning person. As they strolled through the early morning quiet of the park, Piper found herself enjoying the peaceful start to the day.

Bruno walked perfectly on his leash, occasionally looking up at her with what she swore was a smile.

“You’re making me look good,” she told him as a jogger passed by, commenting on how well-behaved he was.

By the third day, they had settled into a comfortable routine. Piper brought Bruno to the university library with her, where he charmed everyone with his gentle demeanor.

Her supervisor, initially annoyed at the idea, warmed up quickly when Bruno laid quietly at Piper’s feet while she worked.

“He’s better-behaved than most of our graduate assistants,” her boss commented.

She sneaked Bruno a pat when she thought Piper wasn’t looking.

That evening, Piper was preparing her simple dinner of pasta while Bruno watched hopefully from the kitchen floor. Her phone rang. The caller ID showed an unknown number.

“Hello? Hi, is this Piper Coleman?” a deep male voice asked.

“Yes, that’s me,” she replied.

“This is Quinn Vega. I understand you’re looking after my dog.”

Piper nearly dropped her wooden spoon into the pasta sauce.

“Oh, yes—Bruno’s owner.”

“He’s doing great. No problems at all,” she said.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Quinn replied.

“Mrs. Abernathy just called to let me know about her emergency trip. I appreciate you stepping in.”

His voice was warm but authoritative, the kind of voice accustomed to being listened to.

“It’s no trouble. Bruno’s a sweetheart,” Piper replied, looking down at the dog.

Bruno had perked up at hearing his name.

“I’m actually returning to New York earlier than expected,” Quinn continued.

“I should be back tomorrow afternoon. Would you be able to keep him until about 6:00 p.m.?”

“Of course, that’s fine,” she answered.

“Great. I’ll stop by your apartment to pick him up. 3C, right?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Thanks again, Piper. Bruno can be particular about who he trusts.”

“The fact that he’s comfortable with you says a lot,” he added.

After they hung up, Piper looked down at Bruno.

“So, I get to meet your mysterious dad tomorrow, huh?”

Bruno wagged his tail in response.

The next day, Piper found herself unusually nervous as 6:00 p.m. approached. She’d cleaned her small apartment and put away the stacks of library books that usually covered every surface. She even changed into a casual but cute sweater and jeans.

“This is ridiculous,” she muttered to herself, checking her reflection in the mirror for the third time.

“I’m just returning a dog to its owner.”

At precisely 6:00 p.m., there was a knock on her door. Bruno immediately jumped up, his tail wagging furiously as he rushed to the door.

Piper took a deep breath and opened it.

Standing in her hallway was possibly the most handsome man she’d ever seen in person. He was tall with broad shoulders and dark hair that curled slightly at the temples. His striking blue eyes crinkled slightly as he smiled.

He wore a simple button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and well-fitted jeans that looked more expensive than her entire wardrobe.

“Piper?” he asked.

His attention was immediately diverted as Bruno launched himself at his owner, practically crying with excitement.

“Hey, buddy!” Quinn laughed, dropping to one knee to properly greet his dog.