Clapham Common Connection
"Dog walker Chiamaka runs the most popular pack on Clapham Common. When lawyer Derek's rescue pup keeps escaping to join her group, she finally agrees to discuss terms—her terms."
Derek's rescue greyhound, Zara, had one mission in life—escape his flat and join Chiamaka's dog pack on Clapham Common. Every morning, without fail.
He finally caught up with her on a Thursday, slightly out of breath, to find Zara happily running with a dozen other dogs while their owner watched, thick arms crossed, eyebrow raised.
"Your dog again."
"I'm so sorry. The latch must be broken."
"Broken four days in a row?" She wasn't buying it. "The dog's not the only one with escape issues. You could just ask to join us."
"I don't have another dog."
"I wasn't talking about the dogs."
She invited him on her afternoon rounds—a six-dog pack through the Common's quieter paths. Chiamaka was Nigerian-British, built like someone who spent all day walking, with thick curves that her athletic wear showed off perfectly.
"So why doesn't your dog want to stay home?"
"Honestly? I'm never there. Work keeps me busy."
"Lawyer?"
"Corporate. The worst kind."
"No wonder you're tense." She stopped where the path got private. "Want to know how I destress?"
"How?"
She pulled him behind a thick tree and kissed him hard.
"I don't do this usually," she breathed. "But something about you..."
"Something about you too."
The dogs were occupied, circling happily, while their owner showed Derek exactly what walking did for a body. She pulled him deeper into the wooded area, hidden from the path.
"Quick," she said. "Before someone comes."
The thrill of potential discovery added something dangerous. Her thick thighs wrapped around him as he lifted her against a tree.
"Yes... Derek... yes..."
She bit his shoulder to stay quiet, her body shaking against him. The outdoor air was cool on their heated skin, and the rustling leaves covered their sounds.
"More. I need more."
They moved to a secluded bench, her on top, riding him while keeping lookout. She came twice before he finally released, and they hurried to straighten up before the dogs got too curious.
"Best walk I've ever had," he managed.
"So," she said, dogs leashed and ready to move on, "same time tomorrow?"
"I'll make sure Zara escapes on schedule."
"Bring a blanket next time. And snacks." She kissed his cheek. "I like a man who comes prepared."
"For walks?"
"For everything." Her smile was sunshine and mischief. "Welcome to the pack, Derek."
His Clapham Common connection had started with a runaway dog. And ended with something neither of them wanted to escape.