Page 27 of Catching Feels

Lying in a pile of shredded toilet paper, paws covering her eyes as if she is ashamed of her actions, is CeCe and Rome’s pup.

I walk over, squat down, and pet her head. “Bad choice, but it’s the guys who should be ashamed of themselves for not putting you in your crate.”

Her tail thumps on the pile, sending little pieces of the paper floating in the air like confetti.

I pull my phone out of my pocket, take a short video clip, then stand. “You need to go potty?”

No longer ashamed, she stands up and rushes to the door, leaving a trail of shredded paper behind her.

“All right, let’s hook you up and take you out.”

Outside, motion lights turn on as we walk around the perimeter of the property, her leading the charge. We pass by the RV that the Hart ladies stay in while here, ever since the fire. Still feels like a dick move sleeping in the house and them out here, but we’ve offered, and they seem to love it. I can’t imagine my mother or sister would ever sleep in a camper, even one as nice as theirs.

After she’s peed, we head back inside the house. Although I should leave the mess for AJ and Blaze, I just can’t bring myself to do that. Ellie won’t go near it, and it’s where her food and water dish are located.

Once that’s done and I have my prepped chicken, broccoli and rice heating in the microwave, I clean out her dishes and refill the water bowl, knowing this goes against the rules.

“A girl’s gotta stay hydrated, right?” I ask, squatting down.

She paces back and forth, head hung down, peering at me with the saddest puppy dog eyes I’ve ever seen.

“Come over here. It’s all good now.”

Her ears perk up at good, but she doesn’t come.

“Seriously, you, too?” I groan and scrub my hand over my face before I cave. “Come on, good girl. It’s okay.”

Her tail starts wagging.

“That’s right, good girl; come here.”

She barrels over to me, happy as can be, and laps at her fresh water.

Once she’s had enough to drink and I’ve broken another puppy training rule by hand-feeding her a bit of chicken and broccoli, she lies down and starts to fall asleep.

I slide off the stool and walk over to grab her leash. “One more time?”

Outside, Ellie does her business, and I bag it up then give her a scratch behind her ears. “Good girl.”

Never cringed after calling a dog good girl, but now the unicorn has ruined it for me, I think as I walk to the back porch.

“Nah, fuck that.” I squat down and give her more attention. “You’re a good girl. Yes, you are. The best good girl, aren’t you?”

“Get a room,” AJ calls to me from somewhere.

“Probably blew his hotel budget today when he blew us off for ass,” Bennett slurs.

I stand up as they round the corner of the house and come into view.

“You drunk, Bennett?” I ask.

“Your sister ordered shots.” AJ chuckles.

“Doctor’s orders.” Blaze fucking Bennett grins.

I shake my head, a little bit shocked. “s shit, you do have teeth.”

“Been smiling all night.” AJ shakes his head as he walks past me and inside.

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