Page 36 of Game On

If Dorian had doubted his attraction to Jamie, his accelerated heart rate in the face of Jamie’s smile was a very firm Don’t be an idiot, Dorian.

He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “What’s this?”

Jamie shrugged. “You obviously needed a bigger one.”

“And what’s that?” Dorian asked, nodding at the painting.

“A replacement for the contemporary monstrosity that never should’ve made it inside this house.”

“Another HomeSense find?”

“Nope. It’s a print of one of my sister’s original paintings.”

“Wow. Really? It’s—” He broke off at a sound from upstairs. Some kind of scratching noise.

“It’s a giclee print,” Jamie said loudly, coming into the room.

Dorian jerked. “A what?”

“A giclee print.”

His gaze trailed toward the door. “Do you hear?—”

“It’s a fine art print created by using a specialized high-res inkjet printer,” Jamie explained, speaking over him. “They have a higher level of quality, longevity, and value compared to a standard print.”

“That’s—”

Another sound. A yip? A whine?

What the hell?

“Do you have company?” he asked, except Jamie spoke over him again.

“My sister gave it to me laminated on this birch wood so it was ready to hang, which was handy.” Jamie let out an off-kilter laugh. “She says if you like it enough, you’re welcome to buy the original off her, but it’s selling for several thousand.”

“Several thousand?” Dorian repeated, sufficiently distracted. “Jesus. She must be good. Would I recognize her name?”

Jamie shrugged. “Holly Jamieson.”

“Can’t say that I recognize it, but I don’t know much about art, so that’s not saying much. I love it, though. It’s beautiful. Not something I would’ve picked out for myself, but it’s perfect.” Dorian was so absurdly touched by the gesture that the words to thank Jamie lodged in his throat. “What do I owe you for?—”

Another yip. And then... a bark?

“Is there a dog in the house?”

“What? No.” Jamie gave a nervous chuckle. “You have a no-pets policy.”

Suspicious now, Dorian raised an eyebrow. “Then what’s barking?”

Smile crooked, Jamie said, “One of the neighbourhood dogs?”

Dorian stared at him.

Jamie stared back.

The dog barked again.

Rotating on his heel, Dorian bolted out of the room and up the stairs.

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