Page 63 of Game On

“Uh...”

“Well.” Rebecca rose, smile faltering. “Cleaning up her poops will certainly teach the kids responsibility.”

Ben nodded. “That’s right.”

“Kids!” Dorian exclaimed.

Jamie jumped at his volume. Poppy circled behind him and stuck her head between his shins to stare at Ben and Rebecca with liquid eyes.

“She’s terrible with kids. I hosted family brunch here not long ago and my older cousins brought their kids.” Dorian leaned closer and whispered, voice full of drama, “Why, Poppy near bit the little one’s pinky right off.”

Charlie’s jaw dropped. Jamie swallowed a laugh.

“Oh.” Rebecca retreated away an inch. “Well, we’re looking for a well-trained dog who will fit into a family home.”

Dorian shook his head in mock sadness. “That’s not Poppy, I’m afraid. She’s kind of a monster.”

As one, every adult’s gaze fell to Poppy, sitting docilely behind Dorian.

“All right, well...” Ben seemed to recover first. He took his wife’s hand. “We’ll keep looking. Sorry Poppy wasn’t a good fit.”

“No, no, I understand.” More mock sadness from Dorian. “You need a dog who fits your lifestyle and home life.” He opened the door. “Good luck with your search. I’m sure you’ll find the right dog soon.”

Ben and Rebecca waved goodbye as they left, calling a “thanks for your time,” and once they were descending the porch stairs, Dorian nudged the door closed with a flick of his wrist. “And that, lady and gentlemen, is how it’s done. Come on, Poppy. Let’s have cake to celebrate.”

Dorian sauntered—sauntered—into the kitchen, Poppy trotting along happily next to him.

Charlie stared at Jamie. “Who are you, and what have you done to my cousin?” He jabbed a finger his way. “Keep it up.” Then he joined Dorian in the kitchen.

“You knew this was going to happen, didn’t you?” Brawsiski asked.

Jamie shrugged. “I had a feeling Dorian wouldn’t give her up. Didn’t see it happening quite like this though.” And he couldn’t say he was upset about it. The thought of Poppy living anywhere else had nearly cut him to his soul.

He and Brawsiski entered the kitchen, where Charlie was looking at Dorian like he had a second head, and Dorian was polishing off a cake jar and feeding carrot sticks to Poppy.

“So.” Jamie rocked on his heels. “I guess you’re keeping her.”

Dorian scoffed. “Uh, yeah. You can’t just give me a pet and take her away. Who do you think you are?”

And Jamie... fell. Just fell. This man who was tough on the outside yet soft in the middle, like a coconut with the toughest of shells... Who said one thing and did another... Who had layers upon layers and hidden depths that Jamie might not have the chance to ever fully explore...

He was everything Jamie hadn’t known to want.

Everything else, all those reasons for why it was a bad idea to act on his feelings?

They still mattered, but in this moment, they fell away.

Heart galloping, Jamie stalked around the island...

And kissed him.

Dorian made a muffled sound against his lips. Shoved him away with two hands.

Shame curdling in his stomach, Jamie cursed. Shit, had he fucked everything up? “Sorry. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have?—”

“I have cake in my mouth,” Dorian interrupted. “Give me a second.” He chewed very quickly. Swallowed. “Okay, you can come back now.”

Jamie went.

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