Page 53 of The Stud

“That sounds like a sex act.”

“Proof an old dogcanlearn new tricks.”

“I do not like what you are implying whatsoever.”

“Speaking of tricks,” segueing is followed by a small smile, “wanna learn my favorite one to do with Bear post-game?”

An intrigued brow is cocked. “You want me to helptrainyour four-legged companion?”

“No, I’m gonna help him train my two legged one.”

“At least I’m considered a companion.”

Post stealing a small, guilty bite out of my bottom lip, I gesture to the wooded area on our left. “We play hide and seek.”

Tanner lets curiosity kick the corner of his lip upward. “Alright…”

“First,” I state upon coming to a complete stop, “you have to let him know we’re going to play.”

“How?”

“Command him to a heel by delivering one sharp tug to his leash and saying ‘Banco’.”

The sparkling eyed star of the game repeats the phrase with enough force that Bear doesn’t hesitate to act accordingly.

“Now, you’re going to say eyes in Spanish to get his attention. Once you have it, you say ‘g-a-m-e time’. This helps him understand what we’re transitioning to. Give him a reward after he barks in acknowledgment.”

“Sounds easy.” I retrieve a training treat from my pocket, transfer it into his possession, and whisper the word in his ear. The instant I’m done, Tanner firmly states, “Ojos.”

Bear tosses what can only be described as a curious look upward.

“Gameeeeeee timeeeeee!!!!”

The loud woof noise being instantly delivered has the man I have no business being this into opening his palm for my dog to feast.

“Love it,” mutters Tanner in excitement. “Next?”

“Hide!”

“Hi-” is all that manages to escape prior to Bear taking off for the nearest tree.

Thankfully, the lunge forward is more comical than violent yet still rough enough I find myself worrying about an arm injury to the team’s highest score.

Pretty sure if us fucking could get me fired – not that I’m trying to bone him – then dislocating his armdefinitelywould.

Plus, that’snota headline I wanna read, even if it does beat the trashier ones.

Lowering my mouth to check in on our best wing is unfortunately interrupted by Bear who thrusts his extra-large frame against the back of the tree where I “can’t” see him, anaction that results in Tanner receiving a low hanging tree limb right in the face. “Fuck!”

Not wincing over the sight isn’t an option. “You good, Tanner?”

To my surprise, he shoots me a sweet glance. “I always am when you call me by my first name.”

Ignoring the way my heart thumps harder isn’t impossible.

Just improbable.

Yet necessary.

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