Page 3 of Pretty Puppy

Ash took a sip of his cold latte, screwed up his nose then pushed it aside. He squirmed in his chair, trying to remember the perfect speech he’d concocted during the nighttime hours—the one that would inspire Owen to do his bidding. He couldn’t recall one sentence other than ‘please, I’m begging you.’Thatphrase was emblazoned in his mind.

“Okay, bear with me. I’ve given this a lot of thought. Like, tons of thought. So don’t shut me down right off the bat.” Ash pinched the bridge of his nose. He was fucking things up already. “What I mean is, this is a really awesome idea.”

“All right, I’m definitely worried. Possibly terrified.” Owen crossed his arms. “But I know better than to try and talk you out of things until you’ve revealed the complete, hideous tale. Carry on.”

“Harsh.” Ash dragged his tongue over his front teeth then sucked in a breath. “Okay, you know your old college friend who used to date Shane from Lee’s resort? Does your friend know if he still heads up the pet play event Lee sponsors every year?”

Owen narrowed his eyes. “Terrified. Definitely terrified.”

“Dude. Does he or not?”

Owen’s jaw ticked for several seconds but he finally answered, “Yes. They still do scenes together.”

Ash rubbed his hands together. “Excellent. I need to ask you for a teensy-weensy favor. You know how they always hire extra people for the event? I was thinking maybe you could put in a good word for me.”

Owen tilted his head, his eyebrows pinched together. “That’s it?” He shrugged. “I mean, yeah sure. No problem. I might not think it’s the best idea to move to Tahoe again in the vain hope that Lee will take you back, but you’re a grown man. I guess if Rick and I broke up because I did something stupid, I’d probably go out of my way to try and get him back. But five years later? For all you know he’s collared some cute pup whodidn’trip his heart to shreds.”

“Once again, thanks for that.” Ash rolled his eyes. “First of all, he hasn’t collared anyone. And second of all, I need you to really talk me up. Find out what they need and whatever it is, I’m the fucking expert of all experts and hehasto give me the job.”

Owen dropped his head in his hands. “Oh my God, Iknewit couldn’t be that simple.” He jerked up his head with a frown. “Wait. How do you know Lee hasn’t collared anyone?”

Ash wondered if he could afford another latte that wasn’t gross and cold now that his plan was in motion. “Remember Micki? The girl who heads up reception at Lee’s resort?”

“Yeah, I met her when I came to visit you and Troy.”

“She keeps me informed. He broke up a couple months ago with the only long-term relationship he’s had since me, and she says it was never all that serious anyway, from what she could tell.”

Owen’s frown deepened. “How the hell would she know whether he was hot and heavy over someone or not?”

“She swears she knew all along it wouldn’t last. And Lee’s ex even said it was mutual because the ex could tell Lee wasn’t head over heels for him, and he didn’t want to waste any more of his time.” Ash threw his hands in the air. “You gotta help me. I can’t be around to help Lee pick up the pieces if I’m down here in San Diego! I just need to position myself so I can make my move when the time is right.”

“I dunno. This is sounding sketchier the more details you reveal. I’m not sure if I should aid and abet.” Owen waved his hands in front of him. “Plus, I won’t lie. I’m not going to tell Troy you’re something you’re not.”

“Okay,fine. Just find out what they need for the event then I’ll tell you what to say. You’ll only be repeating my words. If they’re not yours, then you’re not lying.”

Owen snorted. “That’s the most ridiculous twisting of logic I’ve ever heard in my life.”

Ash scrubbed his face with both hands. “For the love of all that is holy,please. Can you do it in the name of true love?”

Owen huffed, his lips pressed together as if thinking extra hard about Ash’s request. “But what if they don’t need anyone? It’s been five years. Even if they were struggling for help back then, they’ve probably found regular people who—”

“Stop!” Ash swallowed hard. His planhadto work. He couldn’t very well go up to Tahoe without a job prospect, or one that wouldn’t give him a legit excuse to randomly be in Lee’s path all the time. He also couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t try and make it up to the only man he’d ever loved. “Just…just give it a shot, okay? I need this.”

After a short pause, Owen gave a small nod. “All right. I’ll do my best.” He rubbed his forehead as if he had a pounding headache. “But if this doesn’t turn out the way you want, will you please reconsider staying with us for a while?”

Owen really was the best friend a guy could have, and Ash had put him through a lot with all the moaning and crying over the years for losing Lee the way he had.

“I will. I promise.” Ash squeezed Owen’s hand. “Thank you for everything. I don’t deserve you.”

“Of course you don’t. I’m such a good boy.” Owen grinned. “According to Daddy Rick, the best boyever.”

“Gag. Don’t make me take my words back.”

The truth was, he was jealous. Once upon a time, he wasLee’sbest boy. Now, he belonged to no one, and he only had himself to blame.

His plan had to work—no matter what.

Chapter Three

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