Page 30 of Pretty Puppy

Lee shrugged. “I have no idea. My point is that my assumptions about who you are and what you’re interested in now could be wildly inaccurate.”

“Is it very pathetic that my latest job was a shelf-stocker at a giant Pet Emporium?”

“There’s nothing pathetic about working and earning a paycheck. Did you like it there?”

“Meh.” Ash seesawed his hand. “At least I got to be around cats and dogs when they did adoption days. I also loved looking at the reptiles on my breaks. But the job itself was boring and exhausting.”

“I see.” Lee furrowed his brow as he stared off in the distance. Right as Ash was about to ask what he was thinking, Lee turned to him again. “What would you rather be doing? I remember you used to want to do something with animals, so I’m not surprised you ended up where you are.”

“Where Iwas.”

Lee smiled. “Of course. Was. But what about now?”

“I don’t remember if I told you, but when I was a kid, I wanted to be a vet.”

“I remember.” Lee took his hand. “You told me all about your plans. Are you still considering that? Because I can help you get into school.”

Ash shook his head with a little shudder. “No, not at all. I decided I’m too squeamish to ever do that. I’d rather do something more fun.”

“Like training?” Lee winked. “I’m only half-teasing, you know.”

“Actually… while training could be cool, what I’d really like to do is grooming.”

Lee broke into a grin. “That’s a great idea. I can definitely picture you doing that.” Lee patted his hand. “I tell you what. As soon as the pet play event is over with, let’s investigate how you can get started.

“Yeah?” His focus had been so tied to surviving each day, his hopes and dreams had long been cast aside. “That seems like a good idea to you?” Having to analyze the pros and cons of life decisions had always been one of his true challenges. “I haven’t thought about it for a while.”

“I think it sounds like a wonderful idea, but it’s more important that it seems that way to you.” Lee flattened his palm against Ash’s chest. “I’m here to help you talk things through and for support.”

The weight, the melancholy of his day to daylife that had been crushing him seemed to lift from his shoulders. It was as if he could take deeper breaths, his heart not as heavy as it had been.

“Thank you.” He let out a happy sigh. “Thank you, Daddy.”

Ash offered his lips for a kiss and Lee quickly accepted. He opened up for Lee, let him in and allowing him take control.The way I always did. He moaned as Lee deepened the exploration of his mouth.The way I do.

A breeze picked up in strength, slamming cold air against his skin and Ash shivered in Lee’s arms. Lee broke the kiss but kept him close.

“If you’re too cold, we can head back down the trail. I don’t want my boy to be uncomfortable.”

Ash snuggled against him. “I’m the one hogging your coat. I’m still concerned about you getting too cold.”

Lee pressed his lips to Ash’s temple. “I’m fine. You’re nice and toasty. My own personal heater.”

Ash gasped in mock horror. “Is that all I am to you? A toaster?”

Lee snorted. “Hardly.”

He gave Ash another quick kiss, then they remained in an easy silence as they took in the view, Lee staring off in the distance. After a bit, he regarded Ash, his expression serious.

“How are you feeling about Pet Play by the Lake now? Because we’ll still need plenty of people to help that weekend. If you feel awkward after what happened, I understand and won’t pressure you. On the other hand, I think it would be good for you to swallow your pride and be a part of things, to face Shane and the others.”

Ash winced. Of course, Daddy was right. That didn’t make the idea any less mortifying.

“But…what could I do? You know, something that doesn’t involve me lying through my teeth and making an utter fool of myself.”

Lee let out a hearty laugh. “I’m sure there are plenty of volunteering options that don’t fall into that category.” He gave him a light jostle. “We’ll figure it out together, okay?”

Ash smiled up at Lee. Together. He was totally down for that. “Okay.” Another brisk breeze kicked up and Ash realized his nose was in danger of freezing off. “Could we figure it out in front of a fireplace, though? I think I’ve reached my out in nature quota for the day.”

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