Page 34 of Pretty Puppy

Lee nodded. “That’s right, I can’t. Something to consider in the future before you choose to be dishonest with someone.”

Ash rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. I’ll be seriously considering that from now on.”

A knock sounded at the door and Ash sucked in a deep breath. He’d thought he’d have a few more minutes to prepare, but Shane must’ve been waiting to ounce the second they arrived.

Lee let Shane in, and for a moment, Ash considered bolting from the room. But that wouldn’t fly. Not only with Lee, but he needed a resolution to the incident as well.

“Uh, Shane…” Ash shook out his hands to release some tension. “There’s nothing I can say right now that can fix all the problems I’ve caused, but I want you to know that what I did wasn’t mean-spirited. I just didn’t think things through—which is no excuse—but I never meant to hurt anyone or jeopardize Daddy’s, uh, Lee’s event.”

Lee placed hand on his shoulder. “It’s all right. Shane knows you’re my boy.”

“Oh.”

When Lee arranged the meeting with Shane, he must’ve filled him in. That was why he’d been so adamant that Shane wouldn’t go off on him.

“Well,” Ash continued. “In summary, I’m very sorry and I promise never to pull a stunt like that again, because seriously,” he snorted. “Sitting down is not easy right now.”

Shane pressed his lips together as if holding in a laugh, then gave Ash a sharp nod. “Apology accepted. No harm’s been done.” He crossed his arms. “As a matter of fact—and I hate to admit this—but the playtime you did with the trainees was a hit.” He rolled his eyes. “When I said we were getting a new trainer for them, they asked if you’d be coming back to play instead, that it really helped them get into the proper headspace.”

Ash’s jaw went slack. “Seriously?” He turned to Lee. “Is that okay? Can I?”

Lee arched his eyebrows, shrugging. However, Ash didn’t miss the hint of a smile on his lips. “Not my call. Shane’s in charge of that.”

Ash cringed. That didn’t sound too promising. “Shane? I’ll behave, I’ll be the best boy and pup ever. I’ll…” He scoured his mind for what might make the no-nonsense, by the book guy happy. “Whatever you need. Like, if I have to spend extra time with a pup after the regular training time, or uh…” Ash scratched his head. He had nothing.

“You can show up early and get everything ready, put away the mats and reset the banquet rooms for the weekend events.”

Ash fought the groan that threatened to burst out. That sounded terrible, but maybe Shane would cut him some slack and quit looking at him like he was a bug that should be squashed. Not only that, he’d also get to play with the pups. He missed them—especially the extra shy one. He’d been worrying about the poor kid and hoped he hadn’t given up on puppy play altogether.

“Deal.”

Ash grinned and stuck out his hand for Shane to shake. Shane regarded it with narrowed eyes and Lee cleared his throat. Shane straightened then accepted Ash’s offer.

“Deal.” Shane’s gaze drifted to Lee. “The boys will be here in about twenty minutes, sir. Can I take Ash with me now?”

Lee smiled. “Yes, go on. We don’t want to keep them waiting.”

Ash was about to bolt, but Lee grabbed him by the nape and squeezed. Ash turned to him.

“Yeah, Daddy?”

“Do I get a kiss?”

Ash’s face heated. “Of course. Sorry, got excited.”

Lee pulled him in close, whispering in his ear, “Excited is always a good thing.” He gave Ash a quick peck then let him go. “Behave.”

“Yes, Daddy. I will.”

Ash trailed after Shane, a bit nervous now that they were alone together. In the ensuing awkward silence in the elevator, Ash couldn’t resist asking what had been preying on his mind.

“Are you ex-military or something?”

Shane gazed up at the ceiling with a sigh. “I get that a lot. No. I was a florist before I attended beauty school.”

Ash’s eyes rounded, but he shouldn’t be so judgey. The guy had his life together way more than Ash did.

“That’s cool. I think the military thing comes for how organized and efficient you are.”

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