Page 36 of Pretty Puppy

Shane lifted his head. “If they also fall through, then we’re down to sixteen.” He gestured to the back. “The programs have already been printed with the names and stats of all the pets up for adoption, and we’ve mapped out the area for the pens. Instead of looking cramped the way it did last year in the old room, it will look rather sparse.”

Lee rubbed his chin, his gaze traveling to the place Shane had indicated. Eighteen still seemed like a lot of entrants. They’d only had twenty last year and raised a lot of money. The printers could be paid extra to put a rush on new programs.

He planted his hands on his hips. On the other hand, he’d constructed the new hall specifically to accommodate more participants, not less.

Lee regarded Shane. “Are there any trainees who haven’t entered already that we could perhaps encourage to join in?”

Shane shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I already thought of that and spoke with each one personally. I wanted to make sure I’d exhausted all options before bringing this to your attention.”

“I see.”

There was a damn good reason he’d hired Shane to handle the pet play and other events at the resort. He took everything quite seriously and was as thorough as anyone Lee had ever met.

“I could do it. Maybe Owen can get up here in time for Sunday, too.”

Lee whipped around to see Ash in his regular clothes, gazing up at him with a smile. He bristled. What the fuck was Ash getting at? Was he under the impression that they weren’t in a committed relationship? He sure as hell hoped he wasn’t about to made into a fool by Ash once again.

“Oh, really?” Shane crossed his arms, his blood boiling. “I take it your friend Owen is about as committed to his Master as you are with me?”

Ash gasped, his eyes rounding. He shook his head, holding up his hands, shaking them. “Wha…? No! That’s not what I meant!”

Lee turned to Shane who had his nose buried in the clipboard as if it smelled like cookies and hadn’t heard a word.

“Could you excuse us, please? I’ll catch up with you in a bit and we’ll figure out how to handle this situation.”

Shane shot to attention, tucking his clipboard under his arm. “Yes, sir. I’ll go speak with the caterers in the meantime.”

With that he whirled around and marched off. Lee returned his attention to Ash.

He sucked in a deep breath before speaking. “All right. If that’s not what you meant, and I’m overreacting, could you explain?”

Ash paled and a twinge of regret hit Lee at how sharp his tone had been. Perhaps Ash did have a logical explanation for offering himself up to be adopted by another Master. Lee growled under his breath. Just the thought of another Master touching his beautiful pup was enough to get himself all riled about again.

“D-daddy, I swear all I’m trying to do is help. It’s been a while, and maybe you guys have changed how you do the adoptions, but don’t you do like a silent auction or something?” He winced. “I thought you could just make sure you’re the highest bidder.”

Lee scrubbed his face with one hand. Okay, so yeah. He’d overreacted. Time was needed before the old hurts were completely washed away, but if he didn’t start believing in his boy, they didn’t stand a chance.

“I apologize, sweetheart. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.” Lee stepped forward then pulled Ash in for a hug. “I’m so sorry. I promise to think before I react from now on, to not assume the worst.” He pulled back and smiled down at Ash. “Wasn’t I the one who said the past is the past?”

Ash relaxed in his arms. “I seem to vaguely remember you saying something along those lines.” He chewed on his lower lip. “Am I still your good boy?”

“Baby…” Lee wrapped him in his arms again. “Of course, you are. Myverygood boy.”

“I don’t have to do it, it’s just an idea.”

Lee sighed. “Let me think about it.”

If someone outbid him, he’d have a meltdown. Although, if he bid a ridiculous amount, that could solve the problem. He’d have to follow through on paying up, though.So?It was a charity he believed in, one that caused him to begin holding the entire event because he wanted to see it thrive.

“Okay.”

Ash gazed up at him. “Okay?”

Somehow, Ash’s expression didn’t convey excitement. More like worry.

Lee pinched his eyebrows together. “I thought that was what you wanted?”

“Yeah…” He lowered his head. “But it’s not because you’re tired of my antics and just realized this would be a great way to get me off your hands, is it?”

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