Page 5 of Pretty Puppy

And the connection—the spark Michael had spoken of. With Ash, it had been there in spades, clutching Lee’s heart and not letting go. He let out a disgusted snort. Apparently, that bastard of a spark still hadn’t loosened its grip after all these years.

What a fool I am.

Another knock sounded at his door, and he gave himself a mental shake. Locking away his emotions was much easier to do when distracted. His work ethic for the past five years had been epic.

“Come in.”

Lee didn’t bother with a door monitor. His assistant took care of other matters for him. He preferred being accessible to the staff at all times and didn’t have a problem telling people to back off. He’d never been one to play games.

“Good morning, Shane. How are things shaping up for this year’s event?”

“If you’ve got a minute, I’d like to go over a few things.”

“Of course.”Anything to give me an excuse to avoid those damn carpet samples. “Have a seat.” He indicated to the chairs facing his desk, then made his way back to his own. “What did you need from me?”

“I don’t want to be a pest, but I was wondering how close we were to the new hall being finished? I’m putting tougher the final schedule, and where and how I stage the activities and presentations can’t be decided until I know for sure I’ll have the use of that facility. I was hoping to hold the pet adoptions in the new space. I’d also like that to be the main free play area as well.”

“What about the Best in Show? Do we have a lot of entries this year?”

Lee rested his elbows on the chair arms and steepled his fingers. The carpet samples were in his peripheral vision, begging for his attention. It might be time to quit being so picky about the slight variations of ice blue and move on with his life.

“Yes, best ever. And the adoption sign-ups have also last year’s.” Shane sighed. “I’ve had to hire a couple more people to help with everything. Will that be an issue?”

“God, no. Don’t hold back. I’d rather we have more people helping than not enough.”

Lee didn’t fuck around when it came to anything with his name attached to it. Gold standard wasn’t good enough, it had to be platinum.

“All right.” Shane typed something into his iPad. “That’s good to know. I have a few applicants coming from out of town, if that’s all right? As long as I’ve got your okay on new hires, I’ll add a couple extra in case some of them flake out.”

“Good.” Lee shifted in his seat. “I tell you what. I’ll check in with the contractors today and get an update. They assured me there would be plenty of time, but I’ll verify that.” He cleared his throat. “And I’ll lock in everything with my designer so he can get started the second the last bit of sawdust has been cleaned up.”

Shane smiled. “Excellent. As soon as I can get in there and begin visualizing how I want to set things up, the better. I can’t wait to see the finished room.”

“Yeah, no kidding. Listen, one more thing. Is a representative from the LGBTQ Legal Fund going to be available to announce the winners of the Best in Show?”

“Yes. I confirmed their participation, and the CEO is planning on attending. They’ve also lined up some volunteers.”

Lee nodded, pleased at how the Legal Fund had grown over the years. His intention was that they’d never want for anything. Their mission statement of advocating for LGBTQ rights was something he strongly believed in.

“Good. Anything else?”

“No, I think that’s it for now.”

Shane rose, and after promising to give Lee another update after he’d spoken with the contractor, he left. Lee picked up the bits of blue carpet with a sigh. He ran his fingers across each one checking for surface softness, then gave them a pinch to check for thickness. Really, the color didn’t hold as much importance than the quality.

I wonder which one—

Lee growled to himself, frustration overtaking him at his errant thought. It didn’t matter which one Ash would choose. It didnot.

Chapter Four

Ash dropped down from the bus at the Transit Center, his back aching from the long journey up most of the length of California. His heart had started thundering the moment they’d begun to traverse the familiar road into Tahoe. He’d had so much fun here. He’d also fallen hard and fast for the man he should’ve stayed with.

As Ash stretched his arms over his head, he gave himself an inner pep talk. That was then, this is now. He’d somehow prove to Lee that he was no longer that immature pup who thought he was too young to settle down. That he in fact, was totally ready to settle down.

Ash narrowed his eyes.For good.

“Hey, kid.” The bus driver stared at him through bloodshot eyes. Ash didn’t want to know. “Are you gonna take your stuff or what?”

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