Page 16 of Pretty Puppy

Ash fanned himself, the frolicking on the mat leaving him sweaty—yet exhilarated. It had been so long since he felt so free and alive. For the past couple years, the only time he could truly let go and express himself was playing with other pups. A cloud always seemed to hang over the private interactions he shared with Masters.

Ash approached the introverts of the group. “Hey guys. Uh, so we’re taking a quick break if you need to use the little doggy’s room or grab a snack.”

They stared up at him wide-eyed, completely silent. That is, until one of them burst into tears.Oh shit. This was beyond his skillset to the tenth power.

“Whoa, it’s okay, I promise.”

“I can’t do this!” Mason sobbed. “It’s hopeless!” He hiccupped then wiped his wrist under his nose. “All I can think about is people staring at me like I’m a weirdo…and…and…you’re sogoodat it. I’ll never be that awesome, never have all that fun I’ve been dreaming of.”

That’s it. I’m going to hell for destroying this sweet and trusting guy’s dreams.

Ash dropped to his haunches next to Mason, rubbing his back as he shushed him. “Don’t say that, hon. I loved playing with Benji. He’s absolutely adorable, and so cuddly. The Masters will be fighting over him at the adoptions, I just know it.”

Mason sniffed several times then peered up at him. “You’re just saying that because you have to.”

Ash plopped onto the mat then crossed his legs. The other two pups stared at him in quiet expectation as if curious to see how Ash handled the upset pup. Maybe they were feeling the same, were filled with self-doubt thanks to Ash’s lack of skill.

“No, I seriously mean it. You’re excellent at being a pup. My best advice to you right now is to keep going. If you fall out of pup space, don’t give up. Figure out what it is that calls to you about being a puppy. Every time you’re leaving the zone, find something to focus on. Is it a favorite toy, is it playing with other pups, is it imagining being at a Master’s feet while he’s petting you?”

Mason nodded, sitting straighter. “It’s okay if I have to keep doing that all the time, like every thirty seconds?”

Ash chuckled. “Totally fine. When I first…” Hs coughed into his fist. “Err…got involved in the lifestyle, that was something I witnessed a lot.”

Barry, one of the pups listening in tilted his head. “You know, it’s interesting. Don’t take this the wrong way, because it’s kind of cool, but you seem more like a puppy than a Master.”

Ash choked on his own spit. “Heh heh. Interesting.”

“Veryinteresting.”

At the sound of Lee’s deep voice behind him, the blood seemed to drain from Ash’s body, and he was in danger of turning into a pile of goo on the floor. He dared not turn around.

“Boys,” Lee continued. “Could you excuse us please? I need to speak with Mr. Griffin for a moment.”

Lee referring to him as Mr. Griffin was like a punch to the gut that he hadn’t expected. Clearly, Lee no longer related to him on a personal level. By presenting himself to Lee as a fellow professional, he’d erased the dynamic between them, taken away the beautiful balance they’d once shared.

He’d been a fool to think they could ever get it back.

As soon as his students excused themselves, Ash squeezed his eyes together before turning around to face his doom. He was met with Lee’s stern gaze, a stone-cold look that made Shane’s glare seem sunny.

Lee’s arms were crossed, his chest puffed out as if he was ready for battle. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Doing?”

Lee’s jaw ticked. “This game you’re playing. I don’t believe for one second you just happened to apply for this job, that you coincidentally sought employment at my resort. What gives?”

Ash considered pretending Lee was so vain and full of himself that he actually believed Ash was there because he still had a thing for Lee. But even he couldn’t stoop that low.

“Okay…sure.” Every word needed to be carefully chosen. His life depended on it. “I can’t deny that having the chance to be here in your amazing resort again didn’t hold appeal.” He shrugged like it was no big deal. “I mean, after all. If I’m going to train pups, why not work in the most luxurious, top of the line environment as possible?”

Ash punctuated his words with a wide smile and a brief eyelash bat.

“Oh brother,” Lee muttered. “I can see I’m not going to get very far with you. If you were my pup—which you’re obviouslynot—I’d demand you tell me the whole truth.” Lee jabbed a finger at him. “Don’t think I won’t find out what shenanigans you’re up to. I always do.”

Lee favored him with one last steely glare before whirling around and marching out of the room. Ash shoved his hands in his pockets, his lip trembling as he played back the brief interaction in his mind over and over.

It hadn’t gone well.

Ash swiped at the tears in his eyes, worried the pup Master would be caught weeping. Yet, a part of him didn’t care. The only reason he was doing any of this was so he could get back together with Lee. So far, all he’d managed to do was piss Lee off, make an idiot of himself, and experience enough anxiety to take a year off his life.

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