Page 4 of Pretty Puppy

Lee flipped through the ice blue carpet samples his designer had sent over for Lee’s opinion. The new banquet hall for the Mountain Lake Resort was taking forever, and he needed it to get ready for the pet play event taking place in a month. Time was running out.

Soft, thickly padded carpeting was essential for all the pets to play on. But so was durability and stain resistance.

Groaning and falling against the back of his office chair, Lee tossed the samples onto his massive oak desk. He didn’t like any of them. At the same time, his annual charity event had gained so much in popularity that pets and their Masters were flying in from all over to participate. He even had a group traveling in from Scotland.

No way would their old facilities house everyone. As it was, they were going to have to place different pets in both the old and new banquet rooms. The logistics would fall to his Event Manager of course, but Lee still had to approve the budgets. Shane would keep him apprised on what he needed, and if anything unexpected came up.

A light knock sounded at his door. “Come in.”

Lee’s stomach tightened at the sight of Michael. Their break-up had been amicable, but that didn’t mean he still didn’t feel bad for how things had turned out. He’d meant well, had thought he could let go of his past once and for all and build a life with the sweet, young pup. But the spark hadn’t been there. Not the way it had been with—

Lee cleared his throat. “Hi, Michael. What can I do for you?”

He’d set Michael up in one of the condos he owned in town. That way, he would have a place to live while he decided what his next move should be.

Michael shifted from foot to foot. “I, uh, I brought you back your keys.” He held up the ring. “I found somewhere else to live.” Michael lowered his head. “Thank you for letting me stay, but I’ve been collared by a new Master.”

Lee’s eyebrows shot up.That was fast. Not that it was any of his business anymore, but he still cared about Michael’s welfare. He hoped Michael wasn’t making a rash decision.

“I don’t want you to feel as if there’s any hurry for you to move out. You’re more than welcome to stay in the condo for however long you need. Perhaps you could stay there while you get to know your new Master better?”

Michael’s cheeks pinked. “Actually, I already know him very well. He was my trainer when I first got into pup play, but we were only friends. He recently confessed to me how devastated he was when you and I got together, and…well, he wanted us to give it a try. After a few weeks…” Michael gave a light chuckle. “Well, we just knew. When it’s right, it’s right. You know?”

Lee swallowed hard. Yeah. He fucking knew.

He smiled, rising from his chair. “Well, in that case, congratulations are in order.” He traveled around the desk then held out his arms. “Would your new Master frown on me giving you a hug?”

Michael smiled back, a clear expression of relief on his face. “Not at all.” He stepped into Lee’s embrace. “Thanks for being so cool about everything.”

Lee released Michael, tilting his head as he accepted the key from him. “Cool? I wasn’t able to be the Master you need. I have to admit, I’ve been feeling very badly about that.”

Michael shook his head. “Don’t. When you sat me down and explained your feelings about us, I was kind of relieved. I didn’t want to accept the truth at first, but I knew deep down that you weren’t the one.” He squeezed Lee’s arm. “We both played our part, but I have no regrets.”

Lee nodded. “Me neither. You’re a fine man and a great pup.”

Michael grinned. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”

Lee chuckled. Michael had always been a playful pup. “Is there anything else I can do for you? I could get some of my men to help you move your things.”

“Thanks, but that’s okay. My Master is taking care of everything. He’s also hired the cleaning crew to get the condo back to new.” Michael’s eye widened. “Not that I wrecked it or anything.”

Lee had to laugh again. Michael was playful, yes. But also a neat freak.

“That’s not necessary, but I’ll leave it to you and your Master to decide what’s best. I won’t interfere.”

He’d already let Michael go emotionally, but it was also time to release the sense of obligation toward him. Michael had moved on, and he needed to do the same.

They said their goodbyes, and Lee glanced at the carpet samples on his desk. He supposed taking care of that task so he could get to the rest of his busy day was the right course of action, but the interaction with Michael had knocked the wind out of his sails. Something about his ex finding his forever after ate at him—which did nothing to make him feel better about himself.

Lee strolled to the large picture window that looked out on the pristine blue waters of Lake Tahoe. How selfish could he be? Michael deserved all the happiness in the world, and he wasn’t jealous of the man who had collared him. Yet something gnawed at him, itched under his skin.

Raking his fingers through his hair, he tried to ignore the rock in the pit of his stomach.

I’m a grown ass man, not a lovesick teen.

What the fuck was wrong with him? He had a magnificent resort that he’d built into a wildly successful business. He was healthy and had a wonderful family in Seattle who loved him as much as he loved them. The club he attended in town offered all the delights a man of kink could desire, yet it still wasn’t enough. How could he be so spoiled? What more did he want?

Lee gritted his teeth. That was the problem. He wanted something he couldn’t have—or more accurately—someone. His heart had always been carefully guarded, his demeanor aloof and controlled. But then he’d met the beautiful, spunky Ash. Whip smart, funny, adorable, sexy and everything he’d always desired.

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