Page 10 of Pretty Puppy

Lee chuckled. “Or any kind of boy watching. They don’t have to be pups for me to appreciate a fine ass.”

This time, Ken waved to the bartender. “Works for me.”

The next hour was spent enjoying each other’s company and getting caught up. Ken had been out of town for a few weeks on a business trip and Lee wanted to fill him on the event and new banquet hall preparations.

Lee finished off his final Texas eggroll and wiped his hands. “Can I count on you to come to the pet adoptions?”

The final event of the weekend was the adoptions. Other than the entry fees, it was where most of the money was made for the charity.

“It’s possible, I’ll certainly try. I haven’t played for a while myself. Any good pups I should keep an eye out for?”

Lee laughed. “I seriously have no idea. I’m letting Shane deal with that aspect. From what I’ve heard, though, he brought in a new pup trainer who’s supposed to be top notch. So there should be some well-trained newbies to choose from once it’s time for the adoptions.”

“Ooh, nice. Now I’m even more interested.”

The next few sentences from Ken were lost to Lee as he gaped at someone who looked like Ash—but couldn’tpossiblybe Ash—strolling into the club with a short, bulked up blond man. The deep-fried appetizers he’d just consumed swam in his stomach and he wondered if he’d be able to hold them down.

No way. Can’t be.

Not that he kept tabs or anything, but the last he’d heard from one of the club managers down in San Diego, was that Ash was living with a Master who was a member there. Was that who was with him? A stab of irrational jealousy sliced through his gut.

Lee turned away and slammed down the rest of his drink. He didn’t give a shit one way or the other. After all, five years had passed and they’d both moved on with their lives. Even if Ash had been the one to leave him in the dust, that didn’t mean Lee was still holding on to the what they had. Hell no.

He had a full life. His resort was bigger than ever. Pet Play by the Lake was growing all the time and raising more money each year. He lived in a gorgeous, custom-built home overlooking the pristine beauty of Tahoe.

And I just broke it off with the third pup since Ash because they couldn’t compare to what I had with him.

“Goddammit.”

“Excuse me?”

Lee whipped his head around and met his friend’s concerned gaze. “Sorry. I’m, uh…”

“Holy shit,” Ken stage whispered. “Is that Ash?” His eyes widened. “Oh God. You already spotted him.”

There it was then. It really was Ash, and they were in the same room together for the first time since that awful day when Ash walked out of Lee’s life.

“It’s fine. Just caught me off-guard, that’s all.”

Ken’s brow furrowed. “We can go, maybe grab some coffee and dessert at the diner down the street.”

The thought of adding more contents to his stomach made him queasier than he already was. Lee chuckled, the sound not coming out as nonchalant as he’d hoped.

“No, that’s not necessary. I’m not about to be chased out of my hang out because someone I had a relationship with five years ago shows up out of the blue.” He went to take another drink, frowning at his empty glass. Lee rubbed his forehead. “Although, I am getting a bit tired.” He plastered on a smile. “Truth be told, I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. I should probably go home and get some rest. Maybe we can meet up at the coffee shop later this week?”

Not that he was avoiding the club in case Ash was in town for a while, that had nothing to do with it. No, it would be so much easier to have a proper chat with Ken outside the noisy establishment.

Ken patted him on the shoulder. “Sure, sounds good. We still need to catch up.”

Lee grabbed his leather jacket off the stool next to him then turned around. He tensed, gritting his teeth as he almost slammed into Ash.

“Hi, Lee. Wow! What a coincidence running into you here.”

Ash grinned up at him like the cat who ate the canary. Lee narrowed his eyes. What was Ash’s angle? Was he flaunting his new boyfriend, or Master, or whoever the blond was he’d seen him come in with? Ash had always had a preference for blonds. He’d confessed that’s why he’d approached Lee to begin with all those years ago.

“Not much of one. You know I live in Tahoe, and this is the club I belong to. Seems rather obvious.”

Ash’s face fell, and if the lights were stronger, he was undoubtedly reddening with that adorable blush Lee could never get enough of.

---