Page 695 of Filthy Elites

He knew she purposely selected the worst job at the shelter for him to do. There was no way he would let her see that anything bothered him. He would do the job and not say a word. One hour down and one hundred and ninety-nine to go.

She pointed toward a large metal drum trash can with a sturdy lid and bungee cords holding the lid on. “Make sure you secure the lid when you’re done.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “It’s an easy job for you. Doesn’t take any thought.”

As Kelsey headed around the side of the building, through the gate and to her vehicle, Adrian entered the fenced in yard. He took a minute to watch her pull a backpack from her car and sling it over her shoulder. She came back through the gate, plopped the bag on the picnic table, and flopped down on the bench.

Great, he thought. She was staying outside to watch him.

Adrian was going to ignore her. He decided to survey the grounds before he did anything. It was a huge area that acted as a play yard for the animals and also an educational facility. When they first arrived, Dr. Hogan had explained that she was starting a training program for the animals that were brought there.

She had told them that many times, dogs would be passed over because of their lack of training and overactive behavior. Dr. Hogan wanted to make sure her dogs wouldn’t jump up on potential adoptive families, growl, or act aggressively toward others. She also wanted them to know basic commands. Adrian thought it was a great idea and hoped it worked out for her.

He noticed two dogs with handlers at the other end of the grass. The two guys were attempting to guide the mutts through an obstacle course, but the dogs seemed to be resisting. Adrian stopped to watch their techniques and ended up rooting for the stubborn dogs. It was comical and he was enjoying the show.

Kelsey cleared her throat loudly from the picnic table, reminding him of his responsibilities. Adrian went over to the trashcan and pulled the cords off, removing the lid. He would walk the grounds in a sweeping pattern, looking for crap to pick up.

She had obviously thought picking up dog shit was a punishment for him, but he didn’t mind. He got to be outside, enjoy the nice weather, and had no one to bother him. Well, no one but a brunette with wide chocolate brown eyes that were watching him like a hawk.

Adrian gave her a sexy grin and winked at her when he caught her checking him out. As much as she hated him, she couldn’t hide her appreciation of his body. He caught her ogling him a few times.

Kelsey glared at him and forced herself to read the page in her textbook for the third time. Senior Ethics was dry and boring. The horrible, required course was one that colleges tortured students with before allowing them to graduate. Every senior in Blackstone University had to pass senior ethics before completing their degree.

She had a test in the course the next morning and she hadn’t even read the material once. Her other classes had taken up so much of her time, so she let this one slide. Now Kelsey wished she hadn’t.

Staring at the black type on the white pages wasn’t helping the words to penetrate her mind. Kelsey was distracted, but she was refusing to acknowledge the reason. It was absolutely not the irritating, obnoxious, cocky, albeit sexy man a few yards away. She was only staying outside to make sure he was doing what she asked him to do. It had nothing to do with the way he moved with such power and purpose.

A sharp bark had her look over at the obstacle course in time to see a dog break away from one of the trainers. The animal jumped over the small fence and ran full force toward the building as the guy ran after it. She jumped up from the wooden bench and headed over to help contain the dog when Adrián dropped his scoop and stepped into the animal’s path.

Terror flooded her as she watched the large Pitbull mix tackle Adrian.

TWELVE

All Wet

Kelsey took off running,her heart in her throat. She skidded to a stop and her mouth dropped open. All she could do was gape at the man and dog rolling around on the ground playing. The dog was licking his face while Adrian laughed and rubbed the animal’s fur.

The trainer stopped next to Kelsey. “I’ll be damned. I’ve never seen Aster take to someone like that or so quickly. She’s acting like a puppy.”

Kelsey’s heart was still pounding. She didn’t like Adrian, but she didn’t want him injured or worse. “I haven’t either.”

“Hi. I’m Cliff.” He attached a lead to the dog’s collar and reached a hand out to pull Adrian to his feet. “You’re one of the new volunteers?”

Adrian allowed the other man to help him up. He glanced at Kelsey before answering, daring her to contradict him. “Something like that. I’m Adrian. Nice to meet you.”

Cliff watched Aster pull on the leash, trying to get closer to Adrian. “She seems to really like you.”

Adrian rubbed the dog’s head. “I can’t help it if the ladies love me. Don’t you, girl?”

Cliff laughed. “I better get her back to the course. We’re trying to gauge their ability for additional training. Aster has a very short attention span so she might not make it any farther, but I have hopes for her.”

Adrian watched the other dog and trainer. “Maybe she would do better by herself and not with another animal around.”

Cliff shrugged. “I hadn’t thought about that. It’s worth a try. Thanks. See you later, Kels.”

Kelsey waved to Cliff.

“You were worried about me, weren’t you?” Adrian raised an eyebrow.

“I was worried about the dog.”

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