Page 9 of Daddy's Naughty Dog Trainer

"I don't expect him to lie in a corner quietly," he says defensively. "I just prefer methods that don't involve scattering treats all over my floors."

Lucky, sensing the tension, sits between us with his head cocked to one side, looking from me to Sean and back again with those soulful brown eyes.

"Fine," I concede, tucking the toy back into my bag. "We'll try something else. But you need to trust me on some of this, Sean. I am the expert you're paying, after all."

His jaw tightens at the subtle challenge in my tone. "I trust expertise when it makes sense. When it doesn't, I question it."

"You question everything," I mutter.

"I heard that."

"You were meant to." I’m not sure what has gotten into me. I’m not the type to talk back to a client or argue with them. I half expect him to fire me. We glare at each other for a moment, the air between us charged with something that's definitely not just professional disagreement. Ever since our moment at the end of the session before this one, that delicious moment when he called me out on testing his boundaries, there's been a shift between us. A current of awareness that makes every interaction feel like we're playing with fire. This is ridiculous. There’s nothing about this man that makes him a good fit for me. I like impulsive, free spirited and light hearted men. Do I dream of an alpha male who is all man? Sure. But, I want an easy going one. A cinnamon roll Daddy. Not, a stick up his behind, Daddy. Not Sean. He’s too serious. Too old. Too bossy. Too hot.

Fuck.

"Let's move on," I say finally, breaking the stalemate. "I want to see how he's doing with the 'stay' command when there are distractions."

We spend the next forty-five minutes having Lucky practice staying in place while I bounce a ball, squeak a toy, andeven hide behind furniture. He does remarkably well, another testament to Sean's dedication to their daily practice sessions.I have to give him that. He has done every assignment I’ve asked. Lucky is coming along well.

"He's really getting it," I say, genuinely impressed. "Most dogs his age would be breaking the stay constantly, but he's holding it for almost a full minute now."

Sean's expression softens with pride. "He's smart. Just needs the right direction."

"Don't we all," I say lightly, and our eyes meet for a beat too long.

I clear my throat and look away first, busying myself with my training notes. Sean Ferguson may be pushing all my buttons in the best possible ways, but he's still a client. Professional boundaries exist for a reason.

Even if I can't stop thinking about crossing them.

My phone buzzes in my back pocket, undoubtedly one of the girls from the book club. They've been relentless with their texts since I told them about the training session when things got tense. I'd been very well behaved during the last session and they were not happy with my actions. I adored these girls but they were definitely not good influences. I ignore my phone, but not thirty seconds later, it buzzes again.

And again.

I normally put the phone ondo not disturbduring training sessions. I can’t believe I forgot to do it today. Was it intentional? No. I am trying to be good. Today was a scheduled group chat, but we’d had to reschedule our training session due to another hiccup in Sean’s schedule. Once I’m done working through this command with Lucky, I’ll turn the phone to silence.

Sean notices.

Of course he does.

His eyes narrow slightly as I shift, trying to silence the phone without being obvious about it.

"Do you need to get that?" he asks, his tone deceptively casual.

"No, it's fine. Just group text stuff from a few of my friends. It can wait."

Another buzz. I wince.

"It seems urgent," he says, that edge creeping into his voice; the one that makes my skin tingle.

"It's really not." I pull out my phone to silence it completely and can't help glancing at the screen.

Maya: OMG tell us what Daddy Dom Dog Owner did today!!! Did he lay down the law yet? And I don’t mean with the dog.

Christine: If he hasn't, what are you wearing? Your red top always gets attention…

Jackie: What are you waiting for? He’s perfect for you!

Maya: Is he training you or are you training him?

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