Page 36 of Heart on Ice

“Oh my gosh, ew, doggy slobber.” She cringes as Frankston gets her with his tongue.

“Easy boy, you need consent before doing that to a woman.” I laugh.

“And maybe dinner before digging into the main event.” Frankston shoves his nose in her crotch.Lucky bastard.

“Sorry, he’s just excited,” I tell her as I pull him away from her.

Issy laughs. “It’s okay,” she assures me. “Why don’t you show me around?”

“You want a tour?” I ask, surprised.

“Yeah.” She shrugs as if it’s a normal request.

Okay then. I show Issy around the house. It’s very much a luxury log cabin-style home, which is most of the home vibes around here. It’s four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a formal living room, a dining room, a great kitchen, and there’s also a beauty room for Kitty. We then go downstairs to the basement where the cool stuff is. I have a games room with a pool table and bar set up, a home theatre, and of course, a mini museum with all my achievements, awards, and memorabilia in it.

“This is awesome.” Issy gasps.

“Yeah, the boys would come around, and in summer we would have BBQs out by the pool. I also have a year-round ice rink in one of the sheds out back,” I tell her.

“Of course you do.” She chuckles.

“I’m always training.” I grin. “Look, I’m going to go pack some bags to take back to the city with me. Go explore, and I’ll call out when I’m ready to leave.

An hour later, I’ve packed five suitcases, and the driver’s come to collect them and put them in the trunk of the car. I’ve also packed my equipment and anything sentimental that could be taken by an angry partner, which was Issy’s suggestion. For the other items that I couldn’t take with me, I took photos and sent a message to my lawyer saying that the house is off-limits until we come to an amicable solution on it. I don’t want Kittycoming in and destroying my shit in a fit of rage, or her dumbass friends ruining the home to spite me.

“Okay, buddy, we are off on an adventure. It’s going to be a long flight to your new home or your semi new home. Dad’s working shit out.” Frankston stares at me and gives me a big ruff as if he understands.

“Guess he understood that.” Issy chuckles.

“Of course he did, he is the smartest boy,” I say, smooching his face.

“Wow, you really are a dog dad.”

“Can I claim myself as a DILF then?” I wink at Issy.

She shakes her head but laughs at my joke.

We eventually makeit home after the huge day, and Issy excuses herself to bed as she has work in the morning, while I help Frankston settle in. Because it was late, I took him for a walk around the block where his little nose was working overtime with all the smells. He didn’t like the traffic or the constant honking or sirens, but he was a good boy and tried his hardest.

“Frankston,” Issy screams.

He comes running into my bedroom and hides behind me. “What did you do boy? You are supposed to make a good first impression,” I ask him. He just gives me his innocent look. Issy comes walking into my bedroom with a mangled shoe in her hand.

“I thought you said he was house-trained. He ate a pair of very expensive shoes,” she shouts, waving the shoes in her hand.

“He is. He doesn’t normally eat shoes,” I explain. “Buddy, what the hell? What were you thinking?” I ask him. He gives mea lick. “Now is not the time to be cute. I think the upheaval has made him lash out.”

Those dark eyes narrow on me and then my dog. “Marcus and Jordan are on their way, and you’re not even dressed. We are going to be late for this meeting, and it’s in my home. You just have to walk two steps,” Issy says angrily. “Tell your dog no more eating my shoes or we are going to have a problem.” She points them again at Frankston, who wags his tail happily before she walks out of my room.

“Dude, you’re supposed to be on my side. I know this is a big adjustment, but it’s only temporary. I’m sorry I’m making you a child of a broken home, but it’s for the best, buddy. You have no idea how much Issy has gone out on a limb with us being here. We’ve just called a truce between us, and you are going to make her hate me again.” Frankston gives me another lick. “I love you, buddy. I think I’ll need to call Uncle Felix to come and take you for a walk while we have this meeting. Would you like that?” I ask him. When he jumps in my arms, I know the decision is made. I pick up my phone and call my brother.

“Hey, is there a chance you can be on doggy duties? Frankston ate one of Issy’s shoes this morning, and I have an important meeting with Marcus and Jordan at the house soon. He’s used to being able to roam free around the yard and not be couped up. Plus, Issy’s agreed to a truce, and he’s going to ruin it before it’s even started,” I explain to him.

Felix laughs. “Yeah, I think I can do that. I’ll take him for a walk. I’ve already done my run this morning. You should join Sam and me on those, you’d have to wear a disguise though.”

“I can’t risk it, not yet, maybe you could take Frankston in the mornings with you.”

“I could do that.”

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