Page 30 of Wishing on Snowflakes

“He’s so freaking weird looking,” he laments, reaching through to scratch at this freaky pup’s pointy, fluffy ears. “No one will ever adopt him.”

“That’s why we have to,” I breathe out, in love with this poor thing that’s snorting slightly as he sniffs my hand before giving it a lick.

“Agreed,” my soul mate of a Jedi man says next to me.

We’re granted a visit with the strange doggy and find out that he’s around two years old. He’s a mix of rat-terrier, chihuahua, pug, and God knows what else. Sounds like one hell of a fucked-up orgy, but anyway. The product is mine and Kyle’s to love on now.

When we get outside with our new pet, we let him frolic on the lawn for a bit, hoping he’ll relieve himself before we drive home. The little thing tears back and forth across the yard, zooming back to scamper between our legs before taking off to whiz on a shrub, claiming it as his own.

“What are we going to name him?” Kyle asks, slinging a loving arm around my shoulders. “He’s got those pointy ears, and he’s kind of ugly. He’d make a good Yoda.” The dog stops his rooting around, looks up at us, and gives a sneeze before going back to exploring. I’m taking that as his version of poo-pooing the idea.

“Nah, we already have a Yoda. Besides, we need to give him a strong name to compensate for his appearance. One he can feel good about.”

“Well by all means, my goddess, you have a better idea?”

“I do,” I tell him smugly as I pat my leg, beckoning the dog. Amazingly he comes running the second I do.

“Let’s go, McFly!”

EPILOGUE

Shawn

The fire roars to life as I roll my shoulder to loosen the pain that randomly shoots through my arm right around this time of night.

“You’re too stressed,” my boss Lottie says as she walks behind me and massages my neck. “I think we need a rope session soon.”

I smirk as I look over my shoulder at her. “You just need to work out some aggression,” I tease. “Or an excuse to touch me.”

She shrugs. “What can I say? You’re pretty.”

I find myself laughing for the first time today as my new friend Ryan sidles up to the bar and gives us a curious glance. “If you’re into ropes, we could use you at the fire department,” he quips.

I think we all know what kind of ropes I’m into, but I’m glad he’s not going there.

“Oh yeah, you guys looking for help?” I ask, more curious than I’d like to admit.

Lottie pats my shoulder, presses a kiss to my cheek, and whispers, “Seriously, call me later if you’re in need of a session,” before leaving me to man the bar.

Ryan leans his arms on the bar and lifts his chin. “What the hell was that?”

I shake my head. “Not what you think.”

He arches an eyebrow as he stares at me.

“And I’m not discussing it either,” I say, folding my arms as I stare him down. He may be a big guy when he’s standing up, but behind my bar, I’m king.

Ryan sits back and mimics my stance, then gives me a skeptical look. “Does she whip you?” he asks, a small smile ghosting his lips.

I roll my eyes as a laugh escapes my throat. “No. It’s a stress thing.”

“That’s what the kids are calling it these days?” Ryan jokes, scrubbing his chin with one hand.

I throw my hands down onto the bar and push close to him. “I’m being serious. I met Lottie years ago while I was on the road with the Dodgers. She taught me about Shibari. Look it up. It’s not a sexual thing…it’s for stress.”

Ryan reaches into his pocket, pulling out his phone, and I shake my head. “Actually,don’tlook it up,” I grumble. “Google will make it something it’s not. Just trust me on this. Ropes can be used for stress. That’s what I use them for. Mostly by myself. Now can we change the subject?”

He laughs. “Fine. Let’s talk about your next career as a firefighter.”

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