Ryker gracefully pulled his arm back andturned toward the door.Javier’s eyes locked onto Ryker’s jean-cladbutt like a laser beam.
“I’ll think about it,” Ryker said.
“Great.”Javier reached into his pocket andpulled out a card.“My personal number is at the bottom.Call ortext me and we can make plans.For the benefit, I mean.”Javiersmirked at Wes, and Wes winked, getting a glare in return.Javiersauntered down the hallway.“Nice to meet you, Wes.Ryker, see younext week,” he said in a cool, confident voice and headed out.
“Why doesn’t that guy just say what hemeans?”Wes said.
“What are you talking about?”Rykerasked.
This time, Wes let his eye-roll out.“Hewants to ask you out.The benefit is just an excuse.”
Ryker’s shook his head and rubbed his handstogether.“You’re crazy.He’s just being nice.”
“Nice doesn’t touch your arm constantly.Andnice doesn’t stare at your ass.I saw actual drool coming out ofDr.Doolittle’s mouth when you walked by him,” Wes said, irritatedat Javier for flirting and his own overreaction to it.
“Haha.It doesn’t matter.I’m notinterested.He’s looking for a boyfriend, and I don’t do repeats.And this place is special to me.I won’t allow personal issues tointerfere with it.”Ryker grabbed leashes and plastic bags.“Comeon, we have dogs to walk,” he said, and that was the end of thatconversation.
Wes forced himself to let his irrationaljealousy go and clapped his hands together.“I’m ready, boss,” hesaid as Ryker handed him the bags.“But why are you giving me tenbags?”
“You get to walk Furley, the mastiff, andNed, the Great Dane.Big dogs make big…” Ryker trailed off,smiling.
Shit.
****
Ryker
Once they’d walked the dogs, they headedback to visit with Rudy.The beautiful golden-haired dog wassitting in the corner of his stall, curling his big body in a tightball and watching Ryker and Wes with sad brown eyes.He started towhine and tremble, and Ryker immediately felt guilty about causingthe animal distress.He opened the door slowly and sat on the floorwith his hands resting on his legs.
“Hey, Rudy, how are you, buddy?Do you wantto come and say hi?”Ryker whispered.Rudy slowly uncurled his bodyand got up.The dog walked over hesitantly and quickly sniffedRyker’s hand but then ran back to his corner and whined.
“Some days are better than others, but it’staken him a long time to come near me.Would you like to try?”Ryker whispered to Wes.
Ryker slowly got up and moved silently outof the room.Wes took his place, but instead of sitting, he laydown on the floor on his stomach with his head propped on hishands.Rudy’s tail slowly started to wag as he watched Wes lyingsilently on the floor.The dog then got up and walked over,sniffing Wes’s head and hands and making his way down his body.
“That’s a good boy, Rudy,” Wes encouraged.“You’re so brave and strong.”Wes continued to whisper praise tothe dog as Rudy’s tail began to wag more vigorously.The dogeventually lay down beside Wes and poked his nose in his armpit,then moved on to Wes’s ear, sniffling and licking, causing Wes tolaugh softly.Ryker was tempted to take out his phone and snap apicture of the adorable sight in front of him, but he didn’t wantto scare Rudy with any sudden movements.
“My dog Peanut would love you,” Weswhispered to Rudy.“He’s big and goofy and loves to roll around onthe floor, too.”Rudy slowly turned over on his back and allowedWes to pet his stomach.
“That’s amazing.I haven’t seen Rudy thiscomfortable with anyone.”Ryker couldn’t help but smile as hischest flooded with warmth.“You’re a dog whisperer, too?What othertalents are you hiding?”
“I don’t hide.I’m an open book.”Wesgrinned at Ryker as he slowly sat up.
“A book?Really, Wes?That’s cheesy.”
“You love cheese—remember, I’m growing onyou, like mold.Moldy cheese.”
Ryker rolled his eyes.“I hope your writingis better than your one-liners.Come on, let’s visit with the restof the dogs and cats before we head out.”
Rudy unexpectedly clung to Wes’s leg andwhined when they went to leave, and Ryker’s heart melted a bit morefor this man.
“I want to have a chat with Charlotte aboutRudy before we leave.Can you give me a minute?”Wes asked, soRyker checked his phone and let Wes have his privacy.
Mac:Reminder.CALL AT 7
Ryker:Got it.And don’t get too excited.Nothing confirmed.Yet.
Mac:
