Excitement flickers in my chest as she goes quiet. She glances around the table, probably to make sure that no one can hear us.
“Well, don’t leave me hanging, baby.”
Her smile is shy as she looks at me. “I want to learn how to give you a blow job.”
A choking noise rips from my throat. I cover it up with a cough and down some champagne.
Well, fuck. I wasn’t expecting her to say that, but I’m really, really happy to hear it.
I try to contain my smile. “You sure you’re ready for that?”
She bites her lip and nods excitedly.
That ache in my dick and balls intensifies. I clear my throat and shift in my chair. I can’t get a boner at Coach Porter’s wedding.
So I zero in on Blomdahl’s conversation with Theo. They’re sitting across from me and talking about how they get the stench out of their sweaty gear. My cock wilts instantly.
“Ellie, thanks so much again for looking after Maizie,” Bella says. “She’s been doing so much better now that you’re taking her on a long walk every day. She’s not as worked up when Braden and I get home from a long day at work.”
Ellie beams. “It’s my pleasure. I love hanging out with her. She’s so cute and energetic. And the other dogs I walk love her too. Especially Gus. I think he has a crush on her.”
They chuckle.
“She’s so much calmer when she’s home now. And she takes more naps,” Bella says.
“A tired dog is a happy dog,” Ellie says.
“I felt so guilty leaving her at home for hours at a time, but things have been so busy at the cafe,” Bella says. “It’s great knowing that she’s hanging out with you and the other dogs you watch for most of the day, burning off energy.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’m so happy you asked me to start walking her,” Ellie says.
“And thanks again for the bath you gave Maizie the other day,” Blomdahl says, raising his coup to Ellie.
“It was no problem at all. I love doing it,” Ellie says.
“Good, because I don’t,” Blomdahl says. “I’m sick of our bathroom floor turning into an ocean every time Bella and I give that dog a bath.”
Everyone laughs.
“Speaking of bathing pets, what would it cost for you to bathe our cat Salem?” Ingrid asks.
“The same as a dog bath,” Ellie says with a smile.
Del raises an eyebrow. “You sure about that? Salem turns into a monster whenever we try to give him a bath.”
Ellie just chuckles. “Positive. I’ve groomed cats before, and they can definitely be a bit harder than dogs, but I have all the tools to handle them. Treats to keep them happy and this hoodie thing that covers their head and ears to keep them calm. I also trim their claws before I get started so even if they do swipe at me, I won’t get hurt.”
Del nods once. “That’s all I needed to hear. You’re now Salem’s new groomer.”
Ellie beams. I can’t help but smile too at how happy she looks and how well her business is doing. I’m so glad she’s not working those other jobs anymore and that she can focus on doing what she loves.
We finish dinner and dessert, then watch as Coach Porter and Abby have their first dance together. Then we all join them on the dance floor.
Ellie smiles as she watches Abby’s daughter Emma dance with Coach Porter. He holds Emma’s hand and twirls her around. Everyone goes, “aww!”
“You know, your coach seems so gruff and serious, but when he’s with Abby and Emma, he’s a big softie. It’s really sweet,” Ellie says.
“Yeah, it’s cool to see this other side of him.”
