She’s not completely up to AKC standards, but for the purposes of our charity show and the people who’ll be watching, she could be a purebred show dog.
I watch them make the large oval, around the tables, past the ribbons, and slow to a halt in front of Carla and me. I look over at my friend, and her eyes are bright, her lips parted.
Owen is sex on a stick. His long hair hangs in shinywaves off his face, and the T-shirt he’s wearing is losing its battle to contain his muscles.
His chest rises and falls as he catches his breath, and a proud smile curls those full, sexy lips, revealing a deep dimple in the side of his cheek.
Don’t forget his straight white teeth, a rarity in this sport, and the possessive glint in his sapphire-blue eyes when he looks at me.
“That was perfect,” I say, smiling up at him, a little breathless myself.
“Really?” His brow quirks, almost like he’s surprised. “You don’t think I need to do it again?”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.” Carla grabs my arm, and I laugh, giving her a nudge with my elbow.
“Easy, girl. He’s mine.”
She shakes her head. “I only meant, if you’dliketo go again, that would be okay. It’s hard to believe you’ve never done this before. You seem so… skilled.”
“Is it my turn, Mama G?” Maddie yells from across the arena where she stands at the starting line with Princess Petunia on a leash.
A big smile splits my cheeks at the sight of them. “It sure is, sweetie. Show me what you’ve got!”
My helper says their names, and Maddie’s posture straightens. She lifts her chin, and the little dog at her side trots in perfect time with her steps.
Maddie knows the exact speed for the toy poodle, and Peepee’s fluffy cinnamon legs flurry as she scampers around the ring like she was born to do it.
“Look at her go,” Lisa says at my side. “I think that little girl’s a natural handler.”
“They’re so cute,” Haddy coos. “Who knew my little Patsy could walk that way?”
“I did,” I say with a shrug. “Lisa judges toy divisions all the time.”
“Is she a winner, Lisa?” Haddy leans forward, and my friend gives her a thumbs up.
“They’re going to be the finale,” I explain, examining the list. “The crowd will love seeing the two of them after all the big guys. Mav, you’re up!”
“I think the crowd’s going to love seeing all the guys,” Carla says under her breath as my cousin steps up to the line, holding Spanky’s leash.
“Yeah, he has that effect on everyone,” I tease. “Ready?”
They give the signal, and Mav does a flawless impersonation of the John Michael Higgins character from the movieBest in Show. His arm is extended, his pinky raised, and his hips swish side to side.
“He’s so funny!” Maddie bounces on her toes, clapping.
“Well, darn,” Carla groans beside me. “All the hot ones are gay.”
“Oh, no!” I hold my nose, snorting a laugh. “Mav’s totally straight.”
“A little too straight if you ask me.” Haddy rolls her eyes.
“Oh, is he aneff-boy?” Her lip wrinkles, and she lowers her voice so Maddie doesn’t hear.
“No, not that!” My cousin shakes her head. “He’s actually very respectful of women. He’s just… a lot of man.”
“I don’t mind a lot of man.” Carla’s eyebrow arches, and I just shake my head.
Even pretending to be gay, Mav has the ladies falling at his feet.
