My mouth falls open.
Aiden chuckles quietly and runs them through it again—Sitz. Bleib.
Two balls flying through the air, one quiet command, and once more, Neptune and Skye wait, perfectly still, before tearing down the beach and racing back to him, balls delivered like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
I fumble for my phone, pulling it out of my back pocket and starting to record. The whole thing looks unreal through the screen, like one of those training videos people swear are staged.
Aiden glances over, catches me filming, and smiles. Not his confident, teasing smile, but something softer. Boyish and sweet.
My stomach does a small, unexpected flip.
I quickly stop recording and slide my phone back into my pocket.
“Do you try it?” he asks, looking at me.
I blink. “I’d have to use the launcher. I don’t have a strong arm.”
“You can do one at a time. They’re patient.”
He steps closer and hands the launcher back to me. “Okay,” he nods towards Neptune. “Say his name first so Skye knows to wait.”
I swallow, then raise the launcher.
“Neptune”
Skye sits without hesitation.
Aiden leans in slightly and whispers in my ear, “SaySitzfirst, thenBleib.”
I nod, adjusting my grip on the launcher. “Sitz,” I command.
Neptune sits.
“Bleib.”
He stays, muscles tense, eyes locked on the launcher as I throw the ball.
“Lauf,” Aiden prompts.
“Lauf!” I repeat.
Neptune takes off, ears pinned back, legs stretching as he races down the beach. Within seconds, he returns, dropping the ball at my feet, eyes bright, tail wagging, happy to show me his tricks.
Aiden nods. “Very good.”
I turn, heart still racing. “Skye,Sitz,” I say.
Neptune and Skye both sit without hesitation.
“Bleib.”
Skye waits, perfectly still as I throw the ball.
“Lauf!”
Skye sprints down the beach and is back shortly after, dropping the ball neatly at my feet.
I laugh softly, shaking my head. “I can’t believe this. I’ll have to bring treats next time.”
