Page 71

Iordered my cock tostand downas I cleaned the dishes and put away the leftovers.

At my insistence, Jai was in the bedroompreparinghimself.

Although I found it challenging for me to be hands off, I left the interpretation of that verb to him.

“I’m ready, Big D.” His voice came in sharp, excited yips.

I dried my hands on a tea towel, after having washed them, and sauntered into the bedroom. I’d removed my shoes earlier, but was still fully dressed. I didn’t know where tonight was going to lead—

Apparently to some interesting places.

Jai was on all fours on the bed.

Naked.

He’d pulled back the comforter, so he was just on the top sheet. And apparently he’d dug through my bag, because all the contents were laid out before him on the mattress.

I put my hands on my hips. “You know, I had plans.”

He grinned up at me mischievously. “Puppy likes to explore.”

“Puppy likes to get into trouble.” He’d always been a scamp.

He shrugged. “That’s why you brought me home.” His dark-brown eyes shone.

From this angle, I couldn’t seeallof him, but I didn’t mind. We had all the time in the world.

Or, well, about fifteen hours.

Realtor waiting to see me in the morning and all that.

I grasped the first object. “Does pup want a collar?”

He nodded.

“This is just a training collar.” Because I didn’t want him to think that me putting this around his neck meant he was committing to something more serious.

“I know.” He batted his eyes. “I want Daddy to train me.”

His words stilled me. Before, he’d called meBig D.To make the switch meant something…or at least it did to me.

I cocked my head.

He held my gaze.

Okay. He’s well aware of what he’s saying and what the ramifications are.

I placed the yellow sparkly collar around his neck and secured it. “My beautiful Buttercup.”

He ducked his head in evident shyness. At times, in the past, he’d been brash and playful. Other times, he’d been reflective and soulful. Him having to shove those memories away after Gary—shoving me away—hurt my heart. I wanted to give him everything.

This was our second chance.

I grasped the paws.

He extended his hands to let me put them on. As I did, his grin increased.

Seeing him incandescent with happiness lit something within me. So I grasped the floppy ears.