Page 41 of Men or Paws

Houdini barked four times.

I was in awe.

“Good boy,” Rocco said, handing the second treat to Houdini.

The dog practically swallowed it whole, then glanced down at the floor, sniffing around to make sure he didn’t drop any crumbs.

I shook my head in surprise. “He’s so smart.”

“Okay, last one.” Rocco held the treat above the dog’s head. “Houdini, twirl like a ballerina!”

The dog tried to jump up onto his hind legs again, but didn’t get far since he was standing too close to Rocco. Instead, Houdini’s head slammed into Rocco’s crotch.

Rocco moaned and his face contorted. He doubled over in pain, both hands flying to his privates. That had to hurt, considering the size of Houdini’s head.

“Oh, my goodness,” I said. “Are you okay?”

“Peachy,” Rocco said, nodding emphatically like he was trying to convince himself he was perfectly fine even though his voice was a few octaves higher.

Call me heartless, call me cruel, but him pretending to be a tough guy after getting smacked in his you-know-what made me laugh.

Rocco braced his hands on his knees and looked up. “You’re laughing at my pain?”

Okay, maybe I felt a little guilty. “Come on—you’re not going to die. And I’m not laughing at you, I’m laughing with you.”

“Exactly what part of my face looks like it’s laughing right now?” Rocco stared at me, tight jaw, grimacing.

My bottom lip trembled before I exploded with laughter again.

Surprisingly, Rocco started laughing with me.

I made Rocco Romano laugh.

Usually, he was laughing at his own jokes and not from something that came out of my mouth. It wasn’t one of those fake, courtesy laughs, either. It was genuine, full and hearty, a laugh that made his dimples more prominent.

Like I really needed him to be any sexier than he already was.

“You’re ridiculous, you know that?” Rocco said.

I pointed to his face, still laughing. “Maybe I am, but I got you laughing after you got hit in the family jewels, so I’m also pretty amazing.”

“And humble . . .” Rocco shook his head in amusement, then took some deep breaths in and out. “Okay, time to shake it off. He got me good this time, I have to admit.”

“This time?” I said. “How many times has Houdini done that to you?”

Rocco wrinkled his nose. “More than I care to remember. I know he doesn’t mean to, but he head-butts me when he gets excited or wants to get my attention.” He pointed to me. “That doesn’t mean you need to start doing the same.”

I snorted, then covered my mouth.

Rocco watched me, seemingly amused, then cleared his throat. “Follow me.” He opened the door and walked outside.

That was weird.

Where was he going?

Was he going to put me in a timeout?

Houdini and I followed Rocco past the swimming pool to the large grass area on the other side of the yard.