Page 40 of Warrior's Cross

The earnest question set Cameron off into peals of laughter again.

“They’re little, yes, but they make up for their size with their attitude,” he managed to respond. “And Westies aren’t mean. They’re tenacious.”

He stooped over to unwrap Scarlet from Julian’s scarf.

“Why do you have four of them, anyway?” Julian asked grumpily as he bent to carefully set the puppy down again. “And why the hell do they like me so much?”

Cameron swiped at Julian’s scarf and wound it around his hand, pulling it over the other man’s head before yet another puppy could latch onto it. “Well, originally I was going to get two so they’d be company for each other,” he said. “When I contacted the owner, she had a litter of three. I didn’t want to leave one alone. So I got Cobalt, Scarlet, and Saffron. A few weeks later a friend of mine saw Snowflake at the Humane Society shelter. I figured one more wouldn’t make much difference.” He chuckled and picked up Saffron and Snowflake. “And they like you because you’re so very likable,” he said with a grin, leaning to steal a kiss.

“Fascinating,” Julian grumbled as he looked down at the pandering puppies in distaste and then reached to pet each of them on the head daintily.

Cameron smiled warmly. “Thank you,” he said. “Now get Cobalt and Scarlet, and we’ll put them in the playpen with some snacks so you can have some peace,” he teased.

Julian looked down at the other two puppies. He frowned, bent over, and picked them up carefully. He carried them overto the playpen and knelt to place them inside. Cameron knew he was afraid he would drop them if he tried it any other way.

Biting his lip, Cameron watched Julian being so careful, finding it endearing and hilarious at the same time. “Theywillget bigger. They’re just babies right now.”

“They’reevil,” Julian announced with certainty as he looked down at them.

Cameron snickered again and set the other two in the playpen.

“Yes, we’re planning to take over the world.”

Julian muttered under his breath and shrugged out of his coat.

Cameron raised an eyebrow. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” Julian answered as he tossed his coat on the back of the couch and turned to face Cameron with a small frown.

“Right. Sure you don’t want to share? I can always let them out again,” Cameron mentioned.

“No, that’s okay,” Julian said quickly.

Cameron laughed and walked over to stand a foot away, hands on his hips. “You know, if you’re so uncomfortable around the dogs, we could go somewhere else.”

Julian inclined his head slightly, a hint of discomfort showing in his eyes. “I don’t mind the dogs,” he finally responded.

“If you change your mind, we can always go out,” Cameron said, shrugging. “I don’t mean to trap you here,” he said, his voice and manner obviously reluctant.

“Do you want to go out?” Julian asked uncertainly.

Cameron met Julian’s eyes and shook his head. “I want you to myself,” he admitted.

Julian smiled widely and nodded. “Good,” he responded softly.

Cameron took that last half-step and slid his arms around Julian’s neck. “Good,” he whispered just before pulling Julian down for a kiss.

Julian hummed happily and wound his arms around Cameron’s waist. “I love Tuesdays,” he murmured against Cameron’s lips.

Cameron smiled. “Me too.”

Julian grinned and gave Cameron’s ass a pinch.

“Ow!” Cameron yelped. “What’d you do that for?”

“Because it’s fun,” Julian answered enthusiastically.

“For you, maybe!” Cameron objected. “Ow!”