Page 56 of The Other Guy

Fear rules my heart and my mouth, apparently.

Fear that falling for a guy that I can’t stay away from will turn into something I can’t control.

“Damn you,” I say quietly but I’m not sure if I’m saying it to myself or Jack or my parents for raising me in such a fucked up marriage.

I push off the sink and throw my shoulders back, resolved that I can handle this. Whatever this is between Jack and me. I. Can. Handle. It.

I’ve got it.

I walk around the corner and follow the scent of coffee and bacon into the kitchen and stop in my tracks.

Jack is in the same pair of gray sweatpants he was wearing last night.

Bare feet.

But this time he’s not wearing a shirt. And, holy shit, boxing does a body good. My mouth goes dry as my eyes feast on every inch of bare skin he’s blessing me with. Abs made of ripples and biceps that are bulging but not so much that they look like he’s been on steroids. And his back? Why is a man’s back so sexy? Muscles. That’s why.

His hair is damp, combed away from his face. A smattering of dark facial hair covers his jaw and I have the absolutely insane desire to feel the scratchiness against my most tender places.

Toby is sitting perfectly still in front of him, staring up at Jack and paying close attention. I don’t blame him. If I was in Toby’s place, I don’t think I could take my eyes off him, either.

“Shake.”

Toby immediately lifts a paw and drops it into Jack’s hand. Toby’s rewarded with a small piece of bacon.

My jaw drops.

I’ve been trying to teach him commands since I moved in with Jeff but he wouldn’t listen to anything I told him. Sit? He’d just cock his head to the side and stare at me like I was speaking a foreign language.

“What sorcery is this?”

At my voice, Toby and Jack both turn to face me. Toby with his tongue hanging out of his mouth but I’m pretty sure it’s because of his new favorite person rather than me. I don’t blame him. I wish I’d have checked to make sure I wasn’t suddenly drooling before I brought attention to me.

Jack smiles and gestures to Toby. “He’s a quick learner.”

I scoff. “No, he’s not. I’ve been working with him and he stares at me like I’m stupid.”

“Maybe you’re just not doing it right. Come here.”

Probably not a good idea for me to be listening to his commands but apparently I’m a slut just like Toby is. My feet carry me quickly over to the duo and Jack pulls me in front of him. Oh, this isn’t good. My entire body tingles and I really wish I was wearing pants. I feel his chest brush up against my back as he reaches around me for another small piece of bacon and hands it to me.

“Now, you need to speak firmly. If you’re weak, he knows he’s the master. And don’t give in quickly and give him a treat for a good try.”

“I would never!” I say, turning my head to look at him. He just gives me a knowing grin and placates me with a, “Sure. Whatever you say.”

I roll my eyes and turn to face Toby.

“Lift the treat, show him what he could get out of the deal.”

I do as I’m told and Toby’s tail starts wagging.

“Now, give him the command.”

“Shake.”

Swear Toby, the little traitor, looks at Jack first. Either for permission or to make sure that the command is coming from someone he respects. Then he lifts his paw and places it in my hand and I give him a little shake before giving him his reward.

“Good boy, Toby! Good boy!”

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