Page 23 of Embracing James

“Well yeah. It’s new.” He helped James with the grocery bag. “What’s this?”

“His toys.” James unclicked the leash. “He’s good, but don’t let him out without a leash unless you’re in a fenced yard. He’ll listen to me, but I hope he listens to you. He can be a pistol.”

“My backyard is fenced. Unless he’s a jumper, he should be fine. I mean, it’s a six-foot-tall fence.”

James sighed and nodded once. “He’s not. He is a sleeper, though, and he’s been gassy today.”

“Well, he’s going to be excited for you to come back.” Paul dumped the toys onto the floor. “I got treats.”

“You do?”

“A client came to my office, heard your dog, thought it was mine and brought treats.” He shrugged. “They thought they were helping.”

“That’s nice. Confusing, but nice and he loves treats. If you feed him, he’ll love you forever.” James lingered in the doorway. “I don’t want to go to this meeting.”

“I bet you don’t, but in no time it’ll be over.” He wanted James to love him forever. Was that too much to ask? He loved the dog. That had to be a good start. He embraced James. “It’ll be quick, I bet.”

“I hope so.” James nuzzled Paul’s cheek. “You look so sexy. I can’t wait to see you in a few hours.”

“Hopefully less.” He wasn’t sure he could make it that long.

“Yes.” James let go, then hugged Doob. “Be good.”

Doob snorted, then strolled over to the couch where he made himself comfortable.

“I think he’s happy. He’ll be snoring and tooting soon.” James shook his head. “I hope you don’t mind dog fur on your furniture.”

“Not a bit.” Paul grasped James’ hand. “See you?”

“Yes.” James lingered another moment, then left.

Paul closed the door, but moved to the window to watch James leave. A piece of his heart went with him. He turned his attention to Doob. “Want to watch television? I’m dying to catch a ballgame.”

He settled with Doob on the sofa. The dog cuddled right up to him, then started snoring. So much for being a pistol. All he needed to do now was start making noise from the other end.

Paul stroked the dog’s fur and turned on the television. He switched to a baseball game. He didn’t care who was playing as long as the matchup was even. He petted Doob as the game proceeded. He should see if there was a race streaming anywhere after the game concluded in case the contest ended before James returned.

He settled against the sofa and his eyes grew heavy. Scratching the dog behind the ears soothed him. He hadn’t thought he was sleepy until now.

His phone buzzed and he retrieved the device. When he looked at the time, he realized half an hour had blown by.Shit.He didn’t think he’d been sleeping, but maybe he had. He checked the notification—texts from James.

Got started on time, but already on a tangent. This could take a while.

He chuckled. He’d bet James was bored out of his mind. He typed out a reply.

Imagine me kissing you.

He sent the message and waited for James. Either he’d make him happy or annoy him. The phone pinged within seconds with a new message from James.

Now that’s not fair. I want to be kissing you.

He forgot all about the game and focused on the conversation.

I want to unwrap you and taste every inch.

A few moments after he sent the message, James replied.

I want to be unwrapped.

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