Page 66 of Rules of Engagement

Jorja

Within the hour, the movers have gone. Jocko finds a box marked Lucifer’s inside toys and takes it with us back to my house.

They sit on the floor in the living room, and I snap pictures of them playing as if it’s Christmas, and all the chew toys inside are new. It’s the cutest thing ever. Watching them roll around on the floor together. Playing tug of war and grab-ass.

When they have both had enough, Lucifer goes into his crate. “He likes his crate, doesn’t he?”

Jocko climbs up on the couch with me. “It’s his safe zone.”

“Oh.”

Lucifer closes his eyes and falls asleep. Jocko puts his head in my lap and says, “Tomorrow, we’ll put together his jungle gym.”

“I’m not very handy when it comes to tools.”

He laughs. “Your training will begin in earnest then.”

I trace my finger down the side of his face, enjoying the way my fingertips tingle when I touch him.

“Mmm, that feels good.” He closes his eyes.

He is so incredibly handsome. I run my fingers through his hair, then massage his temples. His breathing slows, and his chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm.

I grin. He's sleeping again. I lean my head back and close my eyes too.

* * *

I wake to the smell of something delicious and discover a blanket's draped over me, and Jocko's in the kitchen cooking. Lucifer is in his crate on his back, all four paws in the air, looking at me.

When I walk into the kitchen, I look around. My kitchen doesn’t look the same. It’s organized.

Jocko stops chopping. “I hope you like tacos.”

“I love tacos!” I walk over for a kiss, and he gives me a quick peck.

“Sit down. I'll serve you.”

I run my fingers through my hair and stare up at him. “Are you sure I’m not dreaming?”

He grins, gives me another quick peck. “I tell you what, let’s agree to never wake up.”

We stare at each other for what feels like forever, finally communicating silently on the same level.

“Deal.”

“Beer?”

“Yes, please.”

* * *

Over the next week, our days develop a routine.

At 4:45 AM, we rise. By 5:00 AM, Jocko and Lucifer hit the pavement for their daily five-mile run while I write.

Three times a week, they take Ms. Jenkins’ dog Tipper with them.

When they return, we shower, cook breakfast, eat, clean up, then work on Lucifer’s playground together.

In the afternoons, Jocko and Lucifer train while I cheer, clap, laugh and gasp in amazement at all the things Lucifer can do. My favorite by far isn’t in the physical agility he has, although that alone is impressive as hell, but rather the intelligence and focus he shows when he balances a glass of water on the bridge of his nose and walks across the yard. His concentration is stunning. He's nimble, agile, dexterous, and graceful, all at the same time.

Again and again, I’m blown away by the level of love, commitment, and loyalty they have for each other. But more than that, I admire the integrity, honor, and discipline that makes up Jocko’s character and permeates everything he does. Always front and center, he instills these qualities to Luke on the three days a week that Luke comes after school to learn how to be a dog handler.

Our evenings are spent in each others’ arms, cuddling on the couch watching television or reading, or christening a different room depending on where we are when the mood moves us. I learn that sex on the dryer is one of my favorite ways to do laundry.

At night, when the world is still, I stay awake just to watch him sleep. The peaceful calm of his features assures me that good always wins and that true love is worth fighting for. Then I close my eyes and cuddle to stay warm because he's a cover hog.

Every day, somewhere during my waking hours, I realize that if I hadn’t already fallen in love with him, that at that moment in time, I would. Jocko Malone is my everyday hero.

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