Page 21 of Lead Me A Stray

You have no idea…

PIPER: Get some sleep and I’ll text you later.

Droppingmy phone onto the bed, I throw the sheets back and force myself not to think about Rory or Mack or the nine thousand things waiting for me at work. Right now, I need a shower and an orgasm before I can tackle my to-do list.

And I guess I’ll be thinking about Mack after all…

12

PIPER

PIPER: I took your advice

MACK: What advice was that?

PIPER: Giving myself an orgasm before I’ve had coffee

Iwatch as three little dots appear and then disappear.

MACK: Dammit, Honey Girl, I wasn’t expecting that

MACK: Missed by a mile and got my thumb instead

PIPER: Why are you working and texting??

MACK: Because I thought I could multitask

PIPER: Apparently not

MACK: You gonna kiss it and make it better?

PIPER: I’ll definitely kiss something…

Turningmy phone over on the desk, I laugh, my face flushed, as I push out of the seat and stand. I didn’t realize how much fun I’d have getting him all worked up, and honestly, it’s a heck of an ego boost.

I haven’t had this good of a morning in a long time, and I know it’s not just because of the orgasms. Regardless of whether or not Mack is actually interested in something long-term like he says, he’s attentive and it’s nice to be doted on.

Even before we deflowered the office, he dropped off my favorite coffee—something he’s clearly learned from being around me, because it’s not something I would have shared. And then he made sure the coffee pot was set before he left this morning.

Thoughtful and sexy is a hell of a combination.

Swooning, I pocket my phone before making my way back by the kennels. I made my morning rounds a few hours ago but I want to make sure Arrow is settling in all right. But it’s not like I can just walk back without saying hello to everyone else.

Some of the dogs have ventured out into the yard, but Chester, a Rottweiler, and Smokey, a gray-and-black long-haired mutt, wait for me with wagging tails and slobbering tongues. Cooing at them both, I offer them snacks and belly rubs before finding Arrow curled up in his bed, still burrowed under the blanket I placed over him last night.

“Hey buddy.”

I keep my voice gentle as I open the door and slip inside, latching it before settling onto the floor a few feet away. He blinks at me, sniffing the air and wriggling a little in his cocoon.It makes me smile, my heart soaring as he tentatively stands and stretches, his nails clicking on the concrete.

Letting him come to me, I hold out a few treats and wait, slowing my breathing as he sniffs again. I’ve been doing this for more than a few years now, and this part never gets old. I love the moment the dogs finally realize they’re safe here—that they can let their guard down. I wish there was a way I could take them all home, but then I couldn’t do this job.

So much of my time is dedicated here—and Rory’s too. We put a hundred and ten percent into every single day, making sure our rescues are given the best chance at a successful adoption and rehabilitation if necessary. It would be unfair to not give a dog that same attention at home.

Still, there’s something about Arrow I can’t quite get over as his pink tongue peeks out, swiping the treats from my hand before bumping it with his nose. Surprised, I give him a tentative pat, my hand smoothing down his soft fur. It could use a good brushing and a real bath, but for now he seems content, crawling a little closer before resting his head on my lap and letting me pet the length of his body.

“Such a good boy,” I whisper, and I swear the dog sighs. He looks like a collie bred with something else, and his demeanor is already so sweet and gentle.

Maybe he could be our mascot.