But he didn’t.
And in fact, as soon as the shock passed over him, Channing felt a surge of sheer happiness.
‘You’re late, kid,’ Max laughed, looking as macho as ever despite wearing a spareBark Buddiest-shirt. ‘You’re lucky this is a volunteer position or Teddy would dock your wages…’
The three of them laughed.
Channing looked at Teddy and could see that Teddy was into Max. After all, who wouldn’t be? But rather than feel any kind of jealousy, Channing was just happy to be atBark Buddieswith two of his favorite people.
Not to mention the dozen or so dogs that were eagerly awaiting Channing’s arrival in the playroom…
Teddy, Max and Channing walked from the break room and into the large, half-indoors, half-outdoors playroom and were immediately greeted by a bevy of enthusiastic and boundlessly energetic dogs.
‘Let the games begin!’ Max bellowed, immediately announcing his arrival as the new top dog. ‘Watch out, Max the Alpha Dog is about!’
Channing laughed uncontrollably as Max began rampaging around the playroom, a pack of dogs following him and immediately showing him their respect.
‘I can see why you like him, dude,’ Teddy said, noticing how happy Channing looked. ‘He’s hot as hell. But don’t worry, I’m taking aseriousbreak from Daddies.’
‘I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to date him,’ Channing said, trying as hard as he could to sound even remotely convincing. ‘Um… I mean… I guess I’m happy that you’re not though?’
Channing and Teddy laughed and started laying out a fresh set of water bowls for the dogs.
‘Guys, you go and have some fun. I’ll do this,’ Max said, running over and immediately throwing himself into the task. ‘Seriously. Go! I might even grab a doggy drink myself. Being chased by a pack of goofball mutts is thirsty work.’
Channing took a moment to himself as he watched Max stay busy with the water bowls, taking care to fill each one to just the right level.
There was something so wholesome about seeing Max give himself so fully to a task that was only going to be of benefit to someone else.
Max might only have been atBark Buddiesfor a few minutes, but he genuinely looked right at home.
Over the years in college, and then sporadically since then, Channing had never really seen Max look so full of contentment. It was like working to help the assortment of homeless dogs was giving Max a sense of tranquility and purpose that had eluded him for most of his life.
However Channing didn’t have too long to sift around in his own thoughts…
‘You must be Tracker!’ Channing laughed, wrapping his arms around the huge mastiff dog that was sniffing and licking in and around his neck. ‘Teddy said I’d like you, but I think this might just belove!’
What had looked like being a pretty disastrous day had actually turned into something else altogether.
Thoughts of the badly received presentation at work were long gone, as was any lingering awkwardness with Max from the night before.
Channing and Tracker the mastiff glanced over at Max and watched as he helped an older dog climb up onto the super-comfy beanbag.
‘Yup. He’s hot as hell, isn’t he Tracker?’ Channing said. ‘And maybe, just maybe, we might have a future together…’
Chapter 6
MAX
As Max sat in the passenger seat of Channing’s company car, he stared out of the window and took in the sights and sounds of the Los Frisco streets. With the clear blue sky only punctuated by the occasional bird, it was a serene and calming way to end the afternoon’s fun atBark Buddies.
Even Max’s injured shoulder seemed to be clearing up too. Realistically, Max knew that at some stage he would need to see a physiotherapist. But for now, the pain had dulled, and his movement was easier.
Max looked over to Channing and allowed himself to indulge in a little wishful thinking. Channing was just as cute as from their days in college, and if anything was getting even cuter as he got older. Max may have hurt one shoulder in the car accident, but his spanking hand, and relevant shoulder, was absolutely fine…
Could we… Should we…
Fuck. Just quit thinking about it.
