Page 103 of Love Limits

He dropped to the ground and they snuggled up into his lap. It turned out that he didn’t need to worry about anything except belly rubs and dropping pieces of watermelon and cucumber into his eager puppy’s mouth.

Next time, he would have to bring napkins.

Chapter 20

Ash

Ash woke up the next morning feeling cozy and rested. Some of their muscles gently ached in a lovely, familiar way. Ah, yes. Last night was pup night.

They immediately looked for Zhong. When they found him only a few feet away, they snuggled back into their blankets.

Since there wasn’t much furniture in the bedroom, he’d pulled in a chair from the kitchen and propped up his laptop on their bedside table. Since he was absorbed in his work, they got to look their fill.

He was wearing nothing but a pair of loose boxers, and Ash’s eyes traced over the lines and shadows of his form. He was beyond gorgeous. It was difficult to look at all of those firm muscles and not want to draw him. Or lick him. Or just rub themself all over him and never let go.

His forehead was creased in concentration, probably because he was working on the poorly written article he’d mentioned last night. It was kind of cute to see him scowl, since he wore the expression so rarely around them. Unless he was teasing, of course, which he loved to do.

Ash was so very, very lucky to have him.

They stretched a bit and the movement caught his attention. He gave them a wide smile, signaled that he needed to finish something up, and then closed his laptop a moment later.

Sleep well? he asked.

So well. You wore me out last night.

Zhong grinned back at them. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Did I do everything right?

Yep. I told you that you’d be a natural. You can come back and be my Handler any time. Ash put it out there as an invitation.

Oh, good. I was worried that I’d mess it up.

Well, that didn’t help. What was Zhong thinking? Did he love it? Hate it?

Ash’s only memories of last night were joy and comfort. They’d felt so completely in tune with Zhong, so cared for and adored, that they hadn’t even questioned it. Their Handler had so many treats. He knew just how to throw the ball and give the best scritches. Ash had gotten praise and belly rubs and snuggles.

It seemed impossible that Zhong hadn’t at least enjoyed it a little bit.

Well, beyond the obvious. He’d probably been at least curious, and he was a good sport about most things. But was there more?

Ash could practically see Landon’s hands waving back and forth, an expression of exasperation on his face. Talk to him.

Right. There really wasn’t any reason to wait. They were supposed to be testing their chemistry with Josh last night at the mosh, but Zhong had just blown any competition out of the water. They didn’t need to see any more.

If only Zhong felt the same way.

Ready for breakfast? he asked.

How was it possible that he’d already moved on to the next topic? Didn’t he want to talk about it at all? Or was this that thing where he needed more time to think about it first?

When Zhong stood, he pulled on his jeans and a clean t-shirt. Not the “Ash’s Handler” shirt from last night. Did that mean anything?

He tucked the little notebook and pen that he always carried around with him into his back pocket. It looked like it had been sitting open beside his laptop. Had he been writing in it?

Ugh. Ash was going to drive themself crazy. Sure. Breakfast sounds good. Want to eat here or go out?

Zhong gave them a skeptical look. Do you have any food?

Does ice cream count?