Page 72 of Love Unlimited

Zhong grinned, but he still went through the things on the porch as quickly as he could. He dragged out a few more toys and grabbed the carton of blueberries. Ash’s whole body came to life when he came back down, tail wagging and head high.

There wasn’t a better feeling in the whole world.

The backyard had plenty of room to throw the soft frisbee made of fabric and foam, so Zhong started there. It didn’t take him long to realize that shorter throws were better, since puppy Ash was too excited about following the frisbee to move back far enough to actually catch it. Watching them nose it up off the ground to bring it back to him was beyond cute. Especially when he had to give them a blueberry each time he wanted them to drop it.

For a change of pace, he switched to the squishy ball, which seemed to be easier to pick up, but harder to carry. He loved watching their little tail flouncing as they bounded off to chase it each time.

He’d been thinking about trying out the hula hoop, but after a dozen more throws it looked like Ash’s energy was starting to flag. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but twenty minutes at least.

Especially in this heat, he didn’t want them to overdo it. He could see that their skin was getting a little pink on their shoulders and the backs of their legs, too. He’d put sunscreen on them before the cookout this morning, but that was hours ago. Next time he’d need to plan better.

Because there would be a next time. So many next times.

Being with puppy Ash was just good and pure and right in this way that words couldn’t encompass. Zhong was buzzing with awareness and excitement, but also completely calm and relaxed. He felt liberated, like a child on the first day of vacation, with no responsibilities and nothing weighing him down. Yet he was entirely focused on assessing and meeting Ash’s needs.

He loved watching Ash scamper away from him, and at the same time felt even closer than he did when they were cuddling.

Well, he felt pretty close then, too.

Almost everything he did with Ash felt like something intimate and special.

But puppy snuggles would be even better. He patted his thigh, calling Ash back to him after a final frisbee toss. Here, puppy. Come here.

Ash quirked their head. They were clearly moving a bit more slowly, but not at all inclined to give up their prized frisbee.

Zhong let them keep it. Let’s go inside. I have water and snacks for you, then we can cuddle.

They looked up at him hopefully, but without any comprehension. Right. Because puppy Ash didn’t understand all those words. Come! He commanded, his two index fingers swinging up toward his chest.

Ash bounded toward him and even scrambled on ahead when he moved toward the steps. Zhong figured going up the steps would be easier than down, but he didn’t want to risk it, so he just scooped them up into his arms.

He deposited them on the doggy bed, then held the water bottle as they chugged down the icy liquid. Next time he’d make sure they drank more often, too.

Zhong settled down onto the cushion and Ash snuggled up into his lap, little paws by their chin. Both of them were sweaty and kind of gross, but he just wanted to be close. He rubbed up and down their belly and gave little scritches behind their ears, pushing at the straps of the hood to get underneath, where he knew it had to be extra sticky.

He gave Ash another long drink of water and then dropped bits of melon into their mouth. He let them lick all over his fingers, even though it made everything messier. They looked lazy and happy, snapping playfully at the food with that irrepressible enthusiasm.

Would it be too much to do this every day? Maybe even in the apartment? No, Dustin had just invited them to spend more time over here. That would really be best of all.

As if the thought had summoned him, the door opened and Dustin stepped onto the porch. Sorry, he signed immediately. I didn’t know you were out here.

Zhong shrugged. He didn’t have anything to hide. No problem. I think we’re going to head in soon.

Ash tipped their head up, probably greeting Dustin with a bark or a yip that Zhong couldn’t hear.

Dustin’s eyes softened. Did you have a good time?

Ash did a full-body wiggle, like they were trying to wag their tail while still lying on their back, paws in the air. Zhong was pretty sure they were barking, too. They probably wanted to make friends with Dustin in puppy form, but didn’t have the energy to get up.

The best, Zhong replied, beaming. He’d known that he’d have Dustin’s support, but it was still nice to see it. All of his favorite people together made him happy, and Lena would be getting home soon.

I’m going to make some dinner, Dustin announced, so come in when you’re ready.

Sounds good. We’ll probably take a shower first, though.

Perfect. Lena’s on the way home, and I was going to do a quick salad. I don’t want anything heavy after lunch today.

Sounds good. We’ll be fast, then.