Page 19 of Doggy Style

I refuse to waste another thought on him. Time to focus on Yessi.

How many dogs did she say she had? Eleven at her place alone? Hugh is going to kill me. Hell, I don’t blame him for being pissed.

After she went home the other night, I studied the website for her rescue, Pugs N Roses. The site was dated and sad, but my heart wrenched when I saw the pictures of the dogs they had saved—pathetic-looking shelter dogs who had seen better days. Reminded me of the street dogs I saw in Iraq.

Even if nothing happens between us, I want to help get Yessi’s dogs adopted. I just don’t know who would choose to adopt them when they’ll be displayed next to our puppies. I’m starting to see why she’s so upset about my store.

I blast some metal music and continue preparing the kennels. I place new beds, water, and food bowls in each stall. Just as I toss in the final toy, I hear the puppies yelp loudly. The barking lot has alerted me that my date has arrived.

I walk to the front of the store, and my breath hitches when I see Yessi standing in front of me, clutching the leashes of a bunch of dogs who are cowering, with their tails tucked in between their legs. A glimpse of Yessi’s hot-pink bra strap peeks out from under her black tank top, driving me wild with anticipation. Is she wearing matching panties? Does she have any other hidden tattoos that I can discover? I want to map out every inch of her body.

Yessi’s own eyes widen when she sees me, and I laugh to myself, belatedly realizing that I’m shirtless. I wipe the sweat off my brow.

Yessi’s angry scowl from the other night is long gone, replaced with an almost hopeful look. “Nice music, Preston. These are my rescue partners, Avril and Eden.” Yessi’s standing in between two other women—a trendy blonde and an earthy redhead. Both of them are beautiful, but I only have eyes for Yessi.

“Hey, Yessi. Nice to meet you, ladies. I’m Preston. I was just getting the kennels ready.”

The blonde checks me out from head to toe and isn’t shy or subtle about it in the least. “We can see that. Are you done, or can we watch—I mean, help?”

I laugh. “I’m done.” I take a few leashes and lean into Yessi. “I didn’t think you’d show up.”

“That makes two of us. But I’m here. We’re all grateful for this opportunity to get our dogs adopted.” She speaks stiffly, like she doesn’t really want to thank me, but is doing her best to be polite.

A tiny min pin with a frosty mug and sad eyes pees on the floor in front of me, his tongue darting in and out of his mouth like some nervous tic.

“Oh, Nemo.” Yessi bites her lip. “Sorry about him. He’s just nervous. I pulled him from the shelter the day I met you, and he just was released from the vet. I can clean it up.”

“It’s okay. I got it.” I grab some paper towels and some enzymatic cleaner spray and mop up the mess. This poor dog will definitely need some help getting adopted. I walk over to the racks of doggy couture and select a tuxedo jacket for him, and a pink, polka-dotted dress for Gidget. I tug the tuxedo jacket on the min pin. He looks much more regal now. Then I remove Gidget from her cage, pet her gently, and slip the dress over her head. She licks my nose.

Eden places her hand over her heart, and Avril pinches Yessi. Even Yessi cracks a smile.

Score—she’s softening to me.

Hugh finally decides to grace these women with his presence. “Hi ladies. I’m Hugh. Not sure what Preston’s told you, but this is a one-shot deal. We’re a boutique puppy store, not a hotel for homeless mutts.”

I shake my head, disappointed with how he’s been acting today. I expect more from him now that we’re working together. He’s coming off as such a jerk. And I’m shocked he didn’t even try to flirt with Avril or Eden.

A familiar scowl appears on Yessi’s face. She turns to Avril. “See—I told you Preston isn’t going to change the store.”

Avril opens her mouth, but I interrupt. “Ignore him. I’m a man of my word. I’ve set up the kennels for the dogs. Follow me, and we can get everyone situated.” I walk ahead of them and look over my shoulder to see Avril whispering something to Yessi, who just rolls her eyes. But once we reach the kennels, I turn around…and notice that Yessi’s lips are quivering.

“You did this for them? They can actually stay here?”

I beam with pride. “Yup. We have full-time kennel attendants and a vet who comes in once a week to check every dog. Every Friday, all the dogs will also be groomed. And we have a small outdoor space out back.”

Yessi reaches into her purse and pulls out a manila envelope and a plastic baggie full of medication. “I have every dog’s vaccination records and shelter paperwork in the envelope, along with a list of their daily medications. Most of them are healthy but a few are recovering from kennel cough, and some of them were recently fixed.” She tilts her head back toward the front of the shop, where Hugh is standing. “He’s not going to be taking care of the dogs, is he?”

I shake my head. “No. He’s just the manager here. I take care of social media, marketing, and financial aspects. One of the kennel attendants will be in later today, and she’ll give me updates on all your dogs. Hugh was going to watch my place, but he doesn’t want to pet-sit Gidget. Do you mind if she stays here?” I hold my breath, half expecting her to chew me out, but she surprises me.

“No. That’s fine. Gidget probably doesn’t want to stay with him, either.”

Eden escorts each dog into a kennel. “I truly want to thank you for allowing our dogs to be here for the opening. We would love to partner with your store. I really hope you’ll listen to Yessi and turn this store into a wonderful place for the community to save lives.”

I study the dogs in front of me. I assumed they’d all be mutts, but there are a few purebreds sprinkled amongst the sea of Chihuahuas. A brown dachshund rolls on his back as a fluffy poodle sniffs a beagle’s butt. Did the rescue really find all these dogs in shelters?

I have to admit I’ve never been to an animal shelter. I’d just assumed they only had old, sick dogs. A pang of guilt hits me hard—am I really doing the wrong thing after all? Contributing to the slaughter of homeless pets? Will this be my legacy?

“I’m looking forward to having Yessi teach me about shelter dogs.” My phone’s alarm goes off, and I pull it out of my pocket to silence it. “We have to head to the airport now, or we’ll be late for our flight. Ladies, thank you again. The dogs will be taken care of, and if you need to come into the store for any reason, please tell Yessi, and I’ll arrange it.”