“She’s a fighter, isn’t she?” Amy beamed as she stroked gentle fingers down Lady Luck’s back, careful to avoid her healing incisions. Jory had to grin. The mutt hadn’t even been here a week and she’d already won the hearts of all of his staff. “Look at her. She looks so happy, Dr. Crosswind!”

“She does.” Jory leaned against the doorframe, both arms crossed over his chest. Amy and Michelle sat cross-legged on the floor of the exam room with a blanket spread out between them. Lady Luck wagged her stumpy tail and rolled over on her back, her front paws flapping in the air. Jory chuckled. “She’s got you two wrapped around her chubby little paw.”

Michelle puffed out her cheeks at him, her blonde hair frizzing out from her ponytail. “Like you’re not? Hah! I heard you cooing to her last night, talking all baby-talk to her. You’re a sucker too, pal.”

“Busted.”

“I dunno, Michelle. I think the bossman is soft on Lady Luck’s owner.” Amy’s grin was devious and aimed right at him. Little brat. When Jory scoffed and rolled his eyes, both girls burst into laughter, which made Lady Luck wag her tail even harder. Thwap. Thwap. Thwap.

Jory pointed a finger in warning. “I believe that’s none of your business, Ms. Ballantine. Remember who signs your paychecks.”

“It’s true though, isn’t it? You and Thiessen Ward? He seems to like you a whole bunch, anyway,” Michelle said. “I think it’s cute. It’s about time you dated someone. You’re too nice of a guy to live the bachelor life, Dr. Crosswind. You’re awesome and I’m not just saying that to suck up to my boss.”

“Mmm.” Not like he could really hide it. Thiessen had dropped by to visit several times this week to see his dog, but Jory got the feeling he was really coming around to see him. And every single time, Jory’s soul lit up like the fourth of July. He couldn’t seem to stop grinning around the man, so it wasn’t a surprise that his staff had picked up on it. Ah well, might as well come clean.

“It’s nothing official. Yeah, we’ve got a casual thing going on, but Thiessen isn’t so…” He waved a hand. “Easily swooned, I suppose.”

“No offense, Dr. Crosswind, but that guy is totally swooned,” Amy said, matter-of-fact. “He’s just shy. Trust me, I know the type. He’s digging you. Why else would he be coming around? He doesn’t seem to be a big dog lover, if you ask me.”

Michelle raked her fingers through Lady Luck’s scraggly fur, gently scratching. The scabs on her skin caused by the mange were starting to clear up. “I noticed that too. He’s timid around her, like he’s afraid he might get bitten. This little doll wouldn’t hurt a fly, would you, baby girl?” Lady Luck squirmed to get closer, her pink tongue lapping at the air excitedly. “Such a good girl.”

Thwap. Thwap. Thwap.

Jory started to speak, but a soft knock on the door made him pause. “Come in,” he called. The knob twisted and a nervous-looking Thiessen poked his head in. Hell, just seeing him made Jory’s heart swell.

“Am I…interrupting something?”

“Of course not. Come on in.” Michelle and Amy exchanged a knowing look. Giggling to themselves, they chirped out a quick hello and all but darted from the room. With the door shut in their wake, Jory rubbed his face and groaned. “Thank the gods you’re here. I was being interrogated by my techs.”

“About what?” His lip twitching, Thiessen shuffled in. He glanced between Jory and Lady Luck, who was sitting propped up on her good hip, her pendulous ears swinging back and forth as she tried to figure out who would give her scritches next.

Jory blew out a sigh. “About you. About…us, I guess. Not exactly proper boss-employee conversation. I love my girls, I really do, but they’re too damn nosy for their own good.”

Thiessen grinned, all lopsided and boyish, and damn, did it look good on him. The sudden urge to pull him close and kiss him rose up like a tidal wave, but Jory quickly stuffed it back down.

Nope. He’d told himself he wouldn’t rush things again. Whatever they did, they would do at Thiessen’s pace—even if the burning need to kiss the man breathless drove Jory slowly insane. He promised Thiessen they’d go slow and he was a man of his word.

“You’re welcome,” Thiessen quipped, dragging Jory’s attention back up. “Can I…” He shuffled a little closer to where Lady Luck sat on the fleece blanket, almost hesitant to get down on the floor with her. “I mean, is she… I won’t hurt her?”

“She’s a trooper. Just like someone else I know.” He winked. Thiessen’s cheeks flushed a light pink. “Here.” Jory crooked a finger, then sat cross-legged on the blanket beside the dog, who slowly hobbled over to him, her ears perked. She knew she was about to get attention. “Sit.”

“Will you help me back up?” Thiessen’s voice went quiet all of a sudden.

“Of course, Thee. Now come. Sit.” He patted the spot beside him. Carefully, Thiessen got down on the ground, one leg folded under him while the other—his prosthetic leg—stretched out in front of him. Thiessen lifted his face and Jory met his gaze with a smile. “You’ve been here on and off all week and you haven’t really gotten to know her yet.”

He dragged his lower lip in between his teeth. “I don’t wanna hurt her.”

“You won’t.” As if to prove Jory’s point, Lady Luck stood on three legs and limped over to her new master, her tail giving a wag. She sniffed at his jeans before licking a damp spot over his knee. Thiessen made a face, but he outstretched a hand to pet her. “See? She’s already getting around.”

“She’s so skinny.” He sounded sad. He ran both hands down her ribcage, his fingers stroking over each individual protruding bump.

“I know. Who knows how long she was out on the streets, living off garbage and scraps. She’s been a stray for awhile, I’d say, but she’s definitely had a home in the past. She knows what toys are and she seems to love people. She’s even won Hemi over, and you know how he can be.” Jory smiled. “She’s a good girl. All she needs now is a home and a little TLC. I think you can manage that.” He bumped his knee against Thiessen’s thigh.

Thiessen nodded. Lady Luck leaned her small, stocky body against his leg. His fingers scratched behind her ear with little flicks and her eyes went half-lidded in pleasure. She was happy. Surely Thiessen saw that.

“I don’t know anything about owning a dog. Cats are easy. Give them food, water and a litter box and they’re set. Dustfeather is pretty self-sufficient. He doesn’t need me for anything except to fill up his bowls and scoop his shit.” He huffed. “He doesn’t seek out attention. He’d rather keep to himself.”

“Well I don’t think Lady Luck will be keeping to herself. I have books on dog care and training I could lend you, but honestly, it’s not that different than with a cat. Food and water is a given. She’ll need to go potty outside and some toys to keep her busy, but beyond that? All she wants from you is love and affection and a warm lap to sleep in, and I know you have love to give.”

Thiessen’s eyes widened, but a smile stole over his face. “I do.”

“It won’t be that bad, I promise. If you need anything, I’m just a text away, you know.” Jory winked. “And you can bother me anytime. I don’t mind being your handsome storybook savior.”

“Ugh, shut up!” Thiessen smacked at his leg, but it was half-hearted. “One time. I mention it to you one time, and now you’re never gonna let me live it down. I told you—when you dragged my sorry ass out of the rain, I wasn’t thinking straight. I was scared and hurt and exhausted, and here you come, swooping in with that sexy smug-ass face of yours, with your careful touch and your calm voice, and you just…” He sighed. “You were memorable, okay?”

“Memorable enough to wank off over?”

Thiessen’s face turned beet red. “Oh my god, Jory. Stop. Just stop.”

“What? I can’t help that I’m so attractive that you had wet dreams about me. Besides.” He flashed a wolfish grin, his brows jumping up and down suggestively. “I can’t deny it—I totally wanked off to the memory of your cute ass.” Countless times.

“You’re terrible.” Thiessen scowled.

“You’re hot. I’m a guy.” He shrugged. “I try to behave, honest to god I do, but you drive me crazy. Sometimes it’s all I can do not to touch you. You really don’t know how badly I want to.”

Or how much he ached to feel the warm press of Thiessen’s firm body against his, to lay him down and experience him, discover every last secret the man was hiding away beneath his clothing. God, he would worship each and every scar…

“Yeah?” Thiessen’s breath hitched, but his voice stayed smooth. “You wanna touch me? Even though I’m…” He made a face and pointed to his leg. “I’m not really— I haven’t…” He stumbled over the words, then shook his head. “Ugh.”

“I don’t care what your body looks like,” Jory said softly, gazing into Thiessen’s doubtful green eyes. “And don’t you think for a minute that I’ll be repulsed or turned off somehow by your lack of a limb, because I won’t. I’m not that kind of man. You are beautiful and you deserve to be loved, even if you have a few missing pieces.”

Thiessen swallowed audibly. He looked away, down at the dog who was now sprawled halfway in his lap, snoring softly. Completely oblivious to the humans duking out emotions right in front of her. His hand never stopped petting her.

“I want to touch you,” Jory reaffirmed gently. “But I won’t. Not until you’re ready.”

“What if I’m ready?”

“What if you are?”

“Would you…?” Both hands smoothed over Lady Luck’s fur. “Right now?”

Jory’s heart jumped. Still, he hesitated. “Touch you?”

“Kiss me,” Thiessen whispered.

Suddenly, his pulse roared in his ears, but he smiled nonetheless. Rising to his knees, Jory slowly moved to the man’s side. Thiessen’s nostrils flared, but the glint in his eyes was fiery with determination.

Jory swallowed and raised his hand, trailing a gentle touch from the height of Thiessen’s cheekbone, down the smooth skin of his cheek, to brush his knuckles against his jaw until his fingers curled just beneath the man’s chin. His thumb traced the soft pillows of Thiessen’s lips. They parted on a breathy exhale.

“Are you gonna run away again, if I do?” he murmured.

Slowly, Thiessen shook his head. Jory wet his lips. Thiessen’s gaze dropped to Jory’s mouth and Jory could see his pulse jumping in his throat, but all he could smell was Thiessen’s apple-honey essence and in that moment, he needed this. Needed him.

Cupping Thiessen’s face in both hands, he leaned in and brushed his lips against Thiessen’s, the barest of touches. The kiss was soft and simple, innocent, but it held a promise for so much more. Thiessen made a sort of gasping noise in his throat. His palms flattened over Jory’s chest, hesitating there for only a moment before they slid up his neck to twine fingers in his hair.

“Okay?” Thiessen breathed, his puff of breath warm against Jory’s mouth. An invitation.

Jory closed the distance between them, growing bolder. It was a slow glide of lips and skin and want and desire, all wrapped up in one sweet kiss. This time, Thiessen’s body reacted to his touch. Parting his mouth, he kissed back. Sparks shot down Jory’s spine at the rush. Yes, yes, yes. This was what he’d been waiting for. This was what he craved. He groaned softly before bumping his nose up against Thiessen’s.

“Good?” His voice was breathless.

Thiessen’s eyelids fell closed on a peaceful sigh. His entire body seemed to relax, the tension draining from his shoulders. “So good. You’re so damn patient with me.” Even as he said it, Thiessen ran his fingers through Jory’s hair, as if reluctant to let him go.

Jory smiled, his heart feeling as if might just burst. “You’re worth it.”

“Ready to shop till we drop?”

The goofy smile Jory wore was enough to make Thiessen laugh despite his nerves. Lady Luck would be coming home sooner rather than later and Thiessen didn’t know jack-shit about dogs, let alone what sort of necessities to shop for.

Luckily for him, Jory did, and the man was willing to spend the day with him at the massive MegaPet mall in Archer’s Pointe. How did he get so lucky? Thiessen slid into the passenger seat, buckled his belt, and clapped both hands over his thighs. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Jory reached out and brushed the backs of his knuckles down his arm. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fun. I love shopping.”

“Maybe I should hook you up with Peri then. She is a shopaholic. You two would get along,” Thiessen said wryly. He hated shopping, but when your best friend was Peri Andrews, you got dragged around the mall—a lot. He learned long ago to suck it up and go along with it. Usually she bought him lunch at the food court and Thiessen couldn’t turn down free Japanese.

Jory rolled his eyes. “Aren’t you just a ray of sunshine. Trust me, I’m nothing like Ms. Andrews. I speed shop. Get in, shop, get out. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am!” He threw his head back and laughed, then reached for the gearshift. The SUV peeled out of the drive. “And we’re off and running like a herd of turtles.”

Thiessen smiled. He couldn’t help it. Jory’s enthusiasm was contagious.

He’d only ever been to the local pet shop and that was only because the grocery store didn’t carry the finicky hairball formula kibble that Dustfeather needed. When Jory pulled up in front of MegaPet, Thiessen’s jaw dropped. “Holy fucking shit. What is this, a pet emporium?” The place was humongous.

“It’s a bit overwhelming, huh?”

“They must be overcompensating for something. Jesus.”

Jory only laughed.

Thiessen followed the man into the oversized mega-mall, stunned to silence as they wandered down the wide aisles between row after row of dog items. Aisles of toys, leashes and collars, pet food, cages, scratching posts, grooming supplies—you name it, they had it in multitudes. “Jesus, do they sell the dogs here too?”

He was being sarcastic, but Jory frowned. “Unfortunately. Pet store puppies are overpriced and usually ill-bred with various health conditions. I would never suggest anyone support a mega-chain like this by spending thousands on some designer dog. You’re only gonna end up heartbroken.” He sighed. “There’s a reason for the “Adopt Don’t Shop” posters in my office.”

“Damn.” Thiessen made a quick mental note to avoid the puppy area. He wasn’t sure he wanted to see such sad faces peering out from behind a pane of glass. “Do you think Lady Luck was a pet store puppy?”

Jory shook his head. “Nah. She’s not exactly what you’d call a stunner. She’s ugly-cute. Don’t give me that look, I think she’s darling. She was probably the result of an oops litter. C’mon, let’s go look at the crates.” He gestured for Thiessen to follow him.

“Do you really think I should put her in a cage?” Jory bent down to inspect a couple of boxes, no doubt looking for size dimensions. Every time that Thiessen visited Lady Luck at the vet clinic, she always looked so pitiful behind the metal bars of the cage, like a scruffy little inmate. “I dunno if I have the heart to lock her up.”

“Don’t think of it as a prison cell. It’s more of a safe space. You don’t have to shut the door.” Jory tugged a wide, rectangular box off one of the lower shelves and slid it onto the bottom rack of their shopping cart. “You can put her favorite blankets in there, a doggy bed, her toys; you name it. Then if Dustfeather decides to harass her, she can get away from him.”

“Oh.” He could see that happening. Dusty was not gonna be happy.

“Plus, until you’re sure you can trust her not to chew on your furniture, you can crate her whenever you leave the house. Okay, what’s next?”

“I dunno, you’re the one running this ship. I’m just your cabin boy.”

A slow smirk tilted up one corner of Jory’s mouth. “Mmm. Arr, matey. I like me cabin boy’s booty. Arr, arr, arr.”

“Hil-aaaar-ious.” Thiessen rolled his eyes, then shoved his shoulder against Jory’s side. “Keep your eyes on the prize and not my booty, thank you very much. What’s next?”

“Spoilsport.” Jory strode on ahead, leaving Thiessen to follow, pushing their cart. He found the man in the dog food aisle, reading the ingredients on a couple of bags. Jory’s finger skimmed down the tiny box of text. “You’re gonna want something with a lot of protein until she reaches a healthy weight. She’s too skinny. This is the brand I feed Felicity.”

Thiessen nodded at the bright blue bag of dog food. The bag itself was glossy, with a golden retriever on the front, and boasted a high-protein, grain-free diet suitable for all life stages. “The question is, does it taste good?”

“Well, you can choose from chicken, duck, lamb or beef. What’ll it be?”

“The million dollar question. Let’s go with beef.”

“Beef it is.” The twenty-pound bag shook the cart on its castors when Jory dropped it in. He grabbed two stainless steel bowls off the next shelf and added them to the pile. “Onto the fun stuff. Toys!”

There were so many rows of dog toys that it made Thiessen’s head about spin off his shoulders. Bones and chew toys, stuffies and squeaky toys; they even had puzzle toys in bright and bold colors. It was overwhelming, but Jory seemed to know just what to get.

Soon, their cart was almost overflowing with dog accessories. Jory found some gentle shampoo for itchy skin and Thiessen spent an absurd amount of time looking at collars and leashes.

“I feel like she should have bling.” He held up a bubblegum pink collar with glittery rhinestones and a matching leash. “Do you think she’d look good in pink? They also have purple and teal.”

Jory grinned. “Thee, honey, I think you’re gonna be the type of owner who buys their pup a different collar for every day of the week. You’re gonna end up one of those guys who matches their dog’s accessories to his outfits. This dog is gonna be so damn spoiled.”

Well, he couldn’t really deny it. “Sounds like fun. I’ll make sure to drag you along for the trip next time I decide to drop a couple hundred bucks on Lady Luck.” With a wink, he swayed his hips and tossed the collar and leash into the cart. “Are we done? Surely this is enough shit. She’s just one tiny dog.”

They found an open check-out lane and Thiessen swiped his card to a total of just over four-hundred dollars. Even the cashier was a little flabbergasted by the price when she finished ringing everything up. “Wow. Must be some dog.”

Thiessen felt his heart sing. “She’s worth it.”

Wasn’t that what Jory had told him? That he was worth it? The thought made fire dance in his soul and happiness bubble in his chest. He was worth it—and so was Lady Luck. They’d been through enough shit in their lives. They deserved to be a little bit spoiled.

His mood sank, however, when he saw the churning black skies up ahead. He could smell the rain on the air, charged with electricity. Goosebumps prickled down his arms. He didn’t realize that he’d frozen up in the middle of the parking lot until Jory’s strong arm wrapped around his waist. “Just a storm. It’s not gonna hurt you,” the man murmured, guiding him to the truck.

Thiessen shivered nonetheless. “I hate them. Storm season is my downfall.” He sank into his seat and rested his temple against the cool glass of the window. “Let’s get home before all hell breaks loose, shall we?”

The drive back to Sundog Park was tense. His breath stuttered with each rumble of thunder that rolled through the car, despite Jory cranking up the volume on his favorite jazz station. By the time they pulled up to Thiessen’s place and hauled armfuls of bags inside, he felt strung out and anxious.

“I’m sorry. I need a minute.” Spinning on his heel, he limped into the kitchen and flipped on the lights above the kitchen sink. He braced his arms on the edge of the counter and dropped his head, focusing solely on his breathing. In and out. In and out. He was fine. He was safe and dry. The storm would pass, just like all the others.

He stiffened when he felt Jory come up behind him, but the man’s touch was gentle. He slowly ran both palms up Thiessen’s tight back. They slid over the fabric of his sweatshirt, reaching the apex of Thiessen’s shoulders, before gently massaging over them.

“Are you gonna be okay?” His voice was that deep thrum of tranquility once again. Thiessen closed his eyes and focused all of his attention on the feeling of Jory’s hands, soothing him. He bobbed his head in a quick nod, but said nothing. So long as Jory kept touching him, he might be okay.

A peal of thunder shook the windows in their sills and Thiessen jumped, a strangled sound escaping him. Almost immediately, Jory wrapped both arms around him, cradling him against his chest even as Thiessen’s heart sped like a runaway train. He shuddered. Jory’s breath warmed his ear only moments later. “Breathe, baby. I’m right here.”

His breath hitched. “You’re not leaving?”

“No way in hell, not when you’re scared like this. I’m not leaving you alone until you tell me to go.” Jory paused, his fingers dragging down Thiessen’s sides to settle at his waist. “Do you want me to go?”

“No! Please, stay. I’d… I’d like that. We can watch TV or something. Get my mind off the storm. It helps when I’m distracted,” Thiessen admitted. His hands cupped over Jory’s, anchoring them where they rested on his hips. He could feel the heat of the other man against his back, they were so close, but there was nothing sexual about it.

It was purely comfort.

“Anything you wanna do, Thee. I have nowhere to be tonight. I would’ve just spent my evening gaming and texting you.” Jory brushed his nose against the shell of Thiessen’s ear, then placed a kiss at the hollow beneath it. “Let’s go to the couch. You can give me the grand tour later and I’ll try not to gawk.” He chuckled.

Without a word, Thiessen grabbed Jory’s hand and led him into living room. Exhaustion slammed into him full-force. He sank down on the plush leather couch and tugged on Jory’s arm to bring him down beside him. Needing him.

Jory plunked down and immediately made himself at home. “Ooh, comfy.” His large body cushioned by the couch, he kicked his legs up on the coffee table and stretched out. Thiessen hesitated for only a moment before he made up his mind. He climbed over Jory, shifting around until he was lying beside the man, cradled in the space between Jory’s warmth and the pillows of the couch.

Jory threw an arm around him to tug him closer. “Better?” The word came out on a hum. Thiessen saw the smile in those deep brown eyes before his lips ever gave it away, and his heart clenched. It felt right, touching like this, cuddling like this. He rested his cheek against Jory’s shoulder and placed his hand, palm down, on Jory’s chest.

“Better,” he whispered on a sigh. “You feel safe.” He closed his eyes, only to feel Jory brush a kiss against his forehead. It only reaffirmed these feelings that Thiessen held like a bouquet of flowers, gripped to his chest. It was true, though. Being in Jory’s arms felt safe.

More than that, it felt like home.

This time, when the sky roared and the lights flickered, Thiessen buried his face in the dip of Jory’s armpit. He dragged in a breath; the rich, musky scent of man mingled with the spicy hint of his deodorant. Jory smelled good. He always smelled good. Thiessen wanted to bathe in his scent, wrap himself up in Jory’s bedsheets and wear him like a fine cologne.

Jory cuddled closer. His fingertips played along Thiessen’s ribcage, drawing swirls and circles over his skin. Even through the fabric of the hoodie he wore, it felt a little bit like bliss and Thiessen sighed.

“What are you thinking, right this moment?” Jory’s voice was hushed, quiet.

“That it would be too easy to fall in love with you…”

“You can let yourself fall, you know. I’ll catch you.”

Thiessen smiled. “I’m counting on it.”