“What the hell,” I muttered as warmth pooled in my stomach.
Having to interact with him every day the next week would be torture. I couldn’t help my attraction, but I had to get my body under control. Feeling his thighs around my back made me feel all kinds of things. He leaned forward, moving the other leg over; I was sure I felt something firm against my back.
He grunted some. Was he doing this intentionally? Finally, he was on the other side of me. He shoved the end table, the books and clock fell to the ground, and the lamp wobbled but stayed upright. Charlie immediately tensed up again.
“What is wrong with you? How did you ever get approved? You’re a menace.” I closed my eyes and shook my head slightly.
“Honestly, I’m wondering about thatmyself. “
I almost felt bad for my comment. River again slid himself under the bed. He was not skinny but didn’t carry the bulk I did on my back and shoulders.
“Give Charlie about two feet to keep him from panicking and hurting himself.”
His body was close enough that I could feel the warmth of his thigh against mine. He smelled like sandalwood and blueberries, which wasn’t unpleasant. Since he was looking towards Charlie, I could see blood in his hair where he must have hit it. Pushing the faux fur-lined bag towards him, it touched his hand, and he mindlessly grabbed it. Pulling it around so it was in front of him.
“Make it look like a cave as much as possible with the opening facing Charlie. Move it close enough to grab it once he climbs in. That’s it, that’s it.”
I couldn’t see around his head and shoulders, so I trusted he was listening. He spoke quietly yet confidently. Encouraging Charlie to move towards the “cave.”
“Come on, Charlie, come to us where it's safe. You’ll be okay.” I doubted Charlie understood the words even though he could learn them. They placed pups when they were four months old, but he had yet to learn the basics, like come and stay. It made me feel better that he encouraged him with sentences instead of words. Dragons did better when conversed with instead of just commanded.
“He’s moving!” He was quiet but enthusiastic, his body tensing up next to mine.
I remembered the dried meat I stuck in my pocket. I could grab it by slightly turning my hips, accidentally brushing my groin against River. I sucked in a breath. How could such a slight touch cause such a reaction? It made me wonder about my sanity. I didn’t even know this guy. How could I have this level of attraction? Maybe after all theseyears, my body has just given up waiting for my brain, and it’s going rogue. Now, the first attractive man I am close to causes my manhood to dance.
I stuck a small amount of the meat in my mouth, turning it to mush. “Give me your hand.”
“What? Why would we hold hands?” I shook my head, wondering why he would think I wanted to hold his hand. Was this guy for real?
“No,” I said as calmly as possible. “I mean, put your hand out. I can give you a treat to encourage Charlie to get into the bag.” He twisted his arm so it was palm up and backward. I took the mush from my mouth and put it in his palm.
“Ugh… What is that? Why is it wet? Where did it come from?” I closed my eyes. How had I gotten myself into this situation? I was answering ridiculous questions, under a king-sized bed, in some rich man's house, whom I wanted to drive my dick into until he begged me to stop.
“It’s meat. I chewed it up to make it soft since Charlie is still a baby.” I couldn’t decide if he annoyed me or amused me.
“Gross, this has your spit all over it.” I could hear him make a gagging sound. I decided he amused me.
“Please, just show him the meat and encourage him to get in the bag. I’d like to get out from under here today. It should excite him to get a snack, especially beef.”
“Come on, Charlie. The bag will be warm and snuggly.” Seriously, this guy was all kinds of adorable.
He was doing a good job, and I wanted to encourage him. I touched his back, hoping to let him know he was doing well. I could feel the heat of his body, wishing I could slide under that soft T-shirt and feel his warm skin. I looked at his back in front of me. At that moment, I realized my hand was on his ass, not his back, since he was much fartherunder the bed than myself. I jerked my hand away. We both remained silent, not knowing if I should apologize or pretend it didn’t happen. I assumed his silence meant we were ignoring it.
“Charlie, you are such a good boy. Come on. Almost there.” Trying to contain his excitement, I listened to his voice climbing octaves. I knew we almost had him in the bag, safe and sound.
“You did it! Isn’t that so much more comfortable? Here, eat your …meat goop. I’m sure it’s yummy. What should I do?” He whispered.
“Slowly, pull it out from under the bed. Charlie is happy in the pouch now. It’s where they feel safest. In that way, they are like a kangaroo's joey and never outgrow it. Pick the whole thing up, then hold it against your body once you are out.”
“Okay, I can do that.” He was excited. My heart did a little jump of excitement for them both. I knew I wouldn't forget this moment. His enthusiasm for his companion was evident.
I shuffled myself out from under the bed, groaning as I stood up. Things were stiff, and it wasn’t just my knees. I looked at the clock; it was 11 a.m. When I took the mentor class, they told us to arrive at the client’s house within eight hours of their match. I got here as soon as possible, following my mentor’s example. I was glad it paid off.
Relieved that the 'rescue’ was done, I had to decide what to do from here. I had not expected this when I left my house this morning. The next Dragon Club conference would be fun when I tell this story, especially after I give it a little color commentary.
As I watched River and Charlie, holding the pouch close to his body, he smiled at his new companion. You could tell he cared. River looked up at me, worried. Holding his gaze, I felt something else and forced myself out of those thoughts. The bruise on his forehead looked terrible, and his pain was noticeable when he moved.
I took the bundle from his arms, our skin brushing and causing a spark. “Looks like both of you had a rough morning.” I raised one eyebrow.
