Chapter 12 Madison
Madison
I’m tired, but in an “I worked hard today” way, by the time I climb the stairs to my apartment after my five o’clock class. It’s getting dark. I’m hungry, and I can’t wait to soak in a hot shower. I’m halfway up when I hear the barking.
Oh shit! I left poor Ace in the apartment all day long.
Oh my God, I’m a terrible dog owner. I totally forgot about the poor guy.
The walk that I had planned for noon ended up being just a quick bathroom break because one of my instructors called out with a sick child.
Since I was the only one available, I had to take over her class immediately.
After that, I barely had time to breathe for the remainder of the day and no time for a break.
Damn it! My poor puppy! I rush up the stairs as if hurrying will somehow make it right.
Who forgets they have a dog, for goodness’ sake?
“I’m coming, Ace!” I say as I fumble with the door lock. Why did I let those guys install three deadbolts? It’s taking forever to get this door open, and I can hear his sharp, high barks. I fling the door open, darting inside.
The state of the room stops me in my tracks.
It looks like a bomb went off. The chaos that greets me is jarring.
A white fluffy substance resembling snow covers the floor.
Under closer examination, it turns out to be the fluff inside my shredded accent pillows.
One of my leather sandals is on the kitchen floor next to an upended trash can.
There’s trash and empty takeout containers all over the kitchen tile.
I walk over and pick up my shoe. Hoping against hope that it’s still in one piece.
It isn’t. Damn, these were my favorite. I’m surveying the mayhem with regret when a cold nose bumps my thigh.
I look down, and there’s Ace. Looking up at me with those sweet chocolate eyes, nuzzling my thigh.
“Well, this is a disaster. Isn’t it, buddy? Mom really messed up, didn’t she?” He whines and paws my thigh. It doesn’t smell bad, so maybe I lucked out in that department. I resign myself to a night of cleanup and go to grab his leash.
“What the hell happened in here?”
Walker and Liam are standing in my doorway, staring open-mouthed at the disaster that is my living room.
“Did someone break in again?” My brother asks, his voice full of concern.
“This looks like more of an inside job to me,” says Liam. “Ace?”
I nod.
“It’s all my fault. I left him up here all day, and I didn’t have time to take him for a full walk at lunch.”
“Yeah, he’s a working dog. He’s not going to do well cooped up in here all day long.” He looks around in dismay, which is when I remember that Liam’s family used to breed dogs.
“I’m not sure what to do here. I remember your family always had a lot of well-trained dogs around and I was always so jealous. God, I wanted a dog of my own so badly.” I confess.
“Me too!” Walker injects.
I used to love going to Liam’s house because of all the dogs. My parents were adamant about their refusal to get us a pet. They blamed it on hockey, but I just think they didn’t want pets. My mom was so OCD about cleaning. I can’t imagine her dealing with dog hair.
“Let me think about it while you take Ace out. I can see he’s got to go.” Oh God, why did I think I could do this dog mom thing? I’m terrible at it.
“Yeah, back in a few,” I say as I hurry out the door.
I hear Liam tell Walker to help him clean up while I’m gone. I don’t hear Walker’s answer, but I hear the protest in his tone. He’s probably trying to get out of it. Cleaning is his least favorite thing.
I walk Ace across the street to the park.
It’s a short walk from my studio and so convenient, plus there are quite a few people out tonight walking their dogs.
Ace stays by my side the whole time. He doesn’t react at all to the other dogs, although some of them react to him.
I wish I had a treat with me. He’s behaving so well.
I give him a pat, telling him he’s the goodest boy.
I may need to do a little shopping tonight.
Everyone else has those poop bags attached to their dog’s leash.
At least Kenji brought the basics last night, so I’ve got food and bowls.
Mentally, I make a list in my head of all the things he’ll need.
I really should have thought this through so much more than I did. Nowhere to go but forward for now.
By the time we get back, Ace and I both are much more relaxed. I feel ready to face the disaster that is my home.
“I promise, Ace. Mom’s gonna get better at this.” I say as I run my hand over the soft fur of his ears. I’ll do some research tonight and hopefully get some pointers from Liam.
Walking into a clean apartment is heaven. It’s so nice to have someone just step in and take care of things. Liam’s been stepping up for me in a big way lately, so at the very least he deserves the biggest hug.
You just want a chance to feel up all those muscles.
Liam’s sweeping the kitchen floor when I walk in. His smile hits me, and my body lights up with a kind of relaxed joy that I don’t expect.
“Wow, thanks so much cleaning up. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.” I tell him. He blushes, and it’s far more adorable than I want to admit.
“It’s all good. We ordered some dinner from that Thai place you like. It should be here shortly. How did Ace do on his walk?” Liam asks.
“He was so well-behaved. I can’t believe he’s the same dog that tore the place up. Thank you so much, guys, for handling the mess. I’m so tired and I was having trouble facing it tonight.” Liam grins even as his cheeks flush pink.
“Happy to help, Mads.” Liam says cheerfully. “Ace was a police dog, so it’s not a training issue. My guess is that he got bored. K-9‘s are used to being with their humans most of the time. Being cooped up all day isn’t going to work for him. I’ve got a few ideas if you’re open to hearing them?”
“Oh, thank god!” I say as I flop down on the couch, making room for Ace to snuggle up next to me. “I’ve been racking my brain about what to do because I want Ace to be happy, but I’m not sure how to make that happen.”
“Well, I was thinking ... I go for a run most mornings, so I’ll just stop by here and take Ace with me. Back in high school, I used to take my dogs every time I went on a run. They loved it.” Liam replies.
There’s just enough room for Liam on the couch next to Ace.
He sinks down into the soft cushion before leaning over to pet him.
Ace, who shamelessly rubs against him, places a paw on his thigh when he’s done, asking for more.
It’s freaking adorable. Judging by the look on Liam’s face, he’s just as smitten as I am.
“You miss having dogs around, don’t you?” I ask.
“Yeah, I really do. They were such a big part of our lives growing up, but with all the traveling I do, it’s hard. I can’t ask my parents to do more than they already do. Plus, they’re planning some trips this year now that Dad’s retired.”
“Oh, I love that for them. How fun.”
“I’m thinking I’ll stop by around seven tomorrow morning?” Liam informs me.
“Would you? That would be amazing, Liam. What should I do with him for the rest of the day, though?”
“Well, I noticed that one of our owners, Joslyn, brings her dog with her to the arena or the practice rink every day. I’m thinking if I ask our GM, maybe you can just bring him to our morning class. He’s well-trained. Did you get a list of the commands he’s used to or any more training info?”
“Oh, I forgot all about that! Yes, Kenji mentioned that last night, but I haven’t had time to take a look yet. I’m epically failing at dog ownership!” Poor Ace. He got stuck with the defective dog mom.
“No, you’re not.” He puts a finger under my chin and raises it up. Hazel eyes full of encouragement. “It’s one day, and we’re going to fix it. I think you should try and take him with you tomorrow, like everywhere. What do you have going on?”
“Our class in the morning, then one adult class after lunch, and my kid’s class in the late afternoon.
I was going to film some content for my channel, but I can wait on that.
The studio is closed on Sunday, so I can hold off filming until then.
You really think he’ll be okay if I take him with me?
” The thought of having Ace with me all day sounds terrific.
“I absolutely do. I’ll send Damon a text asking if you can bring him with you tomorrow.
Mentioning that he’s a retired K-9, will give them some confidence in his behavior.
I’m almost positive it won’t be a problem.
Can you forward me the email Kenji sent?
I’ll take a look at it tonight, and we can regroup in the morning.
It looks like you’ve had quite the day already, Maddie bear. ” Liam says, giving me a gentle smile.
I used to hate being called that when we were younger.
Mainly because the boys did it to tease me.
Although thinking back, I can’t remember Liam saying it much.
I guess it was mainly my brother. I’ve always lumped the two of them together.
Maybe it’s time I stop doing that. It’s becoming clear to me they are actually quite different.
“Thanks for cleaning up,” I say softly when Walker heads to the door to grab our takeout order. “It was so thoughtful.”
“Anytime, pretty girl.” Liam says quietly, running a finger down my cheek.
His hazel eyes are tender, peeking out from behind a tuft of unruly blonde hair.
I love the way it always looks a little messy.
It’s so damn sexy, like he just rolled out of bed.
My fingers are itching to bury themselves in it and see if it’s as soft as it looks.
“Food’s here.” My brother announces.
Liam gives me one more softly affectionate look before heading over to the kitchen, but I need to catch my breath, and try not to hit my brother for interrupting whatever that was. Was he about to kiss me? It felt like it. I find I don’t hate the idea. Not even a little.
“Come one. Ace. Let’s grab some food.” I say, my voice still shaky from the intensity of our encounter.
The rest of dinner goes by without incident, all of us sharing about our day.
They share all their funny rookie stories.
It’s familiar and comforting and just what I needed tonight.
After a quick cleanup, the boys are on their way home, and I’m taking Ace out for a quick before bedtime walk.
I can’t muster much energy for anything more than snuggling up with Ace and reading a few chapters in my current romance book.
I’m just about to turn the lights off when my phone beeps.
Liam: Don’t forget send me Ace’s info frm Kenz
Maddie: Gotcha Sent ??
Liam: Damon said ok about Ace ????
Maddie: Thk God ??????
Liam: Cool. Got it. What’s the name of the book? Gonna get an audio copy for when I run.
Maddie: r u sure? ??
Liam: yes ??
Maddie: K (Link to hockey romance book)
Liam: Thx Mads GN ??
Maddie: GN Thx for all your help! ????
I smile as I drift off to sleep, thinking about his reaction to that book during his run tomorrow.