Chapter 7 Daddy Dorian #2
I had no response to that, not when my face flushed at the praise. Guess I had a bit of a praise kink in me, just like Raleigh and Murry.
She hugged me, kissed me on the cheek, and then turned me loose, right into another conversation.
Despite the numerous people clamoring for a moment of my time, I managed to keep one eye on Murry and Raleigh throughout the night, grateful for Phoenix’s presence, as the man remained within arm’s length of them, even while they were playing.
I never saw him interfere, but it was clear that he was taking the title of handler to heart tonight, or maybe it was just part of the unique relationship they had.
If ever a man was a natural protector, it was him, which left me wondering why he didn’t have a little one or a pet of his own.
Maybe one day, if I got to know him well enough, I’d ask.
The rest of the evening was a crazy blur of conversations and posing for photos with clients, a handful of whom had brought pets already wearing gear I’d designed.
Since I never announced exactly what pet play outfits I’d be unveiling, many came hoping to see if I unveiled a new piece in an already established line.
This time, my fox and koala folks had gotten glimpses of the new designs for those pets; next time, it would be bunnies and kitties, in honor of my two new models.
I hoped they enjoyed the surprises I had in store for them when that moment came, too. They deserved a bonus for all the hard work they’d already put in, and there would be many more sessions before the next show, three months from now.
“Phew,” Phoenix said after the last guest had left and it was just the five of us left in the shop, along with the cleaning crew Aspen was already overseeing. “That was a lot.”
“Which is why we only do it four times a year,” I remarked.
Murry and Raleigh looked exhausted, and Phoenix didn’t look much better.
“Why don’t we head upstairs, and you guys can shower and crash in the spare bedroom on the pullout couch if you’d like. With the day we’ve had, I’m sure you’re all exhausted.”
“I can’t,” Phoenix said. “But I appreciate the offer.”
“We’ll stay,” Murry offered. “I’m more than ready to sprawl out and not move until morning.”
“You and me both,” Raleigh declared. “No way I want to ride across town tonight.”
“That settles it then,” I said, offering Phoenix my hand. “Thank you again for helping out.”
He chuckled, his grip far less punishing than the first time we’d shaken hands. “No problem, it was actually fun. I wouldn’t be opposed to doing it again.”
“Well then, consider yourself their official handler for the next show,” I replied. “You might even wind up doing a few gear changes yourself now that I have time to plan.”
“Hey now, don’t make me regret making that offer,” he said, but there was a smile on his face as he headed for the door.
Aspen locked up, then pulled me aside before the boys and I could head upstairs to the loft.
“Honey, the fox suits sold out,” he said.
“As did the unicorns and almost all of the dragons. I’ve got six special orders for you to look at on Monday and a list of requests in the book from handlers with unique pets.
It was a smashing success. I lost count of how many items we sold off the racks, in addition to accessories.
That’s not counting the orders that came in online during the livestream.
I’ll have the full numbers for you once I get everything packed and shipped. ”
“Those numbers can wait until Monday,” I declared. “You are taking tomorrow off, the same as I am, and I won’t hear any more about it.”
“You know you don’t have to tell me twice. I will be on the couch with my feet up and a pitcher of margaritas at hand. I plan to do nothing but binge-watch season 2 of The Traitors and order in some prime rib from Franklin’s on Main.”
“Good, you’ve more than earned the treat, my friend.”
“You’re damn right I have,” he replied, winking at me. “I was fucking fabulous today. Now go see to your sleepy-eyed friends. They look half out on their feet.”
“Yeah, I’d better get them tucked in. Who knows, maybe they’ll stick around tomorrow, and we can just relax and not have to think about anything to do with designs, poses, or worrying about how something fits.”
“I hope it works out for you,” he replied. “And if it doesn’t, you are always welcome to join me, but you make sure you bring your own margaritas.”
“Will do,” I replied, chuckling as I headed over to where Murry and Raleigh stood near the rear door, Murry leaning against Raleigh’s chest as Raleigh held him.
“Ready, guys?” I asked.
“More than ready,” Murry muttered.
“You can shower in the primary bathroom,” I told them on the way up. “The shower is more than big enough for you both.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” Murry moaned. “Because I’m so tired, Raleigh is going to have to help me, or I’ll fall asleep.”
“Who’s going to help me?” Raleigh muttered.
“I can, if you want; three can fit in there as easily as two can,” I offered.
“That must be one big-ass shower,” Raleigh said. “Even the one at the club doesn’t fit three people.”
“I may have been a bit indulgent when I had it designed.”
“Works for us,” Murry said. “Right, Raleigh?”
“Hell yeah, it does.”