Pets, Paranormal Box Set

All a Steer Can Do Is Try-3

Bambi was happy to see me home so early. I’d stopped off on the way home to get a dog treat, which I gave to her after she slobbered over me for a few seconds. Bambi didn’t know what to do with herself, and neither did I. She jumped on my legs and begged to be petted for half an hour before she calmed down. I called the dog-walking service and had them hold services until I returned to town.

I stripped out of my suit and pulled on shorts and a T-shirt. I stood on my balcony and gazed out at the spring skyline, the sun making its slow way across the horizon. When was the last time I’d done this? Years, probably. I thought about what to do next.

Maybe I could head out to the resort early. It was located near a lake, with a nice view of the surrounding countryside, from what I remembered on their website. They were pet friendly, too. I could…read, nap, or take long walks, things I hadn’t been able to do in ages. With that in mind, I called the resort and they were able to upgrade my reservation to arriving this evening. Bambi and I would go on vacation together. Screw the “plus one.”

I went online and got a car rental, then looked through my closet to see if I had any casual wear. I didn’t. Time to go shopping. Perhaps I was in a daze or still in shock from the morning’s events, but my heart was light and my head pounded less, so I just went with it. Bambi and I walked a half mile to the nearest strip mall—she did her business along the way and, man, it was a lot. I tied her leash to a metal rail outside a department store while I went in to get some clothes.

It had been years since I’d purchased anything other than suits and Oxford shirts. I even bought a few graphic T’s, for the hell of it. I wasn’t hurting for money, and I needed to take this time to not only get some rest, but decide on next steps. If I went back to work next week, would I want to continue the way I have been? Did I really want to go back to such a thankless, soul-less environment? I could just quit and start something on my own, become a consultant. I had a graduate degree, after all. It was a lot to process.

By the time we were ready to go pick up the rental, Bambi and I were excited. “We’re going on an adventure, baby girl,” I told her once we were on the road in our rented SUV, heading north.

Her shiny new dog bed, blanket, and playthings were on the back seat next to my suitcase. She stuck her head out the open window, her pointed ears twitching and her tongue lolling as she took in the passing sights. I might have to take some pictures of her and frame them for the walls at the loft. Hell, why not? I felt the stress fade away with each disappearing mile.

* * * *

“Welcome to Shady Cove Resort, Mr. Ames,” said the cheerful, gray-haired matron at the front desk. “We’re so glad to have you, but you look a bit tired, dear. Would you like me to have your dinner brought to your room on a tray, once you check in?”

“That would be wonderful, actually,” I replied because I was really feeling the worse for wear, and Bambi was tired, too. I quickly took care of the necessary paperwork, grabbed my key, and led Bambi up two flights of stairs to the room I would occupy until Sunday morning after the wedding ceremony.

It was after nine at night and dark, so I couldn’t see much out of my window. Didn’t matter, I was too worn out to care. I was simply glad we’d made it in one piece. I left Bambi to investigate the room while I grabbed my bag of toiletries and headed down the hall to clean my teeth and take a piss.

Fifteen minutes later, as I finished putting away my clothing and setting up Bambi’s dog bed, there was a knock on the door. “Dinner, Mr. Ames,” I heard a deep male voice say. I felt shivers run down my spine. Maybe I’d been celibate too long, but that sound had s*x all over it.

I opened the door and eyed the next best thing to Paul Bunyan right outside my door. Jeezus, peezus, he was a man and a half. Yummy. His raised eyebrow clued me in to the fact that I was staring and likely drooling.

“Forgive me, please come in.” I stepped back so he could enter. After I took the tray from him and placed it on my bed, I watched Bambi trot over to meet him. The magnificent example of manhood before me bent over and patted her head.

“Who’s this gorgeous thing?” he asked, and I felt the rumble of his bass chords in the floor and my chest. Guh.

“This is Bambi Turgelson.” On cue, she jumped on him, wanting more attention. The hussy. I wanted to do that, too.

The giant chuckled. “Sounds like a Norwegian prostitute.”

I mock-scowled. “Careful, she might take offence.”

“Well, you’ve got to admit. She’s a slut for attention,” he replied, rubbing Bambi’s ears. I thought I heard Bambi moan. Or was that me?

Finally, Bambi had enough and went to settle in her doggy bed. “Bring the tray downstairs in the morning, Mr. Ames,” the man said as he headed out the door.

Before he could disappear, I quickly said, “Please, call me Cliff.”

He flashed me a knowing smile. “Nice to meet you, Cliff. I’m Jetson Briscoe. Jet to all my friends.” With a wink, he was gone.

I’d definitely like to be friends with him.

* * * *

I had such a good night’s sleep that when I finally awoke, it was nine in the morning. Bambi was sitting by the door, whimpering. Oh God, she needed to go, didn’t she? I could feel her doggy eyes on me, her very bad human.

“Okay, princess. I’m sorry.” I quickly found a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, and in slippers, I attached her leash and was led at breakneck speed down the staircase and toward the front door.

Just my luck, it opened as we got there and before I could say “thank you” to the kind old man who held it ajar for us, I was dragged down the stairs to the nearby woods. I yawned widely as I watched Bambi relieve herself a minute later once she’d found the perfect spot. I caught a glimpse of the lake glistening in the morning sun. I’d have to check it out later.

“Are you happy now?” I asked when she was done, and caught a whiff of my morning breath. Great. I hadn’t even brushed my teeth, and my auburn hair was probably ten kinds of crazy right now. Hopefully I wouldn’t have to speak to anyone before I could clean up a bit.

As we strolled back to the house, I caught sight of Jetson, that sexy giant of a man, as he walked around the side of the resort, heading for the front door. Bambi caught sight of him and gave a happy bark, straining against the leash so she could get to him. I understand completely, girl.

Jetson glanced in our direction on hearing Bambi’s greeting, and he smiled. “Morning. You’re finally up. I wondered if we’d need to pour a bucket of water on you or something.” He bent over to show my baby some love.

“No need. I simply haven’t had a long night’s sleep in years.” And wonder of wonders, my ever-present headache was mild this morning.

Jetson straightened and grinned. “Someone hasn’t brushed his teeth yet.”

“Shit.” I covered my mouth and turned all shades of red, I was sure. “Bambi needed to go, and…” I gestured vaguely and he laughed.

“It’s all right. I don’t care. Never stopped me from kissing a man the next morning in my bed. I also have a weak spot for bed-head and crusty green eyes.”

Oh my. And didn’t those words make me want to find out just how much he liked that?

“Uh, yes, um. I suppose that’s good to know. But let me go clean up and…is breakfast still available?”

“Oh sure. I do most of the cooking and cleaning around here. Mom, the lady you met at check-in, can’t do much of that anymore.” He shrugged. “Come to the dining room when you’re ready. It’s to the left of the front desk. I’ll have a plate of food ready, and something for Bambi.”

“You’re very kind. Thank you.”

“No sweat. See you in a bit.”

I watched him walk away, his tight jeans showcasing every muscle known to man in splendiferous display. My fingers tingled, my c**k wept, and when I looked down at Bambi, she was also watching him go, besotted.

We were screwed.

* * * *

Showered, hair neatly combed and mouth peppermint fresh, Bambi and I made our way to the dining room. I’d greeted a few of the current residents on our way down the staircase. It seemed everyone staying at the resort right now was over the age of sixty, except for Jetson and me.

“You clean up good,” Jetson greeted me as he placed a steaming plate of pancakes and a side of bacon on the table before me. Bambi got a bowl of dog food, which she immediately chowed down. Water was nearby, too, if she was thirsty.

“I suppose anything would be better than what I looked like earlier,” I said before thanking him for the meal.

“You’re here for the wedding this weekend, right?” he asked as he sat to my left and sipped coffee.

“I am, Jetson. A far-flung cousin whom I haven’t seen in decades asked me to attend. I’m the only person in the family who’s gay and hasn’t disowned him, so he said. Maybe he’s feeling sentimental. Anyway, I needed to get away from my stressful life and…so I moved my reservation forward and, here I am.”

“Call me Jet. There’s an underlying story in all this, I bet.”

“You’d be correct.” I’d checked my phone before coming down for breakfast. Surprisingly enough, I hadn’t heard anything from Lambert. That could be good or bad, but I couldn’t bring myself to care much. I was at peace for the first time in years, and I wouldn’t let him spoil my newfound bliss, damn it.

“Well,” Jet said after putting his empty cup on the table, “if you feel the need to unload, I’m happy to listen. In fact, if you want something to occupy your time, I could use help setting up for this weekend’s event. Bambi can roam wherever she wants. The senior citizens are friendly and they’d love a mascot.”

Bambi had paused in lapping water to thump her tail on the ground at hearing her name. “She’s an attention slut, I’ve found,” I offered as I tickled under her chin. “Sure, I’ll help out. It’ll take my mind off things.”

“Great.” Jet stood and leaned over to gently kiss my forehead. “As gorgeous as you are, there are dark circles under your eyes, and your skin is way too pale, even for being a redhead.” He grabbed my plate and my now-empty cup and told me to follow him. “I’ll show you what needs to be done.”