We walked toward my house so I could pick up Chopper for his second walk, which is what I sometimes did on shelter days. He had so much energy that I was glad to do it. And with Jude’s advice the other day, I was testing out my leader-of-the-pack mentality. And deteriorating at every attempt.

“What have you got to lose?”

“You’re right,” she said. “I just wish he would make the first move.”

After we got Chopper situated, we made it to the edge of the soccer field at the park, but I refused to look toward the bowl. The dogs lay down on the cool grass for a quick rest, their tongues wagging.

“I decided you’re right,” Emmy said. “I’m going to say something to Tristan at the end of my shift about meeting me at Zach’s. If he shows then maybe I’ll get to know him outside of the shelter.”

I wrapped my arm around Emmy’s neck and pulled her into a one-armed hug. She laid her head on my shoulder. “You deserve some happiness, sweetie.”

“Thanks, buddy.”

I kissed the top of her head and she sighed.

“And some good sex.”

She giggled and then popped me in the arm. It was so easy to make her squirm. We laughed and my head lifted when I felt a tug on one of the leads.

Emmy bent over, untangling a couple of leashes, and my eyes darted to the bowl. Jude was standing on the far side of the cement wall, his gaze directed at us. My heart gave a start because I expected him to be skating, not watching me.

His eyebrows were drawn together, his eyes narrowed in that same pissed expression he’d given me when I saw him with his probation officer or whoever the hell that dude was the other day. But as his gaze bored into mine I realized he wasn’t ticked off, he was jealous. Maybe suspicious of what my relationship was with Emmy. What the hell?

I took a step back and shook my head. The tightness in my chest constricted even further. He couldn’t get involved with me, yet he couldn’t handle seeing me hug a friend? Fuck that. So messed up.

“Let’s take the dogs to the fenced-in park.” Emmy straightened and withdrew a ball from her pocket. “I thought we could play some fetch.”

“Let’s go,” I said, ready to be finished with Jude’s equally frustrating as confusing scrutiny. As we neared the newly constructed area, I said, “So cool how they’re allowed off leash.”

“It was needed in this town,” she said. “I think this will be good for Chopper, too.”

After we closed the gate behind us, we took off the leashes and the dogs began roaming free, tails flapping.

We played fetch and I pretended that the back of the property line did not give the skateboard pen a clear view. I kept my eyes forward though I could still sense Jude’s gaze on me.

Chopper generally did well with the other dogs, though he was grabby with the ball and could be an intimidating presence around them. I made sure to keep my eyes peeled on him.

It was after Emmy threw the ball again that I heard a yelp. At the end of the fence there was a cluster of dogs and Chopper was yapping and nudging at Patch, who now had possession of the toy in his mouth.

“Chopper,” I yelled in warning and began heading over there.

“Better grab him before he’s kicked out,” Emmy said, following behind.

And then the worst happened. Patch attempted to head in the opposite direction with the ball still perfectly balanced in his jaw. Chopper went after him, pinning the smaller dog beneath his haunches in the grass, and nipping at his neck.

All at once, Jude was scaling the fence and releasing that low whistle from his throat. The other dogs fell back nearly in unison, which left Chopper and Patch fighting one another.

Before I could say or do anything, Jude grabbed Chopper by the scruff, forcing him to release Patch while simultaneously making a different noise.

Jude gently but firmly forced Chopper down on his side as he loomed over his snout. Chopper’s limbs fell limp as he assumed a submissive position.

I halted my stride and watched this interaction in complete awe.

Emmy grabbed Patch and began rubbing behind his ears to soothe him.

She looked between Jude and me as we stared each other down.

My neck felt clammy and hot, self-conscious that I couldn’t control my own fucking animal.

“You know your dogs,” Emmy suddenly said to Jude, maybe to break the tension between us. She knew him from the shop but I was going to guess she’d never spoken directly to him. Few had in this town. He looked up at her and opened his mouth but nothing came out.

I implored him to say something. He seemed hesitant but it wasn’t like he wasn’t familiar with Emmy. Besides, I could vouch for her—no danger would come his way if he interacted with her.

But he seemed to figure that out on his own. “We had a few dogs on the small farm where I grew up.”

“It shows,” Emmy said. “If I might make a suggestion, I think you should trade places with Cory. Let him deal with his own dog.”

“No, it’s cool, I . . .” I was actually nervous that Chopper would only ignore me.

Jude nodded and sat up on his knees. “Come around this side.”

I walked to where he was holding my dog and knelt down next to him.

“Take my place.”

I scooted over and when my hands landed on my dog’s back near Jude’s, he loosened his grip and slid sideways. As soon as I was the one in control, Chopper gave me a pitiful look and attempted to get up.

“Don’t let him,” Jude said low to my ear. “Come up with some kind of assertive noise and then show him who’s boss.”