The One I Want

By Megan Slayer

Who knew love could be found at the dog park?

Cameron Johnson wants to fall in love. He'd also like the man he's interested in to like dogs, too. Why? He considers his black Lab, Winston, to be family. If the dog and the guy don't get along, the deal is off. Except there's one man who's caught Cameron's attention...and he's got a Collie.

Josh McDowell didn't start visiting the dog park to find a date. He wanted to exercise his Collie, Dolly. His dog, though, has other ideas. Once she meets Winston, she's smitten. His owner is rather easy on the eyes, too. Josh gathers his nerve and makes the first move. Cameron is his kind of man—sweet, quiet, smart and a dog person. Their connection is strong, but with Josh's insecurities and Cameron's fear of commitment, will it last?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Feb 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781786517074

Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com. When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Book preview

Pride Publishing books by Megan Slayer

Single titles

Constant

Permanent

Vaulting

Drive my Car

We Belong Together

Finding Michael

Anthologies

Out of Bounds: Crossing the Line

Out of Bounds: Making the Play

Aim High: Lifetime Hitch

Brothers in Arms: One Night with You

Collections

What’s his Passion?: Wild Card

Must Love Dogs

THE ONE I WANT

MEGAN SLAYER

The One I Want

ISBN # 978-1-78651-707-4

©Copyright Megan Slayer 2019

Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill ©Copyright February 2019

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2019 by Pride Publishing, United Kingdom.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.

Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

Book one in the Must Love Dogs series

Who knew love could be found at the dog park?

Cameron Johnson wants to fall in love. He’d also like the man he’s interested in to like dogs, too. Why? He considers his black Lab, Winston, to be family. If the dog and the guy don’t get along, the deal is off. Except there’s one man who’s caught Cameron’s attention…and he’s got a Collie.

Josh McDowell didn’t start visiting the dog park to find a date. He wanted to exercise his Collie, Dolly. His dog, though, has other ideas. Once she meets Winston, she’s smitten. His owner is rather easy on the eyes, too. Josh gathers his nerve and makes the first move. Cameron is his kind of man—sweet, quiet, smart and a dog person. Their connection is strong, but with Josh’s insecurities and Cameron’s fear of commitment, will it last?

Dedication

For Sue M because you believed in me.

For RF because you keep believing in me.

For the pups.

For DH because you’re still here.

Trademark Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction:

Superman: DC Entertainment

Chapter One

I wonder if anyone ever hooked up at the dog park. Cameron Johnson walked his dog, Winston, to the wrought-iron gates. He shouldn’t be talking to himself. If one of his students saw him, they’d tease him. He didn’t care about being teased or spotted. He loved the kids and a little ribbing from them wasn’t a big deal. What he did care about was finding someone. Jesus. He hated being alone. Sure, Winston was a great companion and could warm the lonely nights, but Cameron wanted a boyfriend. His last one, Lance, drank too much and his constant desire to party had driven a wedge between them.

He led Winston through the gate and closed the locking mechanism. Okay, Win. Go nuts. He unclipped the dog’s leash. Winston bounded away from Cameron, then whipped around. With his tongue lolling down the side of his mouth and one ear standing on end, he appeared to be smiling.

Cameron laughed and tugged the tennis ball from his pocket. Are we really going to play fetch today? Or another game of catch and destroy? He threw the ball, then strode over to Winston. The dog caught the tennis ball, but instead of bringing it back to Cameron, he plopped onto the grass and proceeded to destroy the flocking.

For being labeled a black Labrador Retriever, you sure don’t live up to your name. He scratched Winston’s belly. You hate water and your retrieval skills leave a lot to be desired. Good thing you’re adorable and I love you. Cameron shook his head. He shuddered as he thought about the last time he’d given Winston a bath. There had been more water on the grass and patio than on the dog.

Cameron checked the grass, settled beside Winston and stretched out his legs. He’d fallen in love with Winston from the moment he’d seen him and read the accompanying description at the shelter—lovable pup with boundless energy and appetite to match looking for home with someone willing to train him. According to the woman at the shelter, Winston was a guaranteed chick magnet—if he could be trained. Cameron hadn’t wanted a dog to snag a girlfriend. He’d rather snag a sexy man instead.

He swatted Winston’s rump. Your energy and enthusiasm has pushed more men away than attracted. I’m beginning to think it’s part of your grand plan.

Winston glanced back at him, snorted then resumed destroying the tennis ball.

Of course. You don’t like to share. Cameron leaned back on his hands and surveyed the people in the dog park. He knew pretty much everyone who frequented the area. Most of the folks were friendly and chatted with him. One man seemed to either avoid him or not notice him. He spied the bench and his heart skipped a beat. The hottie had arrived. Every afternoon at five, the same handsome man with the Collie showed up at the park.

Cameron watched the guy. He hadn’t screwed up the courage to say anything to him. ‘Hello’ and ‘goodbye’ were about it. He wanted to talk to him…something like inviting him to coffee or asking if he was single.

But he’d kept his mouth shut.

He turned his attention back to his dog. Why was talking to a guy so hard, but not standing in front of a room filled with teenagers? He didn’t know.

A shadow stretched across Cameron’s legs and Winston stopped destroying the ball. He wagged his tail but didn’t bark. A Collie sniffed Winston’s head. Cameron froze. He knew that dog… It belonged to the hottie on the bench. He glanced up at the owner of the shadow.

Hi. The Collie’s owner grinned and extended his hand. Dolly’s been dying to come over here since we arrived at the park. Our dogs like to play. He knelt beside Cameron. Mind if I sit here?

Uh… Shit. Where was his voice? He swallowed and blew out a ragged breath. Sure. He nodded. Your dog is Dolly?

Yeah. The guy sat beside Cameron. Dolly plopped onto the grass and sniffed the ball, then nosed Winston. The man laughed. She isn’t the most sociable dog. He met Cameron’s gaze. Yes, she’s Dolly the Collie. When I got her, she was so small and reminded me of a stuffed animal. It started out as her nickname, but it stuck. What’s your dog’s name? Since my dog has taken such a shine to him…her?

Him. His name is Winston, Cameron said. "Named after the former Prime Minister. I’m not British, but I love history and World War II history. My first dog, a yellow Lab, was named Churchill. Poor guy had cancer and after he passed, I couldn’t go very long without another dog. When I saw Winston, he was