“I can’t charm anyone into doing something they weren’t already planning to do,” he countered. “You should know that better than anyone, Jada. I only provide an outlet for the urges that are already there.”

Ruby had never been more grateful for her years of stage training. She called on every ounce of willpower she had to stop herself from laughing out loud. She’d been so caught up in getting Wheezy to jump through at least one hoop before he exited the show ring that she’d failed to notice the way that judge was eyeing Caleb.

It was a sensation she’d felt toward the other Wilson twin far too many times to be ignorant of its power. There was deep, unyielding annoyance in that gaze…and way more lust than was good for anyone.

On the other side of the judges’ table, Eva covered her own amusement with a cough. “As much as I’m sure we’d all love to debate Mr. Wilson’s capabilities as a dog trainer, I think we should get things moving. Lawson, do you think you could, ah, urge our contestant to leave the ring?”

Lawson rose to his feet and cracked his knuckles. With an apologetic shrug for Ruby, he started to make his way toward them. The sound of a familiar male voice stopped him before he made it halfway.

“I probably should have mentioned that the replacement judge I chose and my brother have a somewhat…torrid history,” that voice said near her ear. Spencer was so close that Ruby could feel the vibrations of his breath tingling up and down her spine. “I don’t know all the details, but from what I understand, Jada once threw his television out a window. I can’t say I blame her. I’m often tempted to do the same.”

Ruby felt her lips start to twitch.

“I wanted to make sure you didn’t feel like I was favoring you in any way, so one of Caleb’s angry ex-girlfriends seemed like the best way to go. There were several to choose from, but Jada has always been my favorite.”

The twitch of her lips became a bona fide smile.

“Sorry about this, your honors.” He gave the judges a small wave before stepping forward with a cheeseburger in his hand. “I’ll have him cleared away and out of your hair in a second.”

Eva and Lawson could tell what was coming next, but Jada only stood and stared as Spencer dangled the cheeseburger at Wheezy with a complete lack of irony.

“What are you giving that dog, Spencer?” Jada demanded. “He’s already fifteen pounds over show weight.”