I should’ve known Max’s parties would change my life eventually.

I just didn’t expect it to be because of a girl standing in Pietra’s kitchen, arguing passionately about whether pineapple belongs on pizza.

Spoiler...it does not. That’s how we started talking.

She was Pietra’s best friend, which meant she was instantly in our orbit.

Easy laugh, sharp comebacks and this way of looking at me like she was trying to figure out if I was actually funny or just British.

We talked all night. Then we meet up. And suddenly we were dating, and she was at my place more than her own.

At first, I thought it was coincidence. My apartment was closer to everything, better view, better snacks obviously, but still…I noticed. We almost never went to hers.

I didn’t push. Until that day.

We were in her bedroom for the first time, tangled up together, laughing into kisses, everything warm and soft and perfect. I brushed my fingers under the hem of her shirt and she didn’t stop me.

My heart was going mental..proper drum solo in my chest.

Then I heard it. A deep, rumbling 'voff.' I froze. She froze. Slowly, like in a horror movie where you know the murderer is behind you, I turned my head.

In the doorway, stood the biggest dog I have ever seen in my life. Massive. Black. Built like it could bench press me. It stared directly into my soul.

“Holy..” I said carefully. “..who's that?” She burst out laughing. “That’s Rex. A Cane Corso.”

Rex didn’t move. Just watched. Judging. Protecting. Possibly planning my funeral. And that’s when I understood.

Fast forward to tonight.

We’re on her couch, she’s curled into my side scrolling on her phone, and I’ve got the TV on even though I’m not really watching.

I’m watching her.

I slide my arm tighter around her waist and pull her closer. She smiles, leaning into me.

Victory.

For approximately three seconds. Heavy footsteps. A dramatic sigh. Then suddenly, oomph..a 50 kilo body launches onto the couch and directly on top of her.

“Rex!” She huffs with giggles, buried under Rex. Rex turns his head slowly and looks at me.

Not aggressive. Not playful.

Just a calm, steady look that clearly says : I saw that.

I lean back, offended. “Mate. I was here first.”

Rex huffs and spreads out more, effectively becoming a living, breathing girlfriend shield.

She reaches up to scratch behind his ears. “He’s just protective.”

“Protective?” I gesture at the enormous paw currently resting on her stomach. “He’s acting like I need to submit an application form.” She laughs and kisses my cheek. "You’ll win him over.”

I look at Rex. Rex looks at me.

This is a battle of wills now.

“…I’m buying him steaks.” I mutter.

Her grin softens, and she threads her fingers with mine where Rex can’t block it. “He already likes you.”

Rex gives a dramatic sigh but doesn’t move.

I squeeze her hand, pretending I’m not ridiculously in love while being supervised by a canine bodyguard the size of a small horse.

"Still...you're my girl. I want to touch you when I want to.." I murmur.