Page 87 of Bronco

AJ

He just looks scary, he’s really not that bad once you get to know him, and I showed her a photo

Me

Did you just describe me?

AJ

Ha ha

Me

Wait, since when did you have photos of my dog?

AJ

I always take photos of your dog. I especially like the ones where he’s lying on his back asleep with his paws dangling in the air

Me

So much for killer instinct, he’s supposed to be a guard dog

AJ

Not in this lifetime

Me

Cleaning up, I’ll CU tonight

AJ

Copy that

My pulse isn’t just racing, it’s beating to its own drum. I didn’t expect that I’d be seeing her again so soon, or if she’d even want to after this morning’s conversation. It may have ended on a positive note, but I know how she likes to overthink things.

Maybe sex doesn’t complicate things at all. Maybe it just makes everything better.

I take a quick shower when I get home, despite dreading washing away Amber’s scent from my body, then feed Titan, telling him he’s got to be on his best behavior. He really is great with kids, and hopefully if Olive doesn’t freak out, he won’t get his feelings hurt. Kids often take one look at him and burst into tears. He wags his tail and tries to make friends, then lays down with his face on his giant paws. It’s as if he’s trying to figure out what he did wrong. It isn’t his fault, and I’ve come to adore his grumpy face.

I wear my usual attire: jeans, henley, boots and my cut, nothing fancy. By the time Titan and I are in my truck heading to the pizza place, I’m whistling a tune.

Glancing sideways, Titan’s staring at me.

“What?”

He’s sitting upright in the passenger seat, giving me a noticeable side-eye. He’s so judgy.

“You like Amber,” I tell him. “And I’m sure you’ll dig Olive, she’s not annoying like some kids can be. I’m sure she won’t cry or hide behind her aunt.”

He yawns loudly, then lays down, his head on his paws.

“Keepin’ you up, big fella?”

He yawns again as if he really does understand what I’m saying.

“Maybe you should have a nap before we get there, might put you in a better mood.”

---