Page 8 of Wish I Didn't Want You Back

“Fine. One night,” he snapped.

“Can you at least try to be nice?” Molly barked back.

He scoffed. “Don’t you dare lecture me on being nice. You’re the one who dropped her off here without even asking if I was okay with it.”

She threw her hands up. “Because I knew you would say no.”

He leaned against the doorframe. “You’re lucky that your husband is my best friend.”

Molly beamed, clearly happy that she had won this round. “I’m sorry for springing this on you at the last minute.”

“Save it,” he grumbled. “Next time, give me a damn warning. And don’t think for one second that I’m happy about this.”

“Hello.” I waved my arms in the air. “May I remind you both again that I’m standing right here?”

Molly gripped my elbow gently. “Sorry, Harlow. I just want to make sure that you’re going to be okay tonight. I know this isn’t ideal, but it’s only temporary.”

He shoved a hand through his hair. “Damn right, it’s temporary.”

Brooks wasn’t exactly known for his forgiving nature. I had a feeling this little arrangement would test both of our patience. Still, I was relieved that he was letting me stay.

“Thank you, Brooks. I promise to be out of your hair tomorrow. I won’t stay one more second past my welcome.”

“Of course, you won’t, because leaving is what you do best.” He pushed off the doorframe and stormed back inside the house.

I looked up at the sky and said a quick prayer, asking for patience and maybe a small miracle.

CHAPTER THREE

BROOKS

The door shut behind me as she crossed over the threshold into my house. Every breath, every little shuffle of her feet made me want to spin around and tell her to leave. But I wasn’t the type of guy who would leave a woman in need stranded without a place to sleep. No matter how much her presence angered me.

I walked over to the back door to let Diesel in. A blur of black fur shot past me.

“Whoa.” Harlow gasped, stumbling back as my black lab barreled toward her, his tail thumped with excitement.

“Diesel,” I barked, but it was too late. The dog immediately started jumping on his paws, like he was ready to knock her over.

“Oh, my goodness. Aren’t you adorable?” Harlow crouched down, laughing as Diesel licked her face like he had just found his long-lost friend.

“You got a dog.” She glanced up at me with a soft expression on her face. “You always wanted a dog.”

“Yep,” was all I said.

I got Diesel two years ago, right after I finished building this house, to keep me company.

“He’s so friendly.”

“He’s going to slobber all over your dress.” I was annoyed that my dog was showering her with so much attention.

She scratched behind his ear. “I don’t mind. I’m planning on throwing this gown in the trash anyway.” She stood up and continued petting my dog, who didn’t appear to be leaving her side anytime soon. “It looks like I made a new friend.”

“Don’t get used to him. You’ll be gone tomorrow.” I snapped my fingers. “Diesel, come.” The dog gave her a lingering glance before trotting over to come stand at my side. I walked over to the cupboard to grab a bone to keep him busy.

The second I placed it in his mouth, he happily trailed to his dog bed in the corner.

“Thanks again for letting me stay.” Harlow’s soft voice floated over my shoulder. I turned to face her, and for a split second, I almost dropped the act. Seeing her in that dress messed with my head. I wanted to believe that she wasn’t just running from him, but back to me, but I wasn’t that young, stupid kid she left behind. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about what happened.

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