Page 14 of A Furry Thing Called Love
He steps into my space, setting his good hand on my cheek.“I appreciate that, I really do.But I can’t be a burden, Jor.I was made to feel like one with my ex, and I can’t do that, not again.”
I scowl.“Your ex was an idiot.I won’t promise to not worry about you, because I still care for you, if it wasn’t obvious, but…I’ll back off if you want.”
He meets my gaze for a long moment before slowly shaking his head.“No… It’s fine.I like that you’re here.It makes me feel less alone.”
“You’re not alone.”
The moment becomes heavy as we stare at one another.Swallowing, I force myself to take a step back, lest I do something stupid like kiss him.
“So, food.What do you have?”
“Uhh.”He scrubs a hand down his face.“Not much, I admit.How about I call in for pizza?”
“Sounds good.You know what I like.I’m going to go let the dogs out.”
“Okay.”
Heading to the den, I take a second to regroup because, what the fuck?This wasn’t supposed to happen.I wasn’t supposed to confess the things I did on the drive to the hospital, or show him how deeply I care about him, even now.Hell, I wasn’t supposed to have feelings this deep to begin with, but…there’s something about Arlo Wright that gets under my skin, always has.
But…maybe this is our second chance, to be friends if nothing else.My battered heart gives a desperate thump, encouraged after all this time to finally be near the one man who stole my attention and affection.
It’s fine.We can be friends.If he wants to be.The obvious tension and unresolved feelings between us won’t be a problem at all.
Dropping my head in my hands, I try to get my shit together.I have no fucking idea what I’m doing, except letting the man who broke me once before back into my heart, because being around him is as easy as breathing—even when it hurts.
I’m so fucking screwed.
Chapter10
Arlo
I pick at my pizza,hungry yet not at the same time.The meds they gave me at the hospital are starting to wear off, and the excitement of the day, paired with my normal fatigue, is starting to drag me down.
“Do you want me to take Millie for the night?”Jordan asks.“So you can get some decent sleep without having to worry?”
“I can’t ask that of you.”
“You’re not,” he argues.“I’m offering.I have a crate I can set up.She’ll be fine.Only if you want, no pressure, of course.”
“She’s not socialized yet.She’s okay around some dogs, but she’s reactive to birds, so I don’t know how she’d react to Rodey?—”
“Breathe, Ar.It’s okay.It was just an idea.If you’re not comfortable with it, that’s fine.If I’m being too overbearing…”
I sigh.“You’re… Fine, you are a little.I know you’re just trying to help, but I promise, Jor, I’m not going to suffer in silence.If I need you to do more than you already have, I’ll ask.”
“Okay.”He looks like he wants to say more, but lets it go.“I should get home.I need to feed the zoo.”
“I’m afraid to ask…”
He laughs.“I have Rodey, of course, and Indie.I also got a pig… It’s been almost three years since I got Porter.And last fall, I got a goat.”
I huff a laugh.“Of course you did.Full house there.”
Jordan smiles a little.“I don’t know…maybe I could use another goat, or some chickens.”
I shake my head, but I know he’s not joking.Jordan’s affinity with animals has always been endearing.I’m not surprised he’s managed to add to his family in the last three years.
“I’m sure Indie will be happy to see you, and Eli, again.She’ll be good for Millie, too; she’s perfect for introduction to socialization.How is Millie with other dogs?”
