Page 34 of A Furry Thing Called Love
“You can just toss them anywhere,” Val says.“We’ll put your bags away after we eat.”
“Okay, sounds good.”I drape the vests and harness over my suitcase, before following Jordan and Val deeper into the apartment.
The living room is bigger than I expected, full of comfortable looking furniture that my tired and achy body begs to sit down in.
“About time, Jor,” a voice says.
I look toward the open dining area to see Luka by the table, laying out some plates.He’s cute in a boy-next-door type of way.His red hair and freckles stand out against his pale skin, and his cheeks flush almost the same color as his hair when he notices he has my attention.
“Not my fault you decided to move across the country,” Jordan teases.He crosses the space to sweep his cousin up into a hug.
Luka squeaks as Jordan picks the younger, slimmer man off his feet.“Put me down, asshole!”
Indie barks and tries to jump between them.Once Jordan sets Luka down, she jumps on Luka, which isn’t something I’ve ever seen her do before.Luka laughs, getting a face full of fur and slobber.
“I missed you too, Indie.”Luka sits on the floor and Indie tries to sit on him as he pets her all over.
“I see, you just wanted me for my dog.”
“Sure did!”Luka grins up at him.
Jordan sighs and shakes his head.
“While you’re having your love affair, I’m going to start eating,” Val says.“Good manners or not, I don’t think poor Arlo needs to see me hangry.”
“Nobody wants that,” Jordan snorts.
Luka escapes from under Indie and waves me over to him.“Sorry if I was rude.I uh…” He flushes.“I don’t do well with new people.It’s nice to meet you…again.”
“Don’t worry about it.I think Indie is far cuter than I am.”
Luka offers me a small, shy smile.“This is Eli?”
“It is.He’s friendly, and off duty, if you want to pet him.”
Luka holds out his hand and Eli sniffs it, only sparing me the barest of glances before leaning into Luka and asking for pets.
“He’s gorgeous,” Luka says.
“Thank you.”
“You can wash up in the kitchen, if you want,” Valery says.“Or I will eat all of this myself.”
Luka rolls his eyes.“We get the hint, Val, chill.”He gives Eli one more scratch on the head then says, “Come on, they’re serious about eating all the food.Or at least attempting to.”
We all wash our hands in the kitchen sink, then join Valery at the table.
“I hope the food is okay,” Luka says.“I was going to do pizza, but I had that last night with Cal, and I wasn’t sure what you would like to eat.Valery said to order whatever I wanted, but that’s not as helpful as they think it is.”
“Breathe, Luka,” Jordan says.“This is great.You know what I like, so I hope that means you got crab rangoons…”
“Of course, I did.But I still want to make a good impression on Arlo.”
I give him what I hope is a gentle and soothing smile.“It really is great.I love Chinese.”
Luka takes a breath, and I can practically see the relief rolling off him.“Okay.”
We dig into the food, and Jordan moans as he shoves a forkful of beef and broccoli in his mouth.
