Page 9 of A Furry Thing Called Love
Easy?No.Once they are set in their ways, it can be hard to teach a dog—anyone really—a new way to do something, but never impossible.
Arthur chuckles.“Business going well then?”
I nod and click my fingers, calling Indie back to me.“More than.The private lessons will always be what I do best, but I'm enjoying the bigger classes, too.”
“I should hope so, after all the trouble you went through to get the training room built up at your place.”
I make a face, but he's right.Expanding my business and getting all the permits in order to turn the small building I’d built at the back of my property into a training center was a pain in the ass.I understand the need for rules and regulations, but for a small dog training business, it was frustrating.
“At least that's done with and I can start helping more people.Anyway, we should get going.”
“You sure?We got a few new arrivals that could use some love and attention…” Arthur knows my weakness for snuggling small animals, and if the teasing grin on his lips is any indication, he can sense my interest.
Shaking my head, I back up a few steps, calling on all the willpower I have.“No, we need to get home and get the kids fed.I still have a stack of flyers to drop off with Dr.Louisa.”
“Next time then.Maybe I can convince you to take one home with you, too.”
Immediately, I shake my head and walk backwards toward the door.“Absolutely not.I don't have the time or need for another animal.”
“Indie wants a playmate, don't you?”
Indie barks and Arthur laughs, while I glare at the dog in betrayal.
“My menagerie is full up…for now, but I’ll be by soon to love on the babies.”
“I’ll wear you down soon enough.You’re as bad as I am with animals.”
Rolling my eyes, I tap my palm on my thigh and spin around.“I plead the fifth.Come, Indie.We’ll see you later, Arthur.”
“Yep, see you soon.Bye, Indie.”
Indie follows slowly out of the shelter.I’d threaten to leave her, but the last time I did that, she stopped in the middle of the foyer and dared me to.The dog is way too smart for her own good.
Sighing, I hold the door open for her as she very slowly and carefully makes her way out of the building.Shaking my head at her antics, I wave a hand at Arthur as he laughs at me.He gets way too much amusement from my snarky companion.
Our next stop is less eventful, though Indie charms everyone in the vet’s office, because of course she does.I swear the dog has more game than I do—not that I’m looking for anything, but still.If I tried to flirt, it wouldn’t come off half as well as when Indie does it.
I’m friendly and personable, sure, and maybe I took a little too much joy at helping push two of my friends together when they were dancing around each other, but actually dating myself?No, thank you.I think my string of exes-turned-friends speaks for itself as to why being single is the thing for me.
Never mind the fact that the only person I’m not friendly with is the one that makes me rethink the way I go about my dating life.It’s been three years, and aside from some dates that haven’t gone anywhere, I think I have to admit I haven’t gotten over or moved on from Arlo.
It’s a strange realization.I knew I was hurt, that I didn’t want our time together to end because I was in deeper than I was supposed to be for a fling, but the true realization of how much it’s being weighing on me didn’t come up until I saw him in person again.
Aside from Val, Arlo has been the only one who’s everseenme.Valery and I didn’t work out for many reasons—their move across the country being the big one.But there was also the fact we weren’t sexually compatible…or more accurately, my being asexual meant there were sometimes hurt feelings when I didn’t have the same need, desire, or attraction for sex as Val did.
Not that they ever blamed me for it.They’re my best friend for a reason, the first person I ever fell head over heels forbecausethey’re who they are: smart, understanding, and one of the best people I’ve ever met.
Val and I learned a long time ago that we were always meant to be in each other’s lives as friends, but there are times I wish that wasn’t true.Simply because it would be easier.
Indie nudges me and I shake myself of my rampant thoughts, pushing open the driver’s door and sliding out of the car, so Indie can jump down after me.She goes straight to the gate, her bright-blue eyes staring intently at me, as if judging me for being so slow.
By the time I’ve unlocked the gate, we’ve gathered an audience.Both Porter and Juniper are impatiently waiting on the other side, welcoming us home with appropriate snorts and bleats.
Juniper almost makes it impossible to walk as she runs around me, tripping me more than once.“If you kill me, you won’t get fed,” I warn her.
I manage to make it into the house unscathed, though I do get molested by Porter on my way in, as he sticks his snout against my pocket, basically begging for the dog treats in there.
I barely make it through the door when a voice calls out, “Hello?Free me!”
