Page 16 of A Furry Thing Called Love (Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue #7)
Jordan
“How’s the doggie daycare working out?”
Arlo smiles a little. “Good. Millie seems to love it, and Brooklyn is a good person.”
“He’s a sweetheart; I’m glad it’s going well.
” Brooklyn’s soft nature is endearing, and though I don’t know him well, I’m happy that his doggie daycare is turning into a big success amongst the locals.
I’ve sent more than one client his way, and have heard nothing but positive things about not only his friendliness, but in how he genuinely cares about each animal that comes to him.
“He even sent some pictures throughout the day, so I wouldn’t worry as much.”
I grin. “Did it actually help? Or make you feel guiltier?”
Arlo blushes a little. “You know me too well, but no, it was good. Helped ease my mind, so I could actually get work done.”
I knock my shoulder against his. “I’m surprised Jon’s company didn’t fall apart without you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, we both know it’s Sunny that keeps us all running. But luckily, they’ve been really good about letting me have time off with my relapses, and then my fucking arm.”
“I mean, that’s what happens when you work with your sister and brother-in-law,” I tease.
He bumps his shoulder hard into mine, almost making me fall over into the sand. “Shut up.”
Laughing, I press my side against his, enjoying where his warmth sinks into mine as we watch the dogs play in the waves.
“I haven’t thanked you,” he says. “For all your help with Millie.”
“You don’t have to, I was happy to do it. I don’t want to say it’s my job, because I don’t want to cheapen our friendship, or make it seem like that’s the only reason I’m helping you, but it’s literally my job, Ar.”
“Yeah, but still. You’ve helped me a lot over the last two months, and I don’t know where I would be without you.”
“Well…” I turn my head to smirk at him. “You would have had a fractured arm and a rambunctious puppy. Not to insult my fellow trainers, but…I’m the best for a reason.”
I’m teasing, but Arlo laughs and says, “You really are though.”
“I don’t know about that, but thanks for saying it.”
“Compliments still make you squirmy,” he teases. “Definitely no praise kink there.”
“Shut up.”
“Mmm, make me.” Arlo grins, and our eyes lock.
We’re so close, I can see the way his pupils dilate a little, his clear blue eyes watching me carefully.
My breath catches in my throat and I lick my bottom lip. Arlo watches every move I make carefully.
“Jor…”
“Ar…”
“Do it,” he whispers. “Kiss me.”
“Ar…”
“Please, Jor.”
Closing the scant distance between us is as easy as breathing. Arlo’s lips pressing against mine is just a whisper, but the feel of him…it’s like coming home.
The soft kiss breaks for a moment before he leans in further, kissing me harder, wringing a groan from my throat.
Parting my lips, I get the barest taste of him before we’re forced apart by Millie jumping on me.
“Fucking hell, Mill!” I cry out, falling back onto the sand. I get a mouthful of sand and fur as the dog licks at my face. “Didn’t realize we had to kiss proof her,” I grumble as I manage to shove her down and sit back up.
Arlo doesn’t reply, too busy laughing at her antics. Encouraged by him, all three dogs start running and jumping around us, kicking up sand and spraying us with water.
Using my shirt, I scrape sand from my tongue, and wipe off my face before shoving Arlo over—gently, of course. The asshole just cackles harder and I sigh.
When Arlo’s laughter dies down, I help him sit up, stealing another soft kiss before I stand and stretch.
“I should leave you down there,” I tell him.
“But how will I kiss you more?” he asks, batting his eyelashes up at me.
Biting my lip, I stare down at him, pretending to think it over, before letting out a long sigh and reaching my hands out. He stumbles a little in the sand, but I hold on tightly, and once I’m sure he’s steady, I swoop in and kiss him.
This one is longer, harder, deeper, as our tongues tangle, lips slick, and our teeth catch on delicate flesh as we drink in the feel of one another.
Three long years and it’s like we’ve never gone a day without kissing each other. The feel of him, the taste…hell, even his fucking smell, is all familiar.
When the kiss breaks, we’re both breathless. He stares at me, his lips shiny and red, his cheeks a pretty pink. “I thought we were friends?”
I tighten my grip on him a little. “We are. Friends can kiss too, can’t they?”
“You tell me… I don’t want to fuck this up. You’re too important to me.”
“Yeah…” Leaning in again, I whisper, “Just one more,” against his mouth.
This kiss is soft, sweet, and too fucking reminiscent of the last one we ever shared. My breath catches in my throat and I squeeze my eyes closed tightly, soaking up the last few moments of bliss.
A wet nose presses against my calf, and I smile against Arlo’s mouth before pulling away and looking down, meeting Millie’s soulful brown eyes. “Ready to go?” I ask her.
She woofs and Arlo snorts. “Guess so,” he mutters.
I meet his gaze once more, enjoying the spark in them as we stare at one another. He seems as reluctant as I am to back away, but eventually, we step out of our embrace. I immediately mourn the loss of him against me, but shove the feeling away.
I reach down and grab Millie’s lead, handing it to Arlo. While we trust her enough to play on the beach—especially when it’s sparse of people like it is now—it’s still a good practice to keep her leashed while walking around, just until she’s used to having the freedom of being off-leash.
Plus, Arlo declared I was in charge of running her down on the beach if she took off. Out in the parking lot or on the road is a different story, the last thing either of us wants is for someone—dog or human—to get hurt.
“Can you hand me my crutches?”
Picking them up off the sand, I dust them off a little before passing them over.
Arlo rolls his eyes. “Such a gentleman.”
“Do they help more than the cane?” I ask curiously.
“Yeah, they give me a bit more stability, I think. Which was the main problem I was having on days where I was either too fatigued or my legs didn’t quite want to work with me.
Especially with Millie, I was terrified of being knocked over.
So, I’m glad to be able to use them again when I need to.
The physiotherapy is helping as well, giving me more confidence to use them on various terrain.
Plus, the tips they’ve given me have even made using Eli more effective. ”
“Good.”
We slowly head toward my car. Eli’s back in his harness, so he stays near Arlo, while I hold Millie’s leash, and Indie leads the way.
“So, I’ll be going to Boston next month,” I say casually.
“Going to see Valery?”
My stomach flutters at him remembering not only where Val lives, but their name. “Yeah, Luka too. I didn’t tell you this, but you know my cousin?”
“The younger one who came down to stay with you for that week?”
I can’t stop the grin that spreads on my lips at him remembering all those small details about my family. “Yeah. Anyway, he moved out there last year—rents a room from Val—so I’m going to go see the both of them.”
“I’m surprised they haven’t tried to get you to move out there.”
I laugh. “Trust me, Val’s tried. But, I like it here. I’ve made a nice life for myself, and fuck snow.”
Arlo snorts. “Such a Southern Californian boy.”
“Yep.”
We make it to my car before I get up the nerve to ask, “Want to go with me?”
Arlo stares at me for a long moment. “Wouldn’t that be awkward?”
“Why?”
“We’re friends, and I only met your cousin once, three years ago, but he probably doesn’t remember me. And who knows what your best friend—who, let’s not forget is also your ex—must think of me… I doubt they want some stranger showing up at their door.”
“Val would love to meet you. They’re happy we’re friends again, and Luka is too. They’d probably be more excited to see you than me.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Okay.” I hope I hide my disappointment well.
Even though the thought just occurred, the idea of having him with me, meeting the other two most important people in my life… Fuck, I want that so badly.
I already knew I didn’t want to let Arlo go again. After those kisses though? Even if they never happen again, there’s no doubt in my mind, Arlo Wright was meant to be in my life.