Page 19 of A Furry Thing Called Love (Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue #7)

Jordan

I accept Arlo’s wheelchair from the flight attendant and push it out of the jetway into the terminal. Arlo follows behind with both dogs and his crutches in hand. Once we’re out of the way, he reattaches the holder onto the chair and slides the crutches inside.

“I’m going to walk,” he tells me.

“You sure?”

“Yeah. I need to stretch my legs.” He fiddles with his bag, pulling out Eli’s harness and strapping him in.

I bite my tongue to not ask him if he doesn’t want to at least use the forearm crutches, but it’s a near thing. From the look Arlo gives me, I don’t do much to hide my thoughts.

I understand wanting to walk. Even though we managed a direct flight, it was still long going from one side of the country to the other. I also feel the need to move around now. Still, I keep a close eye on him, because it’s in my nature to be a little protective.

I end up pushing the wheelchair while Arlo holds Indie’s lead as we navigate our way through the busy airport. We get to baggage claim, and I check in with Arlo.

“I’m fine.” He scowls. “If you’re going to be this annoying already, I’m going to muzzle you.”

Laughing, I turn to the conveyor belt and wait for our bags. “I’m sorry,” I tell him. “I’d just feel terrible if something happened to you.”

Arlo steps up to me, smiling gently. “I love that you care, but I need you to trust me, Jor. This is my life, my illness. I’ve dealt with it for a long time. I promise, I’ll let you know if I need something.”

I take a deep breath. “I’m being overbearing, aren’t I?”

“A little, but I know it’s because you care.”

“I do.” More than I can say.

The moment is too charged for an airport, so I go back to gathering our bags.

“I can pull mine,” Arlo says, reaching for it.

“I got it.”

“Don’t do that.” There’s frustration in his tone.

I cringe. “Fuck. I’m sorry. This…is a lot harder than I thought.”

Moving closer to him, I reach out and brush my fingers across his jaw. “I’m trying, Ar. I promise. Just… I want to make things easier on you, but I’m making it harder, aren’t I?”

He sighs. “No, not really. I simply need you to trust me, Jor.”

“Okay.”

I want to kiss him, but we haven’t done that since the day at the beach, and now isn’t the time or place to see if he’s receptive for more.

Pulling back, I grab my suitcase, setting it on the seat of his wheelchair, so I don’t have to worry about pushing and pulling them at the same time. Arlo grabs his own suitcase and we head out to the curb.

We don’t have to wait long for Valery. They jump out of their car, grinning wide as they sprint to me.

I hold my best friend close, shutting my eyes as I soak up the feel of them in my arms. “I missed you.”

“Missed you too, Jor. Don’t be such a procrastinator next time.”

I laugh and pull back. “Whatever. Planes go both ways, Val.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Valery looks to Arlo. “Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

Arlo gives them a small grin. “You too. Thanks for having me.”

“Of course! I’ve only wanted to meet you forever. Can I hug you?”

Arlo looks surprised but nods. “Sure.”

Val launches themself at Arlo, holding on tight for a moment. When they pull away, Valery grins. “We’re going to have so much fun this week! Come on, let’s go. Luka said he was getting food, and I don’t know about you, but I am starving.”

Valery reaches for Arlo’s suitcase, and heads to their car without waiting for an answer from either of us.

Arlo and I glance at each other. “Yeah, so, that’s Val… Welcome to Boston?”

Arlo laughs. “I love them already.”

My chest warms and I fall a little more in love with Arlo just for that.