Page 20 of A Furry Thing Called Love (Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue #7)

Arlo

Valery is…everything I imagined them to be. We did FaceTime calls with both Val and Jordan’s cousin, Luka, leading up to this trip—Jordan thought it’d help me feel less awkward. But nothing really prepared me for Val in person.

They’re a whirlwind; big smiles, bigger personality, and even though it hasn’t even been a full hour since they picked us up from the airport, I already love them, and can see why Jordan stayed such good friends with them after their breakup.

We stopped to let the dogs out to go potty shortly after leaving the airport. Indie hopped around and then ran in circles for a few minutes, happy to finally be off the leash and able to stretch her legs.

Now, we’re at the apartment Val shares with Luka. “Thankfully, we have an elevator,” Valery says as we all pile in. “The first place I lived in did not. Going up and down four flights of stairs might have been good for my figure, but I was not a fan. I got out of there as soon as I could.”

Jordan snorts. “Yeah, that would have been a no for me.”

“Honey, we’re home!” Valery shouts as soon as they open the door to their apartment.

“Oh good, the food just got here, so perfect timing.”

Valery ushers us into the apartment, and I take Eli’s harness and vest off him before doing the same to Indie.

“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.

The sound heats my insides, going straight to my dick, even as Luka scoffs at him. “You didn’t eat today, did you?”

“I had a muffin with my coffee!” Jordan defends himself.

Valery shakes their head. “Typical.” They look at me. “You’ve never traveled with him before, have you?”

“Uhh…no?”

Valery sighs. “I’m sure you noticed, but Jor likes to worry about everyone and everything that isn't himself. So he won’t eat, or if he does, it’s not much. You have to bully him.”

I glare at Jordan. “Meanwhile, you forced me to not only eat the muffin you brought, but then bought me way too-expensive airport food, and watched me eat it with those dumb puppy dog eyes of yours.”

“Sounds about right,” Valery says, glaring at Jordan.

He sighs. “I like making sure everything is going right, and that no one needs anything. Sue me. I’m eating now, aren’t I?”

Valery and Luka shake their heads.

I turn to Jordan. “I told you to order yourself something earlier. You said you were fine and had eaten this morning.”

“I may have exaggerated the truth a little,” he confesses.

I huff. “You can’t try to mother hen me and not take care of yourself, Jor. That’s not how it works.” He opens his mouth to defend himself and I shake my head. “Nope. You do that again and you won’t like the consequences.” I reach over to his plate and snatch his beloved crab puff as punishment.

Jordan gasps, but I hold eye contact as I bite into it. I’m not even a huge fan of the things, but it’s the principle.

Valery laughs. “I like you, Arlo. Do you have siblings by chance?”

I grin at them. “I do, a sister, Sunshine. She is eleven minutes older than I am, so I had to learn how to give as good as I got, since she’s bossy as fuck.”

“Oooh, I’ve always wanted a twin. What was that like?”

I roll my eyes. “Annoying as shit. Not only did I have an older sister, but since we’re twins, she thought that meant she was extra right. Sadly, she wasn’t wrong.” I scowl. “She’s the one who finally convinced me to take Jordan up on his offer of coming on this trip.”

“And I’m glad she did,” Val says. “After we finish, we’ll put your bag in Luka’s room. Well, his old room.”

“Wait, old room?” Jordan questions.

“Did I forget to tell you I’m moving in with Graeme?” Luka gives an innocent look, though his grin ruins it.

“Uh, yes, yes you did. When did this come about?”

“A few weeks ago. He asked, I said yes, and well, I moved the last of my stuff over last night. So the bed is all yours, Arlo. There are fresh sheets and everything on it.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re bunking with me, Jor,” Valery says. “No funny business from you.”

“Been there, done that, not looking for a repeat.”

“Ouch!” Valery puts a hand over their heart. “That’s just cruel. I am an excellent lay, I’ll have you know.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“Please do,” Luka groans. “I really don’t want to hear about Val’s sex life.”

Valery scoffs. “I’ve seen the bruises on your arms, Luka; you’re not so innocent anymore, so don’t even try to play coy.”

Luka flushes bright red and shoves his arms under the table, which makes Valery giggle.

Jordan smirks. “Something you want to share with the class, Luka?”

“Nope. You’ll have to ask my Doms, not me.” Luka’s face is a deep shade of red, and I worry for the poor guy’s blood pressure.

“Doms, huh? That is definitely not something I knew you were into.”

“Oh, shut up. As if you tell me everything about your sex life.”

Jordan snorts. “What sex life? And besides, I have told you everything before, remember?”

“I was trying to forget that ever happened,” Luka grouses.

“I’m curious?—”

“No,” Jordan cuts me off. “It wasn’t about you, and no, I’m not repeating what it was about. Though Luka and Val are both the ones who helped me figure out I’m ace.”

I pout. “Fine, be that way. Even though we all know I’m the best lay you’ve had.”

Luka groans while Valery cackles. Jordan shakes his head, but there’s a small smile on his face that warms me up, and keeps my interest. Even my dick gets into it, and I can’t remember the last time that happened. Definitely not with Will.

“You definitely are. Sorry, Val.” Jordan winks.

Valery shrugs. “Whatever. I was young and dumb then, I know more now, not that you’ll ever get to know…”

“Can we stop talking about sex, please?” Luka begs.

“Fine, fine, party pooper.” Valery shakes their head. “It’s like you don’t have two Dominants at your beck and call.”

“Zip it!” Luka tries to glare at Valery, but he just looks like an adorable puppy—not the look I think he was going for.

“Oooh!” Val bounces in their seat, apparently having thought of something more exciting than picking on Luka. “We’ll have to take you to Randy’s while you’re here. You’ll love it.”

“What’s Randy’s?” Jordan asks.

“Only the best diner ever ,” Val replies. “Seriously, it’s a safe haven for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Which yes, there are places like that back home, especially in Gaynor Beach, and there are other queer friendly communities here, but…there’s something special about the diner.”

Luka nods. “I felt it on my very first visit. And well, now I’m there at least once a week. Grae works out of there a lot. He likes the people watching—says it helps make the words flow. Anyway, we’re definitely taking you there.”

“Sounds good. I like diner food. And I’m curious.”

Jordan looks at me and I shrug. “I’m just here for the ride, nothing really on my agenda, so I’m good with whatever.”

“Cool. I know Callum is excited, and has a list of activities, if you guys are interested.” At my confused look, Luka explains, “Cal is my partner’s sixteen-year-old son.

He’s looking forward to meeting you both.

I should probably apologize in advance. He is…

a lot. He’s stubborn, too smart for his own good, and a joy. ”

“Can’t believe you not only got yourself two partners, but a kid too,” Jordan teases.

“I’m an overachiever. Sue me.”

Valery laughs. “Yeah right. You mean Denver imprinted on you, and you were too awkward to do anything but blush and say yes when they brought you and Graeme together.”

Luka sits back in his seat and crosses his arms over his chest. “So what if I did. I got two partners to your none, didn’t I?”

“Oooh, shots fired,” Jordan says with a laugh.

Valery stands. “My two best friends ganging up on me, how is that fair?” They start gathering empty containers and trash. I jump up to help. “No, no.” Valery glares at me. “You’re a guest, sit down. I got this.”

I ignore them, carrying my plate to the kitchen. Valery sighs and Jordan laughs, saying, “Give up now, Val, Arlo is stubborn.”

“Not more stubborn than you, Jor!” I call back.

“That’s a lie.”

I help Val clean up the dinner mess and Luka stands. “I’d love to hang out more, but I need to pick up Cal from his grandmother’s on the way home. I’m working an early shift tomorrow, but I’ll see you guys for dinner.”

“It’s nice meeting you. I can’t wait to meet the rest of your family.” I give Luka a quick hug.

“You too.” He smiles a little at me, but when he drops to the floor to say bye to both dogs, he really lights up.

“Do you have pets?” I ask.

“No, but Cal has a cat. It’s like his damn baby.”

“Is it good with dogs?” I ask. “Eli doesn’t care, he’s very well-trained, and I think his personality is just really chill, which is good for me.”

“Yeah, Jolene will be fine. His grandmother has a dog, and they get along well. I’m not worried,” Luka assures me. He gives each dog another kiss. “I gotta go, but I’ll see you tomorrow, okay.” He stands and brushes hair off his pants. “Bye, guys. See you later.”

When Luka’s gone, Valery shows Jordan and I where we’ll be sleeping, and where everything is in the bathroom. “Don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything. Or use whatever you find in the house, I don’t mind.”

“Thanks, Val. And if you don’t want to sleep with Jordan, I don’t mind bunking on the couch.”

“No!” they both say.

“If anyone would be sleeping on the couch, it’d be me,” Jordan says. “But I’m not, because I don’t mind sleeping with Valery.”

“I don’t want it to feel awkward between the two of you.”

“Honey, we passed awkward a long time ago. Trust me, Jordan and I are fine. We’re better friends than anything else. I love him, but he’s my best friend. So, thanks for caring, but we’re fine. Promise.”

“Okay.”

“Good.” Val smiles. “Now that we’ve got that all cleared up, are you tired, or do you want to watch something? I have a few different streaming services. Or we can play cards or something.”

“I’m good with just vegging out with a movie or something,” Jordan replies, glancing at me.

“Same. I’ll watch just about anything.”

“Except horror,” Jordan says. “Ar is a baby.”

“As if you’re any better.”

“I wasn’t the one using Eli like a shield…”

I roll my eyes and head to the living room, taking a seat on the couch.

Jordan sits on the other end, while Valery takes up a seat in a papasan chair, curling their legs under them.

“We could watch a Disney movie then? Or…a rom-com? I’m not picky.

Oooh, do you like action films? Luka and I saw one a few weeks ago called Damaged, with Samuel L. Jackson, and it was so good.”

“I’m game,” I reply.

“Me too.”

Valery sets the movie up and Jordan wastes no time reaching across the couch, tugging at my legs. I huff but shift so I’m leaning my back against the arm of the couch, my legs stretched out, feet in Jordan’s lap. He sets a hand on my shin and we settle in to watch the movie.

It’s…nice, being here with Jordan and Val.

I don’t have to think, especially not with the couch that is as plush and comfortable as I imagined from simply looking at it.

Jordan’s hand on me is a pleasant weight and comfort, and though we’ve only been here a few hours, I’m glad I came.

This…being here with them both, is exactly what I was searching for when I decided to pack up my life and move to Gaynor Beach permanently.