Page 9 of A Furry Thing Called Love (Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue #7)

Jordan

“Thank you for everything today,” Arlo says as I unlock his front door.

I turn to look at him as he releases Eli from his harness and duties. “You don’t think I’m going to just drop you off and leave, do you?”

Arlo blinks at me. “Why wouldn’t you?”

“Maybe because your arm is in a splint for the next few days, due to the fact you broke it.”

He huffs and rolls his eyes. “It’s not that serious. They didn’t think I’d need surgery, just a cast once the swelling goes down. I’ll call the ortho’s office in the morning to set up an appointment.”

I stare at him and shake my head before moving towards the kitchen. “What do you have for food here? I’m sure you’re starving.”

“Jordan, please…”

Whirling around, I try not to let my frustration bleed into my tone. “You’re in the midst of what sounds like a pretty brutal relapse, Arlo! Excuse me for being worried after said side effects landed you in the hospital today.”

He clenches his jaw. “I was doing fine on my own. I could have handled this. I called you because it was easier, but make no mistake, Jordan, I am not some fucking invalid who can’t do things on his own.”

That douses the fire in me, as I can see the vulnerability in his light eyes. The way he holds himself so stiffly, as if bracing for a verbal blow that's to come.

“I’m sorry,” I say softly. “I don’t mean to bulldoze you. I’m just worried, Ar. This is the first time I’ve been around you in three years, and I know you’re capable. I…loved that about you before. I just…want to make sure you’re okay.”

He steps into my space, setting his good hand on my cheek. “I appreciate that, I really do. But I can’t be a burden, Jor. I was made to feel like one with my ex, and I can’t do that, not again.”

I scowl. “Your ex was an idiot. I won’t promise to not worry about you, because I still care for you, if it wasn’t obvious, but…I’ll back off if you want.”

He meets my gaze for a long moment before slowly shaking his head. “No… It’s fine. I like that you’re here. It makes me feel less alone.”

“You’re not alone.”

The moment becomes heavy as we stare at one another. Swallowing, I force myself to take a step back, lest I do something stupid like kiss him.

“So, food. What do you have?”

“Uhh.” He scrubs a hand down his face. “Not much, I admit. How about I call in for pizza?”

“Sounds good. You know what I like. I’m going to go let the dogs out.”

“Okay.”

Heading to the den, I take a second to regroup because, what the fuck?

This wasn’t supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to confess the things I did on the drive to the hospital, or show him how deeply I care about him, even now.

Hell, I wasn’t supposed to have feelings this deep to begin with, but…

there’s something about Arlo Wright that gets under my skin, always has.

But…maybe this is our second chance, to be friends if nothing else. My battered heart gives a desperate thump, encouraged after all this time to finally be near the one man who stole my attention and affection.

It’s fine. We can be friends. If he wants to be. The obvious tension and unresolved feelings between us won’t be a problem at all.

Dropping my head in my hands, I try to get my shit together. I have no fucking idea what I’m doing, except letting the man who broke me once before back into my heart, because being around him is as easy as breathing—even when it hurts.

I’m so fucking screwed.