Page 26 of Avenging Azalea (California Made Men #2)

Chapter

Nineteen

FAWN

The rest of the day had felt awkward for me even though Dr. Taylor went about work like nothing had happened. I caught myself looking at him and wondering if I’d misheard him due to the insanity in my brain.

On the plus side, Winston had wagged his tail for me whenever I walked into the back and even took a treat from my hand. He still cowered unless I was at his level, but it was real progress. As a bonus, Sheba seemed more like her old self.

Winston needed a new home, but he wasn’t suited for just anyone.

I’d spent my downtime today reviewing adoption applications.

He needed someone who could help him heal.

I was terrified that if he went to a home without that support, he would end up back here with a clock ticking on his life.

The more I thought about it, the more it seemed wrong for him to go to anyone other than me.

Especially if Sheba bonded with him, I couldn’t tear them apart.

That was cruel. After reluctantly putting Winston back into his kennel, I left Small Paws and drove home to take care of my girls.

I felt on autopilot as I walked into the house.

Their dinner was a combination of kibble, boiled chicken, and rice. Balancing the food bowls and avoiding wagging tails, I shooed the girls out of the mudroom and closed the door.

Once they were settled and eating, I went upstairs to shower and change.

My outfit was a sexy little green dress that brought out the color of my eyes.

Steph had been begging me to go out, and I’d promised to crash at her house for the night.

Since there was no work or school in the morning, why not?

Sitting around the house staring at Titus and fantasizing wasn’t healthy.

He’d messaged me at lunch to let me know he’d be home early and would have Cutter with him.

An hour later, feeling refreshed and excited for dinner and a night out, I grabbed my overnight bag and walked down the stairs.

The front door opened halfway down, and my heart stopped when Titus stepped in, looking as handsome as ever.

A wide smile spread across my face when Cutter darted in with Hailey and Holly.

He was an adorable kid, and even though I’d only met him a handful of times, he was always the same polite and happy bundle of joy.

It was great to see him with the dogs. It made my heart warm to see another budding animal lover.

“Hi, Cutter.”

He stopped long enough to wave and smile before racing away with the dogs.

“Wow.”

No matter how awkward things felt, I couldn’t help the flutter of excitement in my gut whenever I looked at Titus.

“Where are you going,” Titus asked, and I nibbled my lip.

Making my way down the rest of the stairs, I stepped onto the tile floor to face him. Even in my three-inch heels, I was still short next to Titus.

“Out with Steph. Dinner, then maybe to a club later,” I said, nowhere near immune to his eyes traveling up and down my body.

Titus didn’t say anything, though I could tell something was on his mind.

“Um…the girls were fed and walked. Chef left some food out for you if you’re hungry.

” He remained silent, and my stomach tightened with the look in his eyes.

“Well, I better go. Don’t want to be late for dinner. ”

“No…I mean, yeah. I mean, no, you don’t want to be late,” Titus said, shaking his head. It was the first time I’d ever seen him at a loss for words.

Stepping around him, I grabbed the knob, but Titus put his hand on the door.

“What….”

“Be careful. Make sure to cover your drink, and don’t let anyone get you alone. There are a lot of creeps out there.”

My eyebrow raised.

“Okay…I know. I’m always careful. Is there something I should know about? You look concerned.”

“No…no, of course not. I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“I’ll be safe.” He licked his lips, and I glanced between him and the door. “Are you going to let me leave?”

“What?” Titus looked over and jerked his hand away like he hadn’t realized he was still blocking my exit. “Sorry, my head is all over the place tonight. Have fun, and if you need anything, you know I’m just a call away.”

I opened the door and then turned back. Cupping Titus’s jaw, I rose on my toes and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you for looking out for me, but I’ll be fine,” I whispered and then slipped out before my heart burst in my chest.

God help me.

“Wait, wait, wait. Let me get this straight. You saw Doc Hottie’s d…i…c…k, and didn’t jump him? Girl, what the hell is wrong with you?”

I rolled my eyes at Steph.

“What did you want me to do? Rip off my scrubs and ride him on the bathroom floor. He could have had a concussion. Sheba almost ripped out his throat!”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, that is exactly what I wanted you to do. Was it big? I bet it’s as juicy as he is.” She ran her bottom lip through her teeth.

“You’re completely impossible.” I crossed my arms.

“Bestie, you need to get rid of the cobwebs. Your cooch is like that cupboard in your house that you forget exists until you open it one day and get attacked by mothballs. I know you said you aren’t a virgin, but come on, Fawn, you haven’t had a single boyfriend, one-night stand, or anything else since we met.

I have served the sexiest guys to you on a silver platter, and nope, not one time. ”

Steph always talked with her hands, but her gestures were wild tonight. I grabbed my drink and moved it away from her flailing arms.

“Do you know how many guys I’ve been through in that time? Sometimes more than one at the same time.”

I glared at my best friend across the small round table and was tempted to dump my drink on her head.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s not like we’re keeping score,” I said.

“Speak for yourself. I’ll have you know I can tell you exactly where everyone excelled.

Wanna try girls? Do you have any kinks? I even have a list of guys who can go multiple times in a row and make you scream for hours.

” She leaned in like she was sharing a conspiracy.

“That’s my special list, but I’ll let you pick off it,” she said like it was a food menu.

“No, Steph. I’m not looking for a boyfriend or a one-night stand. Yes, I wanted Titus, but it didn’t pan out, and I’m not interested in jumping into anything with anyone. I’ve got work, school, and hanging out with my bestie, which is more than enough.”

“How can you even say that? How can you even go this long? It must feel like being in the Sahara trying to find water. My poor Miss Muffet would be all shriveled up and screaming for action.”

“Miss Muffet?”

“Yeah, don’t you have a name for yours?”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t talk about or to my private parts enough to give them names.”

“You’re missing out. Miss Muffet and I have a great relationship. Maybe you need to get back in touch.”

Suddenly, my fruity drink was very interesting. I’d never told Steph what happened to me. We’d never discussed how not being a virgin didn’t mean that I’d enjoyed what was forced on me. In fact, I’d only ever known pain, and the thought of having sex with anyone made my skin crawl.

There was one exception to that declaration. Titus had spent three years earning my trust. He made me feel loved and protected. He had proved that he was someone who would keep my heart beating and safe.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you feel bad. I just don’t want you to miss out on this time in your life.”

“It’s not you. I…I took your advice and made a move on Titus. He turned me down.”

“You made a move on Titus?”

I nodded. “Big mistake. I was humiliated, but it’s my fault.”

Steph grabbed me and pulled me into a hug.

“I’m so sorry. It’s not your fault. Titus is so stupid for not seeing what is right in front of his face.”

Sighing, I hugged Steph a little tighter.

“You were right. It’s an arranged marriage. He told me that before I kissed him.”

Steph stepped back and grabbed my shoulders, wearing a devilish grin on her lips.

“Did you just say you two kissed?”

I smirked.

“Oh…My…Gawwwwd! Yes! Yes! Yes! Finally!” Steph sounded like she was mid orgasm. Had I been dropped into the movie When Harry Met Sally ? I looked around as people turned to stare at us. “And…how was it?”

Licking my lips, a smile spread across my face.

“Incredible. He is such a good kisser. I melted right there on his lap and never wanted to leave.” She squealed and did a happy dance that had her long blonde hair bouncing.

“Tell me everything. I’m dying to know.”

“Not much to say. We were on the couch talking, and I made my move. It was amazing at first, but then he slammed the brakes and said it wasn’t fair to anyone if we slept together.

He was right, but I would’ve done just about anything for him to have sex with me just once.

” I left off the rest of that thought. I wanted to know what real love and passionate sex felt like.

I wanted to be touched and have my skin lit on fire with desire.

I wanted to be held afterward as he told me he loved me.

I wanted so many things that were not going to happen.

“That’s bullshit. Titus still should’ve fucked your brains out. You deserve it.”

I narrowed my eyes at her and tilted my head as I examined her annoyed expression.

“Pretty sure it doesn’t work that way.”

“It should.” Steph crossed her arms like it was her that Titus had insulted.

“Hi there, ladies. Would either of you like another drink or a dance,” a guy asked from right beside me. I jumped. Where the hell did he come from?

“Yes, we would love one,” Steph answered flirtatiously.

My lips pressed together in a curt smile. My hackles went up when he stepped closer to Steph and wrapped his arm around her waist. I deemed guys like him octopus arms.

“My name is Chet,” he said. “What are you drinking?”

“Margarita. Any flavor is fine. I like them all,” she said, looking him up and down.