by Dixon,Jules
I spent time coaxing her to the front, gaining her trust to get her on a leash, and finally, getting us to the back door. Once the timid little lady walked outside, she gained a spirit and played like a puppy even though she was definitely a mature dog. The ball of white glanced behind her to make sure I was still there during the walk. She never demanded attention, but offered hers in small doses that seemed to help her feel at ease. The fact she could tell I needed some unconditional love was uplifting. We sat on the ground and shared the happenings in our lives. Actually, I did all the talking. She was a remarkably good listener.
“So, there’s this guy.” The dog cocked her head. “He’s cute, like really cute,” I whispered. “Actually, he’s a cat person, but we won’t hold that against him, will we?” She found a leaf on the ground and attacked it. “They say you need some special attention. Well, there was a time when I did too. I know how it feels to be alone but I think I’ve found someone who might end that feeling. I’d like to give you all the attention you need, if you’re interested.” She sat beside me and stared into the park. “Well, I suppose I should get you back.” I stood and the ball of fluff scuttled away at my quick movements. I’d have to remember to take it slow.
By the end of our time together, the little package of love and happiness was definitely coming home with me. When I filled out the paperwork for adoption, the counselor was just as direct as she would have been with anyone adopting the tiny dog.
“Now, Presley, she has some issues. She’s overweight and she’s shy.”
“Now wait a minute. Maybe she’s got a couple pounds of extra something on her frame and maybe she needs a little extra exercise and socializing, but I can tell she can change. Even if she didn’t … I’d still love her.”
The counselor grinned. “Well said.” She looked at the ball of fluff sleeping on my lap. “I think you’re going to be very well cared for, little girl.”
After the normal adoption procedures, I made my way home with an adorable eleven pound, soon-to-be nine-pound dog in the seat next to me.
I guess the loaner car will be mine after having my dog in it.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jude
“Good morning, Pony … I mean, Jude.” Kanyon shoved a large trough of black coffee at me.
“Don’t drink the stuff.” I stretched and rubbed my eyes.
“Right. I’ll get the whole-grain-loving, granola-eating, kale-crunching creature inside of you a glass of orange juice?”
“Water, just water,” I groaned. “Please.”
Sitting up, I ground my teeth at the jackhammer pounding in my head. I squeezed both sides of my skull hoping to either crush the pain … or my skull.
Whatever it takes to make this pain go away.
“Ah, so half a bottle of Wild Turkey in an hour and a half probably wasn’t a great idea, especially with only five hours of sleep?” Kanyon cracked up while placing a big glass of water on the coffee table, which even only inches away seemed too far to reach.
“What time is it?” I asked with only one eye open.
“A little after nine. I’m going to get Grace for breakfast, so…”
“Got it. I’m on my way out.” I pulled on my boots, downed the glass of water, and stood all in a minute. I was positive that someone lit a stick of dynamite inside of my head and the blast cleared all the cognitive function but left the pain recognition. I trudged toward the door. “Thanks, bro. I’ll let you know if something happens. You seeing Willow today?”
“Yeah, I’m supposed to go over there. She’s making dinner tonight. I think it’s time to tell her about Grace. She needs to know.”
“Have a good time with Grace.” I pointed to the picture on the entertainment center. “She sure is beautiful, blonde hair and green eyes, quite a combination … on a girl. They’re only okay on you.”
“Not everyone can be a god like you, Jude. Have patience today, okay? Give Presley some time to process what happened.”
“I’ll try. Thanks for letting me crash here. Not a bad sofa.”
We bro-hugged and in ten minutes I crawled into my own bed. It was after one in the afternoon before I woke up again. My phone buzzed on the nightstand making my brain buzz in my head.
Willow: I’d like to meet today and talk about last night.
Jude: Is Presley okay with that?
Willow: Wouldn’t know, didn’t ask her. She’s volunteering today.
This is probably an unwise idea. Good things come from unwise ideas, right? Don’t have a good example right now but…
Jude: What time? Where?
Willow: 4pm, here. Come prepared to stay, she gets home at 5pm
Jude: Not sure that’s a good idea
Willow: She left phone here. She didn’t read your text. She’ll want to see you. I promise.
Jude: If you say so. See you then.
Willow: Don’t worry, Ponytail
Jude: Only Prez can call me Ponytail
Willow: Noted. See you later, Horsehair
I shook my head.
Jude: Not better.
Willow: I guess it’s Ponytail then :-)
I fixed myself food, and not granola or any of the other items Kanyon offered up as potential fodder. I cooked a grilled cheese sandwich and heated a can of tomato soup. Hopefully my stomach would calm down enough to keep everything down. I was successful.
Damn whiskey.
Lying on the couch I watched half of two movies, not interested in either. After showering and dressing, I motivated to head over to Presley and Willow’s place. I parked on the street enjoying the cool air blowing in the truck cab and wondering what I was really doing here when Willow stepped onto the front porch.
After hiking to stand in front of my truck, she yelled, “What the hell are you waiting for?”
Hell to freeze over and my head to stop screaming at me.
“Can you stop yelling, please?” I dropped my forehead to the steering wheel. “I have a hangover from the cheap-ass whiskey Kanyon served me last night.”
She came around and opened the door. “I’m sorry. Come on.” She pulled on my arm. “I’ll get you a sports drink and some pain relievers.”
My ass hit the sofa with a tired thud. I took the pills and drank half of the electrolyte-replacing liquid in one chug. I could tell why Presley loved Willow. She was a natural at caring for people.
“So, overdid it a little last night?”
“Little,” I replied, refocusing my eyes and rubbing my face with my hands. “What did you want to talk about?”
Willow sat in the chair across from me. She pursed her lips and inhaled a breath like she was going underwater for a deep, deep dive. “Presley really likes you. Please give her another chance. Last night wasn’t the real her. She drank a couple of martinis to relax and they went to her head because she didn’t eat a whole lot yesterday so her stomach would be flat.” I scowled at that revelation and Willow rolled her eyes. “Girl thing. Anyway, she fell asleep on the couch before you came over and had a bad dream about high school and another one about Emerson. And that’s why she freaked out. It had nothing to do with you, really.” She inhaled after releasing all the information she wanted me to know.
I thought over what Willow told me for a minute. There was nothing that changed how I felt about Presley.
“Okay.” I rubbed my hands on my jeans.
“Okay?”
“Yeah, if I want to know Presley better and she won’t tell me what I need to know and you will, then I guess I’ll go with it for now. She’ll have to open up to me sometime. You can’t be an information liaison forever.”
“True.”
“Is that everything?”
“No.”
“What else?”
“There are things from Presley’s past that make her untrusting of people.”
“No shit,” I replied dryly. The retort was the hangover talking. My humor took a serious hit today.
Willow giggled and I smiled.
Get to your point, Willow.
“Yeah, the events and what happened in her past aren’t funny, but sometimes when she gets out of control, her actions can be a little amusing in a really twisted way. I can tell you’re a good guy, Jude, but it might take Presley more time to see what I see. She doesn’t have rose-colored glasses when it comes to men and sometimes women. Too many mean and thoughtless people and too many years of cruelty have clouded her glasses to gray. I’m hoping you can help her to see clearly and in color again.”
“That’s a tall order, Harper.”
“I know, but I haven’t ever met anyone else who’s even come close to being right for Presley.”
“You seem pretty sure of yourself.”
“I am. Just like I knew Kanyon was the one for me the moment you pointed him out at Two Fine. I really think I had a mindgasm just viewing him across the room. I don’t think I need to tell you what it’s like when we’re in the same room … together … alone.”
I held up a hand. “No, you don’t. You’re making him dinner?”
“He decided to take me out. Said he needed my full attention ‘cause he has something to tell me. Plus, I figured it would be okay to be gone so you and Presley can talk. I’ll plan on spending the night at his house, unless he decides otherwise.”
“Who says Prez will want to talk?”
“I know her. Right now she’s trying to figure out how to apologize and make amends.”
“Maybe I’ll make her beg for my forgiveness?”
“No, you won’t. Plus, she might be begging for other things. She was really looking forward to last night.”
My eyes opened wide.
Shit, condoms…
“What?” Willow inquired, tipping her head curiously.
“Nothing.”
“No, really, what, Saylor?”
“I forgot to get condoms … again.”
Willow’s youthful laugh matched her colorful hair. “So you didn’t even have any protection last night?”
“No, it’s been awhile. I kind of forgot my end of the deal. I really didn’t think anything would happen tonight. I guess it won’t.”
“She might have some, if not, top drawer of my nightstand, but bring your own from now on.”
I smirked. “Thanks.”
Just ask her.
“Um, Willow, is Presley a—”
“Virgin? No. Now, that’s not to say she’s had a lot of sex and she’s pretty anxious that she’s not going to live up to some ridiculous perfection she’s engineered in her head, so go slowly and give her the support she needs. You’ll be fine.” Willow glanced to her cell phone. “Kanyon’s outside on his bike.” She slipped into a hot pink leather jacket. “I hate that I’m wearing leather. I swear I smell dead cow but Kanyon won’t let me ride without the gear. What we do for lo—” Willow sucked in a quick breath and stood frozen.
My eyes shot to Willow. I could finish the sentence for myself.
“It’s okay, Willow. I won’t tell anyone. Have fun tonight.”
She relaxed but still appeared a little dazed. “Okay, thanks.” She tugged on black combat boots. “Here’s the remote to the TV. There are DVDs in the bottom drawer, help yourself to food and drink.” She snickered, raising her eyebrows. “And condoms.” Her smartass attitude returned and she smiled, giving a last wave.
“Thanks, Willow.” I switched on the TV and sat back into the sofa.
After five thirty p.m., I wondered if maybe Presley decided to go somewhere else. I picked up my phone. There was a text from Kiera.
Kiera: Hey, haven’t heard from you in a few days. Going to be in Omaha tomorrow. Maybe dinner?
Kiera’s text was correct, I hadn’t even thought of contacting her for the last few days. She had to know that meant something, and I definitely knew that meant something.
Jude: Don’t know. Kind of in the middle of something. I’ll let you know.
Then I texted Presley.
Jude: Hey, would like to talk to you. Can I come over?
Actually, I’m already here.
I heard her phone buzz on the kitchen table. That’s right, she doesn’t have it.
My phone buzzed.
Kiera: No problem. I’ll text you tomorrow. Have a good night.
After another ten minutes, I stood to leave, but Presley entered through the front door.
“Willow?” she called while her back was turned to close the door. When she spun around, she was not alone. She finally took her eyes off of the white ball of fluff in her arms. “Jude!”
I flinched from the decibels in the small space.
She stepped toward me. “Are you okay?”
“Hangover.” I held my throbbing head, with one eye open and one eye clenched shut to stop the throbbing inside of my orbs, which was thankfully starting to lessen from the pain relievers.
She softened her voice. “Poor guy. What are you doing here?”
I restarted the conversation. “Hello, Presley.”
Her smile widened. “Hello, Jude.”
“I came over to make sure you’re okay. Willow let me in. You really had me worried last night.”
Presley stepped closer and the ball of fluff in her arms tried to worm its way into her body.
Presley saw my concern. “She’s a little scared of people only until she gets to know them. Where’s Willow?”
I kept my voice low. “Dinner with Kanyon. He’s going to tell her about Grace.”
“So can you tell me about Grace now?”
“Sure. But first, introduce me to your new friend.” I stepped closer to Presley, closing the distance between us to mere inches.
“This is my new dog. She’s very loving but a little timid until she gets to know you. I haven’t named her yet.”
I reached out to pet her. “Can I?”
“Of course.” Presley slipped the soft trembling cotton ball with long legs into my arms and the dog hid her long snout in the crook of my elbow. “Give her a minute. Some animals don’t trust instantly.” Presley pointed to the sofa, and I sat. She rested on the coffee table to face me. Leaning forward, she rested her hands on my knees. “Jude, I’m really sorry for the way I handled things last night. I let my insecurities get the best of me … well, that and the two sweet tart martinis I had to relax.”
“I’d say you were anything but relaxed, Prez.”
Her face blushed the lightest shade I’d seen yet.
She cleared her throat. “I’m really embarrassed by the way I acted, I shouldn’t have yelled at you and gone all crazy-woman. There’s no excuse for treating you like that. I’m sorry.”
The dog brought her head out and licked my forearm. I petted her and soon she wiggled around on my lap, feeling more at ease.
“Presley, if you don’t want to do something or are unhappy with a situation, you always have the right to say so. Like with Drexel, you have the right to ream him when he makes you feel uncomfortable. And I wish you would. I accept your apologies, but you need to start telling me about your past so I can understand you better. Because I’d like to be a part of your future. ”
Presley’s breath caught and she smiled sweetly. “Can we just enjoy tonight? I promise, I’m not stalling.”
I grinned.
She rolled her eyes. “Okay, maybe I’m stalling a little, but after last night, I think we need a do-over?”
“I’ll agree to that only because I need food and like soon. But after the food?” My eyebrows went up to emphasize that she wasn’t going to get forever to tell me.
Her fingers dawdled up my thighs and back to my knees. “I’ll tell you what you want to hear. No, that didn’t come out right. I’ll tell you what I want and need to tell you about my past.”
I relaxed. “All right.” The dog had relaxed, too, and its gray eyes stared up at me. “What are you thinking of naming this little one?”
She squirmed on my lap.
“And I think she needs to go outside.” I placed the wagging
ball of fur on the floor.
Presley walked to the kitchen. “Not sure of a name. Ideas?” She whistled for the dog while opening the sliding door and encouraging her to leave the security of the house.
Standing behind Presley, the scent of her perfume wafted lightly from the spring breeze. I moved closer, wrapping my arms around her waist. Her back tightened for a second but relaxed as quickly and her head fell back against my shoulder, rocking against me. We stayed like that, watching the still nameless ball of fuzz bounding across the fenced backyard.
I turned her in my arms to face me. “Presley, you are the best thing that has happened to me since I moved to Omaha. Please let me into your life, and I can be the best thing that’s ever happened to you, too.”
“Cocky much?” Her green eyes softened and her eyes skipped to my lips.
I gave her my best smirk to make the view worth the look. “Only when I need a beautiful girl to really listen to me.”
I cupped her jaw in my hands and softly kissed her forehead, moving down to her nose and sealing on her waiting lips. Her body softened against mine. She released the embarrassment and hurt of what had happened last night in one long peaceful and contented moan into my mouth.
“That’s better,” I whispered.
Woof. Woof.
We both looked down to our feet as the round globe of white with grey eyes scampered happily around our ankles.
“I think she approves,” Presley said, smiling.
“I approve. I missed your smile.”
“I missed you.” The amazing words resonated through my body.
“Okay. So, food?” I asked.
“Chinese or pizza?”
I released my arms. “Pizza, pepperoni, I need the grease and carbs.”
“What did you drink?” She picked up her phone from the table.
“Low-quality whiskey.”
Her sparkling tear-filled eyes came up from the phone. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“I know you’re worth it, Presley. Now please, order food. I’m starving.” I picked up the dog, and she squirmed frantic happiness in my arms. “So what should Prez name you? You ever watch The Muppets?”
Presley cocked her head. “Yeah. Long, long, long time ago.”