Chapter 30
Wes
Keeping myself busy is not always easy, but I’ve managed to do it. Not because I’m avoiding Bailey, but because I feel like she wants to avoid me. I don’t know where we stand and I don’t want to ask.
I’ve been getting home late when her lights are already off. I haven’t reached out because I don’t want to push her after things started to escalate so quickly.
The one thing I have done every day is go back to the shelter. I like to see that some of the dogs are gone from the day before because they’ve been adopted. I check in on any interest in Bruno, and every day I get the same answer.
I’ve walked Sadie every day and a few others. I go to Jameson’s to help. Sometimes I continue to drive around. Still, nothing feels fulfilling enough. Nothing like when I’m with her.
The texts from Chris continue to haunt me.
He hasn’t said anything else and I’m not sure if there’s anything I can do.
He may have just been having a bad day. Everyone has days where they’re down and feeling shitty.
Since I haven’t heard from him again, I chalk it up to that.
We used to be close, but now I don’t really know him.
I’m leaving Jameson’s and the weirdest thing happened when he saw me; he invited me to Thanksgiving.
“You do know that’s a month away, right?” I ask, seriously concerned about his measure of time.
“Yeah, Sutton’s trying to get ahead on planning.”
I grunt my answer, “We’ll see.”
I haven’t been to a real Thanksgiving since I was a kid when my parents were still alive.
We would have makeshift holidays while I was in the Army.
It consisted of a lot of food, and my battalion I saw every single day.
That time of year was always hard on a lot of people because they missed their families, and wanted to be home.
There were a lot of phone and video calls. I had no one to call, so it didn’t matter to me.
“I know Sutton is inviting Bailey,” Jameson offers. I make a noise of acknowledgment, but don’t really say anything before heading out.
The sound of her name has the need to see her again surging. It’s been too long, I’ve given her space, but my patience has worn out.
When I get home, her car is parked in the driveway, but I need to let Bruno out. Sometimes he comes with me to Jameson’s, but since I went to the shelter first he stayed home.
I stand in the open doorway, waiting for him to finish his business, when that familiar prickling sensation creeps up my spine—eyes on me.
It’s instinct now, second nature. I shift, standing taller, my posture ramrod straight as my gaze sweeps the area.
I know someone’s watching. I can feel it in my bones.
So I search for the pair of eyes that haven’t looked away.
I lock on Bailey’s face looking over the top of the fence separating our yards.
My body relaxes instantly at the sight, moving to lean against the doorframe once again.
The setting sun creates an ethereal glow.
I know she says she’s not an angel, but right now, with the way the light is hitting her golden hair and making her mossy eyes shine, she looks angelic.
She looks perfect.
“What’re you looking at, Angel?” I ask, in what I think is a playful tone, but I know comes across more deadpan.
“Just seeing who was out here making all the noise,” she jokes. I crack a smile at the fact she’s not rolling her eyes and storming away.
Though if she did then it would give me an excuse to go over there and get my hands on her again. Instead, I clench my fists to fight the urge.
“Must have been your other neighbor; we’re quiet.”
She looks behind her at the other side of the fence that she doesn’t share with anyone. “No, I think it was you two.”
I look over at Bruno and try to hide my smile. “Have you seen Sutton lately?”
“Uh yeah, why?”
“Just wondered if you got invited to the Thanksgiving thing,” I grunt.
“Yeah, that isn’t for a whole month? She did. Then she told me to get a dog.”
“Why?”
“Said it might be good for me. I don’t know. The bird that lives at the groomer was barking and screaming about jizz and Jameson.” She freezes, and tries to backtrack. “That is not at all what it sounds like. He wasn’t talking about that at the same time. Oh my God forget everything I just said.”
I don’t think I’ve ever heard Bailey talk so much or so quickly. Which is why I can’t hold back my burst of laughter. I can’t remember the last time I laughed. Fully laughed, but hearing her be nervous and stumble over her words is what does it.
“Shut up,” she mumbles, tucking her head, though I can see how red her cheeks become.
“If you want a dog, Bruno is available.” I nod toward the German Shepherd still sniffing around my yard.
“Something tells me he’s spoken for already.” She smirks.
“You could also go to the shelter. I could go with you if you wanted,” I offer without thinking much of it.
“Why?” She furrows her brows.
“I know some of the dogs there. I could introduce you.”
She scrunches her face. “Maybe.”
“What’re you doing tonight?” I ask, diverting the conversation.
Bailey smirks, leaning back with a grip on the top of the fence. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“I would, actually.” I stand up straight and face her.
She hums. “I don’t think I should tell you.”
I step closer. “Why not?”
“It’s none of your business.”
I hum, getting even closer. “If you don’t want to tell me, I’m sure I could get it out of you somehow.”
I watch her throat bob with a swallow. “No you can’t.”
I raise my eyebrow. “Is that a challenge?”
Even though she’s telling me one thing, the way her lips are quirked and her breathing speeds up she knows exactly what she’s doing. We both do.
“You know,” I start, “I’ve been thinking about how you haven’t been properly fucked by me.”
“That so?” she challenges.
“It is. The first night wasn’t enough, we both know it. Every time since has been…frenzied. I haven’t had the chance to really do what I want.”
“Really? Fucking me while driving your car wasn’t enough?”
I’m up against the fence, leaning down so our faces are only a couple of inches apart. Our chests would be touching if it weren’t for the wood in the way. “Not even close.”
“Then what’re you going to do about that?”
I breathe out a small laugh. “Maybe you’ll find out.” I stand up straight, and start backing away from the fence. “But first you’re going to come to the shelter with me tomorrow.”
Her jaw drops, clearly caught off guard. When I brace for the argument I know is coming, she surprises me. Snapping it shut without a word.
“Enjoy your plans, Angel. I’ll see you in the morning.” I don’t miss her dumbfounded look as I bring Bruno inside and turn off the porch light.