Chapter 32
I want to be the optimistic one, but sometimes trying to be happy is exhausting.
Goose. That’s the name Sonnet decided to give her new puppy, and Jude thought it was perfect. It was just what they needed. After all, no pack would adopt a puppy together unless they were all going to stay as a family.
Zayden was holding Goose in his arms, looking very unimpressed.
“I still can’t believe this thing was brought home without a group discussion,” Zayden growled, handing Goose to Jude like a football.
Jude grinned. “Admit it. You secretly love him.”
“Where’s Kai?” Zayden growled, checking his watch. Again.
“Still asleep,” Sonnet said. “He told me he’s not going to your meeting.”
She put ‘meeting’ in air quotes, which made Jude laugh.
She was a smart cookie and caught on pretty quickly that whatever the boys were up to, it wasn’t related to music.
But she was also very patient, understanding, and never asked for the details.
He loved that about her. She could be so sassy, quick-tempered, and yet managed to balance it with kindness.
He couldn’t help it. He had to kiss her.
Sonnet’s face turned red like a tomato, but she didn’t pull away. She leaned into the kiss before playfully smacking him on the shoulder.
Jude laughed as he charged down the hallway with Goose in hand.
Kai, baby, here I come!
He threw the guest bedroom door open, and just as Kai was about to throw a pillow, he held out Goose, and with one little bark, the little puppy was already in Kai’s arms.
If Jude knew a puppy was what would make Kai finally smile after all this time, he would have brought one home a long time ago.
“Boss man says we need to get going.”
Kai quickly scowled. “Count me out.”
“Nope, sorry.” Jude took Goose back and held him as leverage. “Listen, man, I could send Sonnet in here to kick your butt out the door. SON—”
“Shut up!” Kai hissed.
Jude had never seen him put on clothes and shoes so quickly.
He combed through his hair, reapplied his piercings, stole Goose from Jude’s arms, and then they were finally in the living room.
Felix and Zayden were already in the car, so Jude quickly gave Sonnet a hug goodbye before getting ready to drag Kai out with him.
Instead, Jude’s jaw hit the floor as he watched Kai willingly approach Sonnet, handing her Goose, and letting her kiss him on the cheek.
She kissed him.
Cheek or not, Jude was ticked.
Why didn’t she kiss my cheek!?
We kissed her too many times. We pushed our luck!
DAMMIT.