Chapter 17
Alex
After dinner, Jordan offered to help tackle the cleanup. He was very efficient with clearing the table and stacking the plates and utensils as he loaded the dishwasher. Their movements synchronized like they’d been doing this together for a long time.
With the kitchen tidied up, they made their way to the living room sofa. Alex smiled as they settled onto the couch, the atmosphere inviting.
"Hey," Alex began, his voice soft and caring. "Do you mind checking Shadow's bandages for me? To make sure they didn't get messed up during the car ride home."
Jordan nodded. "Of course, happy to."
He got down on the floor where Shadow was resting, and was met with an innocent set of eyes as Shadow perked up, his tail wagging gently.
Alex watched with a contented expression as Jordan crouched down to examine the bandages, his gentle and reassuring touch putting both Alex and Shadow at ease.
"Everything looks good," Jordan said, straightening up and giving Shadow a reassuring pat. "He's healing nicely, no sign of infection."
Alex let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "Thanks, I appreciate you looking at them. I know I’m just worrying, but this is all new territory for me. "
“It’s fine. I told you that you’re not alone in this.” Jordan moved back to the couch. They moved closer together, and Alex wrapped his arm around Jordan’s shoulders. Jordan stroked his leg as he rested his head on his massive shoulder. “We have time to figure all of this out, Alex. Figure us out. Let’s take a day at a time and see where it leads us.”
Alex moved his face so that Jordan could see him.
“Deal,” he said softly and leaned into the cuddle.
They lay there for several minutes when Jordan said, “I think I better head home. Secret Beach again tomorrow?”
Alex paused momentarily. “What should I do with Shadow while we run?”
“Bring him with you,” Jordan suggested. “He will be fine in his kennel while we run, and after the run, we can move him to my Jeep, and I can take him to the clinic. You can come back home, shower, and come in after your appointment.”
Alex nodded. Then he leaned in for a gentle kiss. Jordan's mouth opened against his. Alex’s tongue searched his mouth and explored as he crushed against his tongue. Alex reached up, cupped Jordan’s jaw, and pulled him into the kiss, falling backward so that Jordan was on top of his body. Their erections were getting more challenging to control, and they both rubbed against each other and felt their hardness. Jordan made a sound, a soft moan that gave Alex goosebumps. It was so raw, so gentle, so vulnerable.
Jordan pushed off of Alex’s massive body and visibly tried to catch his breath. “Wow, we're getting good at that.”
Alex laughed. “We’ve figured out that part.” Then, looking at the bulge in Jordan’s scrubs, he pointed. “That, we still need to work on.” He raised and lowered his eyebrows playfully.
Jordan reached for Alex’s hands and gently pulled him off the couch, only because Alex pushed himself up with minimal effort. Alex, too, had a visible bulge.
“We’ll get there as soon as you accept your fate. I hate to be a cliché, but I like it doggy style,” Jordan said and playfully patted Alex on his ass .
Alex laughed aloud and reached for his shirt. “Not going to happen, pussycat,” he said, referring to all the kittens on Jordan's scrub top. “My virginity is intact, and it’s going to stay that way.”
Jordan laughed. “Don’t be so sure—trying new things will only make you more versatile.”
Alex busted out laughing, “You’re a dork.” He reached for Jordan, pulling him in, enveloping his body in a powerful hug, and kissed the top of his head.
“Be safe driving home. Text me and let me know you made it safely.” Alex gasped. “Shit, I’m getting to be just like Aunt Lynn.”
Jordan laughed. “Yeah, she’s done that to me before. I think it’s endearing.” They began walking toward the door, and Jordan reached down and said goodnight to Shadow, who had been intently watching the two of them.
“Be right back, boy,” Alex said as they headed out the door.
Walking closely up to his Jeep, Alex opened the door for Jordan and closed it once he got in the car. Jordan started the car and rolled down the window. Alex leaned down and stuck his head in for another kiss.
“Thanks for a great night,” Jordan said. “Dinner was amazing—you exceeded all of my expectations. Except for the fart, change your underwear before bed, yuck!”
Alex laughed and kissed him again. Pulling back, he said, “No worries, I sleep naked.”
Jordan looked at him surprised. “Okay, definitely adding that image to the spank bank.”
Alex stepped out of the driveway with a big smile on his face. He walked back inside the house and saw Shadow outside the kennel. His bandaged paw barely touched the ground.
“You okay, boy? Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m not going anywhere.” He walked over to the couch and sat on the floor. Shadow followed him, sat by his side, and leaned over awkwardly, falling into a laying position.
Once he started petting Shadow, he started to relax. He grabbed the remote and turned on the television, channel surfing for a moment. He landed on an old episode of Friends . As the episode was ending, his phone buzzed. He saw a meme of a large orange tabby squeezing through a tiny doggy door with the words, “Home Safe and Round.” He laughed aloud, showing Shadow his phone.
He searched his phone and returned a meme depicting a beagle puppy sleeping in a small blue hammock, with the words “Good Night!” His phone buzzed again to a heart on the meme.
He got up slowly, and Shadow moved with him. His movements were intentionally slow so that Shadow could get his bearings before trying to walk. He slowly walked over to the kitchen and prepared the food and medicine for Shadow. After removing the cone and watching to ensure the pill treats were consumed, he slowly took him outside in the fenced backyard and let him do his business. It took longer than he thought it would because everything in the yard had to be sniffed before he could relieve himself. They returned to the house and the floor in front of the couch, watching television.
Alex slowly stirred from his unexpected slumber, feeling a dull ache in his neck and the undeniable sensation of drool on the side of his face. He blinked his eyes open, momentarily disoriented as he tried to remember how he fell asleep on the living room floor.
As his vision cleared, Alex noticed Shadow with his head lying on his lap, peacefully sleeping away. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he gently extricated himself from the canine's embrace. Shadow stirred, and his tail began to wag gently.
With a stretch and a yawn, Alex realized how much time had passed since they had settled on the floor together. It had been nearly five hours, and he was surprised at how deeply he had slept.
He carefully got up slowly and waited as Shadow got up, petting his head. He whispered, "Time to go outside, buddy."
Shadow didn't protest as Alex led him slowly to the back door. They walked out into the yard, and he watched patiently as Shadow did his business, relieved to see that he was recovering well.
Once they returned inside, Alex knew it was time to make things more comfortable for them. He headed to the kennel, coaxed Shadow in, and gently helped him lie on the bedding. After placing the ‘cone of shame’ back on him, he quickly lifted the open-top kennel and relocated it next to the bed .
He set the alarm for five-thirty a.m. on his phone and plugged it in, then he went to the bathroom to relieve himself and brush his teeth. He shed his clothes and climbed into bed, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over him. He watched Shadow settle into his crate, eyes drooping, clearly content to be close to his friend. Alex drifted back to sleep with the pup's soft breathing as a lullaby, feeling a newfound sense of peace and companionship in his home.
Alex woke up to the sound of his alarm, which had become a part of his daily routine. Groggily, he climbed out of bed and took Shadow outside for his morning business. The crisp morning air helped wake him as he watched over Shadow. After Shadow was done, he led him back inside.
As he packed up Shadow's things, he included everything the dog might need for the day. Shadow watched with curiosity as Alex efficiently packed everything into the back of his truck.
Dressed in his running gear, Alex hoisted Shadow's kennel and carried it to the truck, securing it in the back. With everything set, he hopped into the driver's seat and headed to the beach for their morning run.
The run was invigorating, with the waves crashing against the shore providing a soothing backdrop. Jordan and Alex had a great time, enjoying each other's company as they pushed themselves to run a little more complicated paths.
After their run, Alex carefully placed Shadow in Jordan's Jeep, ensuring he was comfortable. He said goodbye to Jordan, who promised to care for him. Alex drove home, knowing he had a few hours before his appointment with Dr. Martin.
Once home, Alex made himself breakfast and completed his meal prep. He showered and changed into fresh clothes. The anticipation of the upcoming therapy session weighed on him. He knew it was a necessary step in his journey toward healing, but it didn't make it any easier.
Sitting on the sofa in the therapy office, time was ending for their session. Alex leaned back and stretched, feeling relief and exhaustion. He had shared so much with Dr. Martin, recounting his recent experiences with Shadow, Jordan, and the animal clinic in great detail. He appreciated Dr. Martin's attentive and nonjudgmental presence.
Dr. Martin set his notepad aside and regarded Alex with a kind and understanding expression. "Thank you for sharing all of this, Alex. It's clear that you've been through a lot in the last two weeks, and these changes in your life are significant."
Alex nodded, his gaze shifting from Dr. Martin to the window, where the early morning sun painted light patterns on the wall. "Yeah, it's been a whirlwind, that's for sure. But it's been good in many ways. I feel like I'm finally starting to find some footing again."
Dr. Martin offered a supportive smile. "That's a positive step, Alex. Building connections and finding purpose can be instrumental in healing. Just remember to be patient with yourself and continue seeking the support you need from those around you and from our sessions. One thing that stood out for me today was the reaction that you said you had when the ladies at the clinic returned your T-shirts to you. Why such an extreme emotional reaction?”
Alex got very quiet for a moment, stiffening in his chair. “Because Doc, don’t you get it? I failed. The meat shield didn’t protect her husband.”