“He’s not!”
She laughs, holding my arms out and inspecting me.
“Yousoare.” She looks up at me, eyes smiling. “You are on a whole new level of messed up, Shepard.”
“It’s Doug the Pug!” I say in defense.
Steve pushes the door open, sauntering over to Denny like she’s his owner. She scoops him up and snuggles him close to her chest.
“Come on, Steve, you don’t need to see this.” She nudges her nose against his and says quietly, “Your dad is a freak, but he’sourfreak.”
Ours.
And that’s the first time I get a boner in front of my dog.
* * *
“Mmm…”
“Why do you always sound like you’re having an orgasm when you’re eating?”
“You would know, wouldn’t you?” She shoves another bite of her gravy-slathered bacon into her mouth.
Why, yes I would.
She chews and swallows then sits back in the booth, looking stuffed. “I was famished. Thanks for breakfast.”
“You’re welcome. I’m just glad we could come to an agreement on leaving Steve at home.”
“I still think it’s bullshit you made me leave him behind. He’s lonely!”
“Which is why I set him up in the living room with a view of the TV and his favorite show on, as requested.” I hold my finger up. “Nay, asdemanded.”
“It’s not the same as snuggles,” she argues. “Come on, we better get going if we’re going to make it to the decorations store.” She sighs. “I can’t believe I have to spend theentireweekend with you two weekends in a row.”
“Well ifyourbest friend wasn’t insisting on a shotgun October wedding, we wouldn’t have to.”
“Oh my gosh!” She clutches her chest. “I didn’t even think to ask her—is Allie pregnant? Is that why they’re rushing this?”
“I think they’re just in love.”
Slowly, a smile stretches across Denny’s lip at my words. “My, my. Are you saying you believe in love now?”
I shrug. “My feelings might have changed over the years.”
“Yeah? What changed your mind?”
You.
I wish I had the balls to say it out loud, to tell her that the moment I fell in love with her six years ago was the moment I started believing.
I’ll never forget pacing around my room, freaking out when I realized I’d fallen for her.
Zach was home for break during college. He was there with his girlfriend at the time and watching them be all lovey-dovey was getting to me, so I was texting Denver an excessive amount to avoid them. He caught me smiling at one of her asinine texts and, thinking it was Penny—like everyone else did—he teased me like big brothers do.
“Aw, I see you’re texting your girlfriend again. Someone’s inlove.” He puckered his lips and made the most obnoxious kissing noise.
“Yeah, so?” I shot back without thought.
