Was he too perfect to be real or was I finally going to figure out how to get out of my own way and reach for the happiness I craved almost as much as I craved his body pressed against mine?
TUCKS
“Okay, one more costume, I promise,” I said, grabbing the Bumblebee Transformer costume. Halloween was coming up ina week and we had our team party in a few days, but first we had our hospital visit and Pucks was coming with us.
Since Micah’s nickname, Micahtron, had gotten out last season, Josie had been on us to go full Transformers this year, and Micah had begrudgingly agreed. Dani still hadn’t agreed to a costume for the team party, but I was going to present her with a few ideas tonight at dinner.
Pucks sprawled out on the floor, staring up at me. He didn’t mind all the wardrobe changes, but I’d promised him an afternoon movie date after we finished filming content.
“Don’t look at me like that. It’s not my fault you’re a hot commodity.” We’d started the day with a quick hike nearby so he could try out his new winter booties. He’d loved them last year and now we had a sponsorship with the company. Their winter pet gear was top-notch, so I was happy to endorse them in our content. But after a dozen costumes and the booties, Pucks was done being told what to do.
I chuckled at the idea of having any control over my best friend.
“One more, then cozy blankets, snacks, and Judy Hopps.”
Pucks barked his approval and sat up as I grabbed my phone. I hit record and tossed the costume at him before hitting pause. Then I set down my phone and pulled the costume on Pucks before turning the video back on to show him in the costume.
“I think that’s the winner,” I said, after turning off the video. I’d splice everything together while we watched our movie and upload it for his followers to pick their favorite. Maybe he’d be Bumblebee for the hospital visit and the fan favorite for our team party.
Pucks hopped up on the couch and stretched out. I swore he sighed. “I know. Celebrity life is so hard. Would you like sparkling water with your snack plate?” I laughed and ruffled his ears before heading into the kitchen to prepare our plates.Popcorn for me and a collection of new organic dog treats we’d just received and a fine selection of fruits for him. Pucks was partial to apple slices and blueberries. And pretty much anything else I put in front of him.
“Too bad Dani has to work today. She could’ve joined us,” I called out. Pucks barked in agreement. I’d slipped out of bed early this morning to make us breakfast before she had to leave for work, and when I’d returned, Pucks had wedged himself against Dani’s front so they were spooning. It was adorable so I’d snapped a pic. She’d probably kill me if I’d posted it online, so I kept it for myself.
Hopefully she’d want to spend the night again tonight after we talked. I hadn’t texted her that we needed to talk, because those words never went well together, but I wanted to put my cards on the table once and for all.
I was tired to fake dating. It would have been easy to just keep going with the flow and having our fun, but I needed to see where we really stood. I already felt the nerves creeping up my throat. The odds were stacked against me. I was a goalie. She didn’t want to be in a real relationship right now.
I was a goalie.
But I was also super fun, great in bed if her noises were anything to go by, and Pucks was part of the deal. I should have been a shoo-in for everlasting boyfriend material.
I didn’t want her to question my motives for being with her. I wanted her to know that I was in love with her. She was probably going to freak out, but hopefully she wouldn’t walk out on me in a public setting.
Was that a douche move?
Pucks barked.
“It is, isn’t it? I should just make us dinner at home and we could talk.” We’d been having sleepovers every night I was in town and I didn’t want them to ever end.
Pucks barked again.
“You know, words would be way more helpful. Should we get those command buttons that you can just push to answer? No, you’d probably just end up constantly telling me to get you food.”
Pucks barked again and I chuckled. “Yeah, I’m coming.”
Tonight would be fine.
I hated that word.
***
“How do I look?” I asked Pucks later that night as I sat on the bed, pulling on my socks.
He swiped my face with his tongue. “Oh, come on, man.” I went into the bathroom and wiped my face. Pucks gave me a goofy grin, his tongue partially hanging out when I walked back into my bedroom.
“There’s a time and place for face licks.” I laughed and stopped in front of him. “Okay, it’s all the time.” Then I kissed his snout.
“No parties while I’m gone,” I said, tossing him a treat before I headed out the door to pick up Dani.
