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Hope(less) (Judgment of the Six) Page 9
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Page 9
I doubted the lease had taken in consideration that Rachel would fall in love with a freakishly large monster baring similarities to a dog.
“No, I’m not allergic,” I distractedly clarified. He had all summer to make his move. Why now? And why when I wore a bikini for the first time ever? Briefly, I considered grabbing the towel and wrapping myself in it, but disregarded the idea thinking how it would look to Rachel. Instead, I continued to stare at the frustrating dog until he huffed out a breath turning away from me to lay his head on his paws. Clay had finally shown up and, apparently, he still didn’t want to talk.
“He’s so cute!” Rachel reached over to scratch his ears and he closed his eyes.
“I’m going back in,” I said over my shoulder as I turned toward the door. Clay sprang to his feet before I reached it, swiftly crowding behind me.
I looked down at him and then back at Rachel, who watched us with an enormous grin. “Looks like another guy who can’t take his eyes off you. Living with you is going to be a riot.” She laughed and picked up the towels. “Let’s all go in. The neighbor’s tree is going to shade the deck soon anyway.”
Having little choice, I opened the door for Clay. His fur brushed my bare thighs as he moved past me into the house. His head came to about my sternum. He really was huge. A huge problem!
Sam had warned me that Clay had taken my speech as an invitation to live together. At least, he showed up in his fur rather than the flesh. Any relief I might have felt went unnoticed as I contemplated how he’d found me in a completely different state. If Sam told him, I’d have to kill Sam. Since I didn’t have the stomach for outright murder, I’d break his coffee maker.
I took a deep breath to clear my hectic thoughts and followed Clay and Rachel inside. If he’d come all this way, I knew I wouldn’t be able to tell him to go. I watched Rachel pat him again. Especially with Rachel around as a witness. It’d make me look like a complete physico if I started talking to the dog, not only as if I knew him, but also as if I gave a breakup speech to a human. I didn’t really have much of a choice… for now.
“We can keep him,” I said quietly, “But he’s going to shed everywhere,” I predicted on my way to my room.
Wisely, Clay stayed in the kitchen with Rachel. She continued talking to him, telling him how cute he was and asking him if he wanted anything to drink. I heard dishes clanking as I closed my door to change.
Even knowing he could probably hear me, I grabbed my cell phone and called Sam. “Gabby, what’s wrong?” he answered before it rang on my end. Sam knew I wouldn’t be calling so soon for just any reason.
“Clay is here. In fur,” I said as quietly as possible.
After a brief pause, Sam chuckled. “What did you expect, hun? He’s scented you. He’s probably been following you since then. The only difference is, when you were with me, he trusted me to protect you. Moving away, well, you might have forced his hand a bit. Then again, I think he planned on joining you from the start.”
I heard a creak of leather and knew that Sam had sat in his office chair, getting comfortable for a long conversation. “Right…” I started to say.
“Listen, this isn’t so bad. With him there, you won’t need to worry as much about other guys, right?”
“Yeah, but what about him?” I went to my dresser to start looking for clothes with one hand.
“I told you, he’s got control. You won’t have to worry about him becoming aggressive with you.”
Before I could say anything, Rachel’s muted voice called from the kitchen. “Hey, Gabby!”
“I gotta go. Just wanted to tell you what was going on,” I spoke quickly. “I’ll call if anything stranger pops up.” I didn’t wait for his good bye. Closing the phone, I tucked it back into one of my messenger bags on my dresser and quickly changed.
Dressed in lounge pants and a tank top, I opened the door walking toward her voice. “What’s up?”
“Do you think I can feed him leftover steak?” she said sounding slightly muffled.
Bent at the waist, Rachel riffled through the fridge. Clay sat off to the side with a perfect view of her exposed string bikini bottomed backside, only he wasn’t looking. He sat facing the arched door watching for me. Should I be happy that he’d ignored the perfect view, or annoyed? Instead of thinking about it, I answered Rachel.
“I’m pretty sure people food is bad for dogs.” Yes, I knew it wasn’t nice, but if he wanted to play the dog, I’d play along. “We can pick up some dog food for him in the morning. He’ll be fine overnight.”
I sat at the kitchen table, pulling my legs up and holding my knees, watching Rachel straighten from the fridge and let the door close. She turned to look at Clay with concern, but Clay ignored her and continued to watch me.
My stomach growled. Ignoring him, I spoke to Rachel. “But dinner does sound good. I should have thought of groceries while we were shopping.”
“No problem. I forgot to tell you during the grand tour,” she smiled and looking at me, waved her arms to encompass the house, saying, “that there’s a cupboard over there that you can stock and call your own. The top shelf in the fridge is mine. But don’t worry about it for tonight. I was lazy yesterday and ordered take-out pizza. There’s still plenty if you don’t mind leftovers.”
“That’s fine with me.” My stomach rumbled in agreement.
“We’ve got cheap plastic plates in the cupboard to the left of the sink, inherited from a prior roommate. Grab two, will you?” she said as she re-opened the fridge.
Unfolding myself from the chair while Rachel pulled the pizza from the fridge, I moved to grab the plates. Clay laid down where he sat and set his massive head on his paws. I could see his eyes move to follow my progress.
Rachel chatted about our neighbors and the university while we warmed the pizza in the microwave. “What kind of movies do you like?” she asked changing topics abruptly once both plates held steaming pizza.
I had to think about it for a moment. “Action-comedy I guess. I don’t watch movies often.”
She handed me a plate piled with pizza. “Let’s eat this in the living room and watch a movie,” she suggested.
Clay stood and walked toward the living room before either of us moved. When he passed through the arch, he only had two inches of clearance on each side. I wondered if his fur made up his bulk, not that it mattered. Our tiny house didn’t suit a dog his size.
Rachel laughed, “I think he’s going to just fit right in.”
She had no idea how much he didn’t fit in. I turned off the light in the kitchen and followed them into the living room carrying my pizza and glass of water. Clay settled on the floor stretching out in front of the couch, forcing us to step over him. Rachel sat on one side and I comfortably took the other.
The movie Rachel selected not only held my interest, but it seemed to hold Clay’s as well. I ate two of the three pieces of pizza Rachel put on my plate and set the remaining piece aside. During a quiet moment, Clay stood to stretch and turned to study my pizza, which Rachel noticed.
“Just one bite?” Rachel begged.
I wasn’t about to make living with us easy for him. “If he’s never eaten it before, he might throw up. Are you willing to clean it up? I’m not,” I challenged her with an arched brow.
She pouted prettily, not really upset. Her easygoing personality allowed me to speak without too much censor. A few minutes later, I caught her breaking off small pieces and setting them on the edge of her plate. Clay turned around innocently and snatched the pieces.
“Fine,” I said when the movie ended, “Give him the steak.”
Rachel cheered and hopped off the couch, calling to Clay as she went to the kitchen. He looked at me dolefully and followed her.
“Your choice, bud. Not mine,” I whispered knowing he’d hear me over Rachel’s puttering as she heated the steak for him.
I grabbed my plate and cup, making my way to the kitchen to quickly wash and dry them. “Thanks for the shopping and movie Rachel. And the leftovers,” I added. “You’ve made this feel like home in less than a day.” I quirked a half-smile at her, “but I’m beat and going to bed. See you in the morning.”
Before leaving the kitchen, I looked back to make sure Clay didn’t follow. He sat near Rachel watching me leave. Quickly looking away, I escaped to my room. The last thing I needed was for him to think that backward glance had been an invitation to join me.
Odd as it sounded, having Clay in the house made it easier for me to fall asleep. Although still a stranger to me, I knew his world and his rules. He’d keep me safe. Regardless of Sam’s assurance that I needn’t worry about him, he remained a concern.
* * * *
The next morning I woke feeling great. Sleeping on a full-size bed definitely beat sleeping on a twin. I didn’t think I would ever be able to go back. The new comforter had done a better job keeping in the heat than my old one. My feet felt nice and toasty.
I stretched my legs from their curled position and hit something warm and solid through the covers. No… he wouldn’t. Sitting up, I glared at Clay who stretched out contentedly at the end of my bed already awake and watching me.
“No,” I whispered. “No dogs allowed on my bed.” He snorted out a sigh and laid his head down closing his eyes. “Seriously, Clay. Don’t you think this is just a little inappropriate?”
He didn’t move.
“Fine.” I used my feet to try to push him off the bed, but he didn’t budge. Leaning back, I braced my hands on the wall and pushed harder, straining to move his stubborn irritating fur from my new comforter.
He still didn’t move, but did open one eye to look at me.
I gave up and glared back. “If you shed all over my comforter, I’m locking my door at night.” I tossed back the covers and got out of bed. “With an eyehook,” I added for good measure.
He wisely didn’t follow me as I made my way to the bathroom. Rachel already moved around in the kitchen making coffee. “Are you a coffee drinker?” she called to me.
With a mouthful of toothpaste, I had to spit before calling back, “No. More of a milk or orange juice person.” I finished up in the bathroom and joined her in the kitchen, noticing her scrubs. “Going to work?” I asked sitting on a kitchen chair and pulling my feet up from the cool floor.
“Yep. Sorry to leave you on your own so soon. I’ll be back around five. If you need anything, just call my cell. If I don’t answer, leave a message and I’ll get back to you.” She filled a travel mug with the coffee she made and rinsed out the pot. “Oh, when I went to bed Clay whined at your door so I let him in. Hope that was okay…”
“Yeah, that’s fine,” I agreed. What else was I supposed to say without sounding weird or bitchy? Inspiration to pay him back for his sneaky method struck. “Did you think of taking him to a vet at all?”
Rachel paused mid-rinse. “Oh, I hadn’t, but you’re right. He should probably go if we’re going to have him in the house with us. I’ll call around and make an appointment. I should check into getting him licensed too. Ugh. Getting him shots is probably going to cost a fortune.” She looked at me pleadingly.
Darn idea to get back at him would cost me money. “Yeah, I’ll go in halves.” I got up and started back toward my room.
“Great. Talk to you tonight,” she called as she went out the back door, closing it behind her.
Clay still lay on my bed, taking up the full width with his back paws folded in toward his stomach so they wouldn’t fall off. I stood in the doorway studying him while he watched me. Alone in the house together, we needed to set some rules.
Once the sound of Rachel’s car faded, I said, “First, I’d like to clarify that this does not qualify as getting to know each other. Second, you smell like wet dog. If you want to continue sleeping in my room, on my bed, you’ll let Rachel give you bath when she gets home.” He snorted at that, but didn’t get off the bed. “Third, once I’m awake, you get out. I know what you are and I am not changing in front of you.”
He outright harrumphed at that one and I swore I saw a canine smile. But he did hop down from the bed and left the room with quiet dignity.
I closed the door behind him and remade the bed, thankful he didn’t appear to shed, and grabbed some clothes for the day. I had two goals. First, I needed to figure out how long it would take me to walk to the campus from here. Then I needed to learn the bus schedule for the days I ran late, or the temperature prevented the long walk. If worst came to worst, I’d buy a beater car to drive.
Opening the door, I was slightly startled to see Clay sitting there patiently waiting for me. “What are you doing?” I eyed him warily, walking past him. I went to the kitchen to grab the house key from the counter. Clay’s nails clicked on the floor as he followed me to the door. “I’m going for a walk and you’re staying here,” I clarified when he made to follow me outside.
Clay growled slightly in response.
His deep growl gave me pause. He sounded scary. “Please don’t do that. Unless you really are trying to scare me.” His fur continued to bristle, but his growl stopped. Our relationship wouldn’t go anywhere if he thought he could bully and maneuver to his way of thinking. “And don’t crab at me. I’m not the unlicensed dog without a leash. “Do you want me to talk Rachel into buying a pink collar for you?”
He coughed out a strangled bark before turning and walking back to the living room. “See you later,” I called out feeling a little smug.
Walking to campus took about forty minutes. After checking the bus schedule and stops, I knew I’d be buying a car before winter. The distance and the number of catcalls I’d received just walking to the campus made buying the car a necessity. A necessity that would put a significant dent in my savings.
On the way back, I stopped at a gas station combination grocery store to pick up some essentials. Browsing, I found a new bar of soap, an extra toothbrush, dog food, and groceries for the week.
Struggling with the bags, it took forever to reach the house. When I finally got there, my arms ached. Next time I needed to remember one of my messenger bags. It made carrying things so much easier. Walking around to the back of the house, I saw Clay lying on the deck sunning himself.
“Nice to know you can let yourself out,” I said walking past him to nudge open the door, kicking it closed behind me. Putting the bags on the table, I began to unpack.
After a sharp bark from outside, I grudgingly turned to let Clay in, closing the door behind him.
“What? Can’t let yourself back in?” I reached in one of the bags on the table. “Look what I got you?” I said pulling out a small bag of dog food.
Clay growled again, but without menace. I set the bag on the floor next to the bowl of water Rachel had set out for him before leaving.
“You want to look like a normal dog don’t you? Well, as normal as a dog your size can look anyway.” I continued unpacking the bags leaving the soap and toothbrush for last. “These are for you. You have two choices. You can use them when Rachel’s gone, or you can wait until she’s back and I’m sure she’d be happy to help you.”
He studied me for a moment before walking out of the kitchen turning toward the bathroom. I followed a few steps behind.
A startled yelp escaped me when I rounded the corner and caught sight of a naked backside. Without much thought, I tossed the soap and toothbrush in and slammed the door shut. “You could have waited until I put the stuff in there,” I complained through the door, my heart thundering loudly in my ears. I heard the water turn on, the clink of his dog tag hitting the sink and the shower curtain move.
Who would have thought he even knew how to use a shower? I hadn’t. On the way home, I’d starting thinking of all the different things I needed to explain, like making sure to position the curtain inside the tub. Standing outside the door still reeling from the view I’d gotten, I realized I might get it again if I didn’t get him a towel.
I’d packed two bath towels when I moved here. Both purchased from a discount store, they sported gaudy floral designs. I grabbed one and waited outside the door again until I heard him splashing in the shower. I knocked.
“I have a towel for you,” I said through the door. “If you’re still in the shower, I’ll just open the door to toss it on the toilet seat. Okay?” I didn’t hear anything. Not surprising. “Okay, I’m coming in.” I waited a moment for any indication that I shouldn’t enter. When the water continued to run, I cautiously opened the door and tossed the towel in as soon as I saw a clear path to the toilet seat.
Standing just inside the bathroom, holding the door handle for a quick exit, I offered, “My toothpaste is the one marked with the pink nail polish on the cap. I’ll let you use it as long as you promise not to squeeze the tube in the middle.” His answer took the form of an accurately aimed splash of water over the top of the shower curtain, which I barely dodged.
“You’re cleaning that up!”
I closed the door and went to the couch with my book to wait. I hoped he’d use the towel before turning back into a dog. He’d make a mess if he shook out in there. After a minute, I actually opened the book and started reading.
Several minutes later, the water turned off. Dividing my attention between listening and trying to associate an action to each sound I heard, I couldn’t concentrate on my reading. A moment of silence and then running water. It sounded like the sink. Brushing his teeth? Then silence again. It remained quiet until I heard the doorknob turn. Quickly, I held the book higher to block my view just in case he chose not to wear his fur. Or the towel. A chuffing bark, apparently his dog version of a laugh, had me lowering my comically high book.
He strolled over by me and hopped up on the couch. Incredibly, his fur looked even fluffier. “Don’t get too comfortable, I don’t know what Rachel’s rules are about pets on the furniture.” I curled my legs under me to give him more room.
Forgetting myself, I leaned over to smell him. “Much better.” I said straightening. At his intense look, I went back to reading my book, pretending I hadn’t just leaned over and smelled a man. We stayed like that, sitting side by side in companionable silence, until lunch when both our stomachs rumbled.