Page 64 of Avenging Azalea

Lifting a shoulder, he let it drop.

“For being my brother.”

With that, he closed the door, and I watched him walk away.

“You too, brother. You too.”

Chapter

Nineteen

FAWN

The rest of the day had felt awkward for me even though Dr. Taylor went about work like nothing had happened. I caught myself looking at him and wondering if I’d misheard him due to the insanity in my brain.

On the plus side, Winston had wagged his tail for me whenever I walked into the back and even took a treat from my hand. He still cowered unless I was at his level, but it was real progress. As a bonus, Sheba seemed more like her old self.

Winston needed a new home, but he wasn’t suited for just anyone. I’d spent my downtime today reviewing adoption applications. He needed someone who could help him heal. I was terrified that if he went to a home without that support, he would end up back here with a clock ticking on his life. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed wrong for him to go to anyone other than me. Especially if Sheba bonded with him, I couldn’t tear them apart. That was cruel. After reluctantly putting Winston back into his kennel, I left Small Paws and drove home to take care of my girls.

I felt on autopilot as I walked into the house.

Their dinner was a combination of kibble, boiled chicken, and rice. Balancing the food bowls and avoiding wagging tails, I shooed the girls out of the mudroom and closed the door.

Once they were settled and eating, I went upstairs to shower and change. My outfit was a sexy little green dress that brought out the color of my eyes. Steph had been begging me to go out, and I’d promised to crash at her house for the night. Since there was no work or school in the morning, why not? Sitting around the house staring at Titus and fantasizing wasn’t healthy. He’d messaged me at lunch to let me know he’d be home early and would have Cutter with him.

An hour later, feeling refreshed and excited for dinner and a night out, I grabbed my overnight bag and walked down the stairs. The front door opened halfway down, and my heart stopped when Titus stepped in, looking as handsome as ever. A wide smile spread across my face when Cutter darted in with Hailey and Holly. He was an adorable kid, and even though I’d only met him a handful of times, he was always the same polite and happy bundle of joy. It was great to see him with the dogs. It made my heart warm to see another budding animal lover.

“Hi, Cutter.”

He stopped long enough to wave and smile before racing away with the dogs.

“Wow.”

No matter how awkward things felt, I couldn’t help the flutter of excitement in my gut whenever I looked at Titus.

“Where are you going,” Titus asked, and I nibbled my lip.

Making my way down the rest of the stairs, I stepped onto the tile floor to face him. Even in my three-inch heels, I was still short next to Titus.

“Out with Steph. Dinner, then maybe to a club later,” I said, nowhere near immune to his eyes traveling up and down my body. Titus didn’t say anything, though I could tell something was on his mind. “Um…the girls were fed and walked. Chef left some food out for you if you’re hungry.” He remained silent, and my stomach tightened with the look in his eyes. “Well, I better go. Don’t want to be late for dinner.”

“No…I mean, yeah. I mean, no, you don’t want to be late,” Titus said, shaking his head. It was the first time I’d ever seen him at a loss for words.

Stepping around him, I grabbed the knob, but Titus put his hand on the door.

“What….”

“Be careful. Make sure to cover your drink, and don’t let anyone get you alone. There are a lot of creeps out there.”

My eyebrow raised.

“Okay…I know. I’m always careful. Is there something I should know about? You look concerned.”

“No…no, of course not. I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“I’ll be safe.” He licked his lips, and I glanced between him and the door. “Are you going to let me leave?”

“What?” Titus looked over and jerked his hand away like he hadn’t realized he was still blocking my exit. “Sorry, my head is all over the place tonight. Have fun, and if you need anything, you know I’m just a call away.”