Page 103 of Wanted

“I don’t think Jude has ever taken something like love as a joke, Aiden. I know that, and I haven’t known him for that long.”

“Fuck, I’m sorry, okay? I was just messing around.”

“I know.” I sigh. “I hope he realizes that too.”

Aiden studies me. Out beneath the open blue sky, I can’t hide. “You love him.”

“I don’t know why you think I’d tell you that.” Not when I haven’t even had the chance to tell Jude.

“You don’t have to. I know a lovestruck girl when I see one.”

“Ugh. Don’t you have something else to do? I don’t need a babysitter.”

“I’m supposed to stick by your side. Jude said you liked to walk the dogs, so whatever you decide to do, I’m your shadow.”

“Yeah, well, he fired me this morning.”

“Bullshit.”

I bite back a smile. “I know. He did fire me, but I’m still going to walk the dogs.”

“Which one should we start with first?”

“How about Toyota?”

Even though Jude usually walks his dogs as a pack, we decide to take them out in pairs. There isn’t much else to do, and since Aiden’s tasked with staying by me until Jude returns, this will help pass the time.

“Who’s this one?” he asks as he ushers a small fawn shepherd out the door.

“That’s Loofah.”

“Why is she called Loofah?” He tips his cap lower over his eyes.

“Because she always smells like she needs a bath.”

We walk in silence until the trail leaves the meadow and splits through the trees. “I don’t get up here as much as I used to. I miss it.” He fidgets with the brim of his hat again.

“What is it you do for work?”

“I’m kind of out of a job at the moment.” Aiden gazes off into the trees. “I used to do construction, but I have an old shoulder injury that was acting up.”

“I’m sure you’ll find something. Don’t feel too bad. I don’t have a job either.”

“I saw your drawings. You’re really good. You have that to fall back on if you can find the right audience.”

“You have something to fall back on too, you know. I’m sure Jude could find work for you to do around here.”

“Yeah,” he says, looking off into the distance again.

Over the next two hours, we make our way through the entire rowdy bunch. By the time we’re on the last two, most of the others have settled for an afternoon nap.

I stretch and yawn. “I think that’s next on my agenda.”

“You can go ahead now if you want. I can finish up.”

“That’s okay. It keeps my mind busy.”

“You miss him, huh?”

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