Page 52 of Puppy Love

“I’m not saying you are, I’m just—” He clears his throat. “I just want to make sure you’ve thought this through. It’s hard to be around someone in such an intimate way without catching feelings.”

I know Hayden is just worried about me. He’s trying to protect me, and I love him for that. But I’m not the same broken Cam I was when he met me. Sure, I still have work to do. But I’m different now. I’m changing.

I don’t need him to protect me. I’m not going to get attached to Violet. I can hardly stand being in the same room as her when we aren’t fucking. My head tilts, and I lean against his arm.

“I’ve thought this through,” I say softly. “I promise.”

His hand cups the back of my head gently. “Okay,” he says. “I believe you.”

We stand there in silence for a moment, until Major lets out a soft whine.

“Oh buddy,” Hayden says, reaching his hand out to pet him. “You’re fine. Sorry for distracting her.”

I shake my head and slide Major’s head through the nylon loop attached to the table.

“He’s just about done. He did awesome, by the way.”

“We can credit most of that to your girl.” Hayden wiggles his eyebrows as he emphasizes the word. “She’s pretty awesome at her job.”

“She’s not my girl,” I say, shoving him playfully. Both my hands straddle my hips, and I lean to the side, shooting him a glare. “And it’s her side job.”

Hayden coaxes Major off the table and clips a navy collar around his neck. He smirks.

“So are you, apparently.”

I point to the door, an unamused expression on my face. “Out. Now.”

Hayden tilts his head back apologetically. “C’mon, Cam, it was just a joke.” I continue pointing at the door. “Fine,” he grumbles, giving me a tight side-squeeze. He walks toward the closed door and reaches for the handle.

I swallow. “Hayden, wait.”

He stops and turns toward me with a smile.

“How did you know?”

His blue eyes shimmer for a moment, then glaze over.

“I know you Cam,” he says. “Maybe better than myself.”

A crease forms between my brows as I press them together. He shakes his head.

“I saw your texts,” he says. “At the bowling alley.”

“Oh.” I nod.

Hayden nods back, turning toward the door again.

“Love you,” he says, pushing it open. I smile, waving at him even though his back is turned.

“Love you too.”

eighteen

Permanent

Violet

“Ican’t believe I agreed to this.”

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