Page 23 of F Is for Honey Bee

Taking a step back, Jonah thought of Flint’s violent eruption. He reminded himself that Arlo had never been physically abusive, but the tense jaw and flared nostrils made Jonah’s mouth go dry.

Are my hands trembling? Absolutely. Before Flint, he’d never been exposed to violence. Now he questioned whether Arlo might be capable of similar actions.

Arlo shook his head, wincing slightly. “I didn’t mean to get upset with you.”

But he hadn’t retracted his words, indicating he still believed them.

“You’re the one behaving like Flint.” Jonah narrowed his eyes, determined not to be intimidated by the hostility, though now more wary of it.

His comment seemed to piss off Arlo. “He was an asshole, and yet you put up with him for nearly two months.”

Through gritted teeth, Jonah asked, “Are you implying that I liked his aggressive behavior?”

“I just came over here to check on you.” Arlo grabbed the flatbed cart and wheeled it over to him. “Looks like you’re still processing everything that happened.”

The only thing Jonah was trying to process was Arlo’s mood swings. He had never seen someone cycle through emotions so quickly before. Now he was acting as if he hadn’t insulted the hell out of Jonah.

“How about I buy you a drink after work as an apology.” Arlo started stacking the trays on the cart.

“Stop.” Briefly closing his eyes, Jonah deeply exhaled.

“I’m just trying to help.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He held up his hands, palms out. “Stop whatever this is, Arlo. Our time together ended nearly four months ago.”

The small area resounded with Arlo’s laughter, which was akin to a braying donkey. He slapped the table, his shoulders shaking with mirth. “You really should get your ego in check.” He wiped the tears from his eyes. “That was too damn funny.”

Was Jonah reading too much into Arlo’s concern? The guy had confessed he still cared and wanted them to be friends, even though he was being very pushy about it.

But it wasn’t Jonah’s ego that made him wary. It was a deep gut feeling that set off his Spidey senses. The way Arlo gazed at him with hopeful eyes. His laser-focus on Jonah’s mental wellbeing. Those bursts of anger.

And then there was the unexpected apology for being a crappy boyfriend.

Yet, Jonah still wondered if he really was overthinking Arlo’s intentions. Had dealing with someone like Flint made Jonah wary of everyone now? He hoped not. That was no way to live. He’d wanted Flint out of his life because he’d been exhausted arguing all the time. He’d wanted his peace of mind back.

Now Arlo was messing with that peace by making Jonah question his motives.

“Let’s get your truck loaded.” Arlo gripped the handle of the cart.

Jonah didn’t like feeling so uncertain. Should he listen to his head, which told him that he was overthinking this, or should he listen to his gut tingling with an eerie vibe?

They worked together to load the truck, with Arlo handing trays and a tub of packages to Jonah, who stacked them in their designated spots. Twice Arlo’s hands brushed his, though it seemed unintentional.

Regardless, Jonah didn’t want the guy touching him for any reason, whether accidental or not. The only person he wanted touching him was Kijani.

“Thanks,” Jonah said when they were done. He jumped out of the back and closed the overhead door.

“I’d say any time, but you might think I’m flirting,” Arlo teased. “Seriously, though. My mom has always liked you. She’s been feeling down because of her dialysis. I’m positive a visit from you would put a smile on her face.”

Now that Flint was gone, Jonah didn’t have to worry about stopping by to see Winona. He just didn’t want Arlo using it as an excuse to spend time together.

“I’ll let you know, but in the meantime, tell her I said hi.” Jonah walked around his truck and hopped in, grateful to finally be away from Arlo and his unnerving mixed signals.

“Have you heard anything about Flint?”

Jonah nearly jumped out of his seat when Arlo suddenly appeared at his door. Now the guy was bordering on creepy. For fuck’s sake. Why couldn’t he just leave Jonah alone?

“No, and I have no interest in knowing what’s happening with him.” Bald-faced lie. Jonah wanted to know the outcome of Flint’s court case so he could either relax or put in a change of address.

---