Page 22 of Sticking Out

“I’m going to. Just not yet.” I give him a fast glance and crinkle my nose.

“Why not?”

“It’s just…do you remember Bear?”

He grins. “Yeah, I loved Bear.”

Unfortunately, he only knew my chihuahua for one year. We moved to Boston when I was sixteen and Bear died the next year. It was so damn hard, but Conner was there to help me get through it, just like he was there when we lost Alec. Once again my stomach cramps, guilt making it tight. He’s adamant that he wants to be around me, likes hanging out, but there is still a part of me that thinks I’m holding him back.

“Bear was the best.”

I smile, my thoughts going back to my dog. He really was the best, and so protective of me. He might have been small, but he was mighty, and I think the only guy he liked was Conner. A couple of times when Alec came to the house to find his brother, Bear nearly took out his ankles.

“Mom and Dad got Bear when they were pregnant with me. Bear and I grew up together. He was my best friend in the whole world.” When Conner pouts, I laugh. “Besides you, of course. But Bear was always there for me. We moved a lot because of Dad’s career, and making friends was never easy.”

“A chihuahua named Bear. It was fitting considering he was small but fierce.” He toys with his phone in his hand when it lights up, but he doesn’t check the message. “You want to wait until you’re pregnant.”

“I kind of do.”

“That makes sense. You want another chihuahua?”

“Actually, no. I’ve been thinking about getting a big dog this time. I just haven’t made up my mind yet.”

“A baby and a dog at the same time. Here I thought I was the masochist.”

“What?”

He gulps. “Oh, nothing. It’s just going to be a lot of work.”

I flick on my signal and ease my bus into the parking lot at the vet. Conner is right, it is a big bus, but I’ve gotten used to driving it. “I’ll just be a minute.” I open the door, and Conner stands.

“I’m coming.” I shrug and he continues, “What if you have to lift him?”

I feign offense. “Are you saying I’m weak or something?”

“Nope, but if you’re pregnant, I don’t want you lifting heavy things. We are not taking any chances, and if you fight me on this, no more cock for you.”

I laugh at that. “You’re going to hold out on me?”

He lifts his chin. “Maybe.”

“That means no sex for you too right. You do understand that?”

His shoulders slump. “Oh yeah…”

He looks so adorable, I can’t help but cup his cheeks and kiss him. Surprise moves over his face, and I quickly say, “Practice.”

“Right.” He gives a curt nod. “Anyway, no lifting. Okay?”

I’m about to protest, but he’s so damn serious, I just go with it. Clearly, he’s going to be very overprotective and I secretly like that. In my marriage, I did everything, from cooking and cleaning, to lifting, even when I was pregnant. It was the life I chose, and I’m not going to think anything bad about my marriage. All I’m saying is if I ever get married again, I’d want things to be different. Not that I’m ever getting married again. And why is it you’re never marrying again, Dani? I exit the bus and turn to find Conner behind me. My heart skips a beat, because yeah, the guy behind me could be the very reason I’ll stay single for the rest of my life.

Maybe I should put an end to this baby-making plan right now.

He angles his head and he must misread whatever it is I’m showcasing on my face, because he says, “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” He puts his hand on the small of my back and guides me toward the building. I like his touch so much, the caring way he holds me, that even if I wanted to end this—knowing it was for the best—I’m not sure I have the strength to do it.

We make our way inside, and the receptionist gives me a big smile, but that smile turns to shock and excitement as her gaze strays to Conner.

She stares, her mouth open and then she finally blurts out. “You’re Conner Birch.”

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