Page 89 of Reclaimed

“I think he likes you.”

She scratches him beneath his chin and he completely melts until his chest touches the ground. “I like him too. Can we take him for a walk?”

My chest tightens with a swiftness that should be alarming. “Of course,” I mumble. “Let me grab a harness.”

I slip inside the building, knowing that I’m walking into Jude’s house without a prior text. As if he were waiting for me, my older brother appears at the gate separating the entrance from the rest of the house.

“Hey.” His arms cross over his chest.

“Just wanted to walk one of the dogs.” I unhook a leash from the wall and pull out a harness. “Frankie around?”

“She’s babysitting for Whitney.” His gaze moves over my head and out the window. “That your girlfriend?”

“Yeah, she wanted to visit.”

“I suspected that was the reason.”

I flip off my ball cap and run my fingers through my hair. Righting it on my head, I twist the bill around to the back. “I’m sorry. I’ve been meaning to come by—”

“Don’t mention it.”

“It’s not right. That I haven’t been here for the two of you, it isn’t right.”

Jude gives me a puzzled expression. “You saved Frankie’s life, and by extension saved mine. The only thing that isn’t right is you not letting us be there foryou.”

I nod at my feet. “I know.”

“I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad she’s helping you.”

“She doesn’t even know it.”

Jude’s lips twitch. “That’s what makes it even sweeter.”

I follow his line of sight out the window. Isla’s ass is planted fully on the ground with Remy in her lap. His head is angled across her chest almost like he’s giving her a hug. I look back at my brother, noting the softness in his body language and tone. So different from the man he was just a few short months ago. “Love looks good on you.”

“You too.” His chin lifts. “You keep her waiting much longer, she’s going to ditch you for the dog.”

“I think she’s going to do that regardless.”

“She want one?”

“I think that’s why we’re here.”

Jude smirks. “Good luck with that. Check back in before you run off with one of them.”

“Will do.”

Isla glances up as I approach. The harness and leash swing by my waist. “Look at this guy,” she croons, running her fingers over Remy’s neck. “Isn’t he the sweetest?”

The dog cracks an eye, but otherwise remains content in her lap.

I lift an eyebrow. “Getting attached?”

“It’s impossible not to!”

With slow, careful movements, I fit Remy with the harness and clip the leash on the back. “You take him out, and I’ll lock up so no one else follows.”

“I need some help getting up.” Isla’s bashful smile erases some of the doubt lingering for why we’re here. Getting to see her smile like that makes all my discomfort worth it.

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