Page 47 of Love, Untangled

He wanted to pursue a relationship with Penelope. Once he’d slept and once he apologized for embarrassing her tonight, hopefully he’d be able to put together a solid plan for wooing her.

Because she deserved something sweet—as sweet as she was.

And so did Carlo.

* * *

This was a dumb idea—the worst idea he’d ever had. Or the best. More than likely, the outcome of this choice fell to Alpaca Man’s reaction. Considering the fact that the alpaca was an animal made Carlo shift his feet in an effort to relieve the worry compressing his chest.

Pen’s little hatchback wasn’t in its normal spot. His concern spiked but he breathed through it. She had a life—a business she was running with great efficiency—and friends. He thrilled at how easily she’d settled into the group in town. She deserved happiness and fulfillment and roots. Deep, strong roots.

But before he made it across the rutted yard, Alpaca Man popped his head around the last row of trees in Carlo’s orchard.

“You’ve been scavenging again, hmm?” Carlo asked. He tried to remain calm but his heart slammed against his ribs much too fast. He felt as if he’d sprinted up three levels of stairs in his full firefighter gear.

Alpaca Man trotted toward Carlo and the new alpaca he held on a leash attached to the lead collar. The new alpaca snorted, her feet kicking and dancing in the dirt. Carlo dropped the leash. If Alpaca Man hated on her, Carlo would have to wade into the fray.

“I really hope it doesn’t come to that,” he breathed.

Alpaca Man stopped a yard or so from the new animal, nostrils flaring. She continued to prance and roll her eyes.

Alpaca Man opened his mouth, showing his teeth.

“Are you…”

Alpaca Man lunged forward, wrapping his long neck around the new animal’s, soft humming sounds emanating from his chest.

“Yeah, I guess that was a smile.”

The new alpaca leaned into the neck-hug, her eyes closing and her expression transforming to soft bliss.

“Well, I guess this means you two are going to be friends. Hang on, man. I need to get the lead off her before—will you stop slobbering on me?”

Pen pulled in then, her window down so she heard Carlo’s complaints. He glared at Pen’s pet, annoyed he’d made Carlo look bad. He used the lead to wipe some of Alpaca Man’s spit from the back of his neck.

“Gross.”

“Slobber usually is.” Pen stepped out of the car. She wore a nice pair of black pants, wide-legged with ruffles from the knee downward. Her top was a simple cotton T-shirt with a rounded neckline that showed off her collarbones and upper chest. Her pale skin was more sun-kissed and freckles dotted her nose and cheeks, peppering her neck and chest.

“You look great,” Carlo said.

She smiled a little but gestured toward the two gamboling alpacas. “Did you get a pet?”

“Kind of?” Carlo shoved his hands into his pockets. “I…erm…don’t have space in the barn for the animals. It’s filled with equipment.”

Pen raised an eyebrow before disappearing into the trunk to pull out a few large bins. Carlo rushed over to help.

“So, I kind of hoped you’d let Lydia stay here.”

“Lydia?” Pen asked.

“That’s her name. She’s a rescue. I had no idea there were alpaca rescue operations until I went online. Lydia was malnourished and lonely, at least that’s what the site said. And seeing her with Alpaca Man, it seems to be accurate.”

Carlo slammed his mouth shut, hating the warmth suffusing his cheeks and ears. He was rambling like a damn teenager. But that was what Pen did: she reduced him to his most insecure self—a version he hadn’t recognized at first. Once he realized how much her opinion of him mattered, he could breathe easier and think clearer. He sighed, annoyed with himself that he’d taken so long to realize these truths.

“You don’t have to take her. I just thought Alpaca Man might like a companion. I’ll help you with her care, pay for her food—”

“We’ll work something out. I’m glad to see Alpaca Man so happy.”

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