“For the wedding,” Arlo adds. “We’ll need to decide on the right flavor.”
“That won’t be a problem. I could easily fit a horse in here.”
After so much food, I’d like nothing more than to shift to my wolf and curl up for a nap. Arlo doesn’t give me the luxury,rolling me out of bed to get ready for the day. Once I’ve showered and dressed, I follow Arlo downstairs.
“You seem to be feeling much better,” I remark.
Arlo gives me a crooked smile. “Thanks to you.” He winks, making desire stir low in my stomach.
“Good morning, dears!” Nan calls from the kitchen, doing the crossword over a cup of tea.
Bill stirs cream into his coffee. “Where are you off to?” There’s no trace of a wound where he’d been struck in the barn. Seems he’s recovered.
“Cake tasting,” I say. “Then I’ll go along with whatever Arlo wants to do.”
After a sip of coffee, he adds, “Look after my boy, will you?”
I’d be less shocked if Bill had slapped me with a fish.
“Shall we also be back before curfew, Father?” Arlo teases, taking my hand and leading me to the door.
“I will,” I promise Bill.
“I know.” He tips his head at me then turns to look for something in the refrigerator. It’s not much, but it’s a start.
The frost that settled on the grass overnight is beginning to melt under the sun’s rays. Arlo unzips his coat, smiling. “Good weather today.” The cheery tone doesn’t sound forced, but his smile also doesn’t touch his eyes. He unlocks the car for me, and I settle in.
“Fancy some music?” Arlo asks as he starts the car.
“Whatever you like,” I say.
He changes the song a few times on his phone before he settles on one about a man who likes himself better when he’s with his lover. My chest tightens as I watch Arlo drive, the music flowing through the car around us. I think I understand what this singer means.
Arlo suddenly says, “About yesterday, I… I’m sorry I was such a mess.”
“You weren’t.”
He laughs bitterly. “I think we both know that’s not true. It must have been awkward having to deal with me, and I’m sorry about that. I should have had a better handle on my emotions.”
I shake my head. “Lo…” Damn it, what can I say that will convince him he could never be a burden to me? How can I tell him what it meant to me to be able to comfort him through his pain? I couldn’t comfort Leif, but being there for Arlo soothed the ache of my guilt and shame.
“Thank you for trusting me enough to show me your mess.” I wince. That sounded horrible.
“You make it sound like I peed on the carpet.”
I bark a laugh before I can help myself.
Beside me, Arlo starts giggling, which only makes me laugh harder. Then he holds out his hand in offering. I tangle my fingers with his and squeeze, turning to face the window so he doesn’t see my foolish smile.
“Thank you for being there,” Arlo says, so softly I almost don’t catch it over the music.
Heart clenching, I hold on to his hand tightly.
Chapter 16
Arlo
“Why hadn’t I noticedyour scars before?” Gunnar asks as we walk the streets of the little village we’re doing our shopping in. “If you don’t mind my asking.”
