“That makes total sense. Pets are a big responsibility, and I’m glad that you’re thinking that far ahead, rather than wanting to make Joshua happy or thinking about cute little puppies. Animals are exhausting. It’s why I don’t have one of my own,” he said.
“I always wondered why you didn’t.”
Macon shrugged. “Between my family and setting up the practice as I have been for the past couple of years? It didn’t make sense for me to have a pet of my own, even though I love them. I wanted to be a vet for a reason. My house is pet-friendly, though, because sometimes I need to take an animal home for the night. But the office has a couple of cats, and even Jeremy’s family dog comes in most days. I keep thinking about getting a dog that I can bring in to work, but the timing hasn’t been right yet. And then, after the shooting, while I recovered, well…I was kind of glad I didn’t have an animal at home.”
I froze, and so did he. That was the first time he had mentioned the shooting in front of me. I didn’t know if he had with anyone else. I wasn’t sure what I should say or if I should just move on.
Macon, however, continued speaking, deciding for me. “Anyway, when and if you’re ready for a puppy or an older dog, let me know. I’ll help you out.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it. I just don’t see it happening,” I said honestly.
“I get you. When Joshua’s older, or even now if you want, you can bring him in. I can show him around and let him meet Jeremy’s dog. It’ll either make it worse for you—and if so, I’m sorry—or it’ll give him his animal interaction.”
“I don’t know if that will be good for him.” I hoped he assumed I was talking about introducing my son to animals and not the idea of him spending more time with Macon. Yet when I looked at his face, I saw the hurt there.
“I’m sorry,” I said quickly.
Macon shook his head. “No. I get it.” I didn’t think he did. I didn’t. “Anyway, I came back to see what you were up to because we’re friends now, right?” he asked, sticking his hands into his pockets.
I nodded, swallowing hard. “We are.”
“Then great. Anyway, sorry for crashing your head, and possibly breaking your phone.”
“It’s okay. I drop the thing more often than not, hence why it has such a thick case.”
“I think we have the same one,” he added dryly.
Oh, boy. Why did that smile do things to me? There were reasons I pushed him away. I just couldn’t think of them right now. “Okay, I need to get back to work.”
“So do I. I was just taking my lunch break and figured I’d stop by. Hence why I’m not in scrubs.”
“I like the jeans,” I blurted. He raised a single brow. “Shut up,” I mumbled.
“I didn’t say a damn thing,” he said and then shook his head. “Anyway, I’m heading out. Jason and Pop shoved me back here, by the way. I didn’t just make myself at home.”
“Ah, makes much more sense.” I laughed.
“Jason’s surprisingly strong for a man half my size. Anyway, I should go.”
“Right. Say hi to the puppies for me.”
“I can do that. I’ll see you around.”
“Yes. See you.” He turned on his heel and left, leaving me standing there like an idiot.
I wasn’t good at this. Not good with men—or anyone. This was the second time today I had been left standing around like an idiot. Though I was grateful I hadn’t run this time. And this was why I didn’t date. The only time I had ever been good at dealing with men was with Adam, and that was because he only wanted one thing from me.
Well, I wasn’t going to let that happen again.
My phone rang, and I answered without looking. “Hello?” I asked.
“Hello, Miss Bristol. I just wanted to give you a courtesy call to inform you that Mr. Dodson has been released early on account of good behavior. He’s on parole, but as his parole is in the city of Boulder, you may see him around. The restraining order is still in effect, but Mr. Dodson is free.”
I blinked slowly, bile filling my throat. “How can he be free?” I gasped.
“He served his time.”
“Not enough,” I snapped.
“Ma’am, he served the time for his offenses. You have the restraining order, so call if you see him anywhere near. But there’s nothing else you can do. I’m sorry.”
The man kept speaking, and I said a few things, though I wasn’t sure what. After, I hung up, my hands shaking as I looked down at my phone.
My son’s father was out of prison.
Drugs and beating me hadn’t kept him behind bars for long.
Another reason I didn’t date. Why I stayed away. I had made a horrible mistake before. My judgment wasn’t sound.
And now, I wasn’t safe.
My son wasn’t safe.
And I didn’t know how to protect him.
Chapter 6
Macon
I finished my examination, my hands gently probing Rusty’s side as my aide helped me keep the cat steady. “Hips feel great.”
“Oh, thank God. I’m always worried since he grew so fast. I don’t want him to be in pain.”
I looked over at the worried mother of three-year-old Rusty before sliding my hand down the cat’s back and enjoying the purr. I scratched under his chin, and he leaned into my hand, all happy and healthy despite my prodding a few moments ago.
“Rusty’s a big boy, a large Bengal who will get into everything for a long time to come
