You and me again, p.1
You and Me Again, page 1
Table of Contents
Books by Megan Slayer
Title Page
Legal Page
Book Description
Dedication
Trademark Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Read more from Megan Slayer
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About the Author
Pride Publishing books by Megan Slayer
Single Books
Constant
Permanent
Vaulting
Drive my Car
We Belong Together
Finding Michael
Must Love Dogs
The One I Want
Cedarwood Pride
Home to Cedarwood
Anthologies
Out of Bounds: Crossing the Line
Out of Bounds: Making the Play
Aim High: Lifetime Hitch
Brothers in Arms: One Night with You
Collections
What’s his Passion?: Wild Card
Must Love Dogs
YOU AND ME AGAIN
MEGAN SLAYER
You and Me Again
ISBN # 978-1-78651-745-6
©Copyright Megan Slayer 2019
Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill ©Copyright May 2019
Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz
Pride Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2019 by Pride Publishing, United Kingdom.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.
Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.
If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book”.
Book two in the
Must Love Dogs series
Can love really strike twice?
Colin Dent knows what he wants out of life—his career at the advertising agency and his dog. Love is great, but he needs to know the guys in his life understand his dog is his family. He thought he had the perfect combination when he and Matt were a couple. But Matt didn’t stick around.
Matt Miller didn’t leave Colin because he wanted to—Colin hadn’t wanted him any longer. When Matt’s sister leaves her dog, Willie, with him for good, Matt not only understands separation anxiety, but how much it hurts to be forgotten. Then he sees Colin at the dog park. The old feelings rush in and he wants to open his heart, but he hasn’t forgotten the past.
Colin wants a second chance with Matt, but will the time and distance apart be too much to overcome? Or will the love of their dogs be enough to push these two former lovers back together for good?
Dedication
For RS and RB for believing in this series and giving me room to grow it.
For JPZ. Without dogs, our life would be boring.
Trademark Acknowledgements
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Chapter One
“Shall we head to the dog park?” Matt Miller hooked the leash to his dog, Willie’s, collar. The dog whined. Matt sighed and patted his head. “I’ll take that as a yes. Give me a second and we’ll leave. I know you love the park.”
Matt donned his jacket, then grabbed his keys. He preferred schedules and praised his sister for giving Willie a plan for the day. Too bad she couldn’t be the dog’s mistress. He loved the dog, but wished his sister hadn’t left him and Willie. He couldn’t understand why she’d walked away from the animal. Willie was just about perfect—no messes, or chewing, very few accidents, a mellow personality and he barely shed. A dog owner couldn’t ask for a more well-behaved dog.
He walked Willie the four blocks to the dog park. Ever since he’d heard about the place from his sister, he’d forced himself to take Willie there. God knew he and Willie both needed socialization. He worked at the junior high, but Willie spent most of his time alone. He did well around other dogs and people, but still. They both had to get out more.
He kept his head high and allowed Willie to set the pace. His mind wandered though. His ex-boyfriend, Colin Dent, liked to visit the dog park. Maybe Colin wouldn’t be there today. Matt could hope. He’d never forgotten the day they’d split and the look of pity on Colin’s face when he’d left. Colin had sworn he couldn’t be with a guy who didn’t love his dog as much as him.
‘I love you, Col, but it’s just a dog,’ Matt had said. Wrong thing to say, but at the time, the words had explained his feelings.
Colin had glared at him. ‘If you can’t appreciate the dog, then you can’t appreciate me.’
Back then, Colin had been right. Matt hadn’t grown up with dogs or cats. He’d had a tank of fish. He had no concept of loving a critter so much. The fish had been like objects. Then he’d inherited Willie. Now he understood Colin’s attachment to his dog.
He could explain his change of heart, but Colin hated him.
Matt opened the gate to the park and went through ahead of Willie. Once in the fenced-in portion of the park, he unclipped Willie’s leash. He tugged the tennis ball from his pocket. “Ready?”
Willie barked and hopped at Matt’s feet.
“Okay, I’ll throw it.” He lobbed the ball. Willie darted after it. If nothing else, Willie loved the ball. The dog brought it back and Matt threw it again. This time, he bothered to look around. People were already at the park. A pair of women chatted while two golden labs sprawled out in front of them. Another guy walked a chihuahua around the oak tree. After tossing the ball for the fourth time, Matt noticed Colin at the other end of the park. Damn. He’d hoped to miss his ex. He didn’t own the dog park or have the right to say who could visit, but still. He’d rather not run into him.
Matt focused on Willie but stole glances at Colin. His ex had arrived with another dog and a guy.
Lovely. Colin embodied handsome. He’d modeled back in college and worked in promotions—at least that was what Matt thought he did. Colin flicked his blond hair off his forehead. His button-down shirt clung to his toned frame and the act of moving his hair looked sexy. Being so attractive meant Colin could have any man he desired. He’d chosen a handsome man. Colin had cut his hair a bit, but the style worked for him. Are those highlights? He could’ve sworn Colin’s tresses were brighter in spots. Colin had lost a bit of weight, but the leaner appearance added to his appeal.
Matt tossed the ball and turned away from Colin and company. He’d had enough wallowing in the past and mistakes he couldn’t take back.
He waited for Willie to return with the ball, but he didn’t. “Willie?” Where has that dog gone? He searched the park. His heart raced and fear gripped him. His nerves shredded. Willie wasn’t a purebred dog. The poor guy was just a mutt, but he was Matt’s mutt. He couldn’t be without his dog.
Finally, he spotted Willie with a white Pomeranian. A dull ache started behind Matt’s eyes. The nutsy dog. “Willie.” He rushed up to the pair of pups. “Are you sharing your ball?” Odd, since Willie hated when anyone but Matt touched the tennis ball.
Willie sprawled beside the other dog. He wagged his tail a couple of times and closed his eyes. Matt sighed. He’d have to figure out who the other dog belonged to and probably set up playdates. He’d never seen his dog so relaxed before. He noticed two pink bows in the fur on the top of the Pomeranian’s head. Funny. Colin had always decorated his dog that way.
“You can’t stay here,” Matt said. “Her owner will be worried.”
“Damn straight.” A guy strode up to Matt. “Get your dog away from mine.”
Matt knelt to retrieve the ball, but the Pomeranian growled at him. “Sorry.” He glanced back at the man beside him. “My dog wanted to share his toy.” He clicked Willie’s leash onto his collar. “We’ll come back for the ball. I’ve got another tube of them at home.”
“She’s not a ball kind of dog,” the guy said. “Leave it or take it, I don’t care, but I don’t want it.”
“Um…okay.” He grabbed the tennis ball. “Well, sorry. See you.” He started away. What a strange guy. “Come on, Willie.”
Willie didn’t budge.
Matt s ighed again. “It would appear my dog likes yours.”
“Is he fixed?” the man snapped.
“Yes.” He crinkled his brow. “Since he was a year old and he’s five.”
“Then good. Still, you need to go away.” The man folded his arms but made no attempts to retrieve his dog.
Matt rolled his eyes. “Fine.”
“Wait.” Colin approached. “Just wait.”
Matt locked gazes with Colin. His heart skipped a beat and a shiver ran the length of his spine. He’d never get tired of looking at him. He wished he could take back the words that had caused the rift.
“Mason, go. I’ve got the dog. You need water and shade. Didn’t you run this afternoon? Have a seat. We’ll join you in a moment,” Colin said. He turned his attention to Matt. “We’ll be fine.”
“You’re sure?” Mason glared at Matt, then left with a flourish.
Colin held a rhinestone-encrusted leash. He said nothing and stared at Matt.
Matt wasn’t sure what to do. He couldn’t deny the urge to hold Matt once more, but he knew better. He also knew he couldn’t make a move with Mason close by. He didn’t know Mason, but could feel the jealousy radiating off him. “I’ll take Willie and go. He makes Mason nervous.”
“It’s not that,” Colin said.
“If you’re worried about Willie trying to mate with your dog,” Matt said. “He’s not able, so don’t get upset. Willie just likes her.”
“Oh, okay.” Colin toyed with the leash. “I’m sorry.”
Matt froze. He’d expected the first time he ran into Colin to be awkward, but not this confusing. “Don’t worry about it.” Willie caught his leash up with Judy’s.
Colin’s eyebrows rose. “Our dogs are in a tangle.”
“Yeah.” He’d noticed. The dogs being together was what had brought him over, but now the leashes were wound together.
“I’m sorry,” Colin said.
“Willie will deal. He’s a grown-up.” He’d go forward in the same way Matt had—with a broken heart.
“Matt.”
“What?” He wasn’t sure what to say. “We’ll be fine. We’re survivors.”
“He’s a pretty dog,” Colin murmured. “A rescue?”
“Kind of. My sister got him as a pup but couldn’t handle him.” Matt shrugged. “She said he was too high-strung.”
“Him?” Colin chuckled. “He’s mellow.”
“Around her, he freaks out,” Matt said. “She threatened to give him away a lot.”
“And you took him?”
“She abandoned him.” He hated to admit that. Fuck.
“What?” Colin’s eyes widened. “How could she do that?”
“She needed to move on, so she did. He wasn’t invited.” He knelt and petted Willie. “I don’t know what her real reason was for going, but she wasn’t a dog person and never should’ve adopted him. I didn’t plan on having a dog, but I couldn’t let him go. He’s sweet, funny, loyal and pretty calm—just not around her. Anyway, they were living with me and she moved out, but Willie didn’t. I’m glad. He’s my center.”
“He seems like a cool guy.” Colin petted Willie’s head. “He’s calmed Judy right down.”
Judy? Matt folded his hands on his lap. “She’s pretty. Is she a second?”
Colin grinned and his eyes lit up. “You remembered. Yeah, she’s Judy II. I didn’t think you’d recall that.”
“How could I forget?” He forced a smile, despite his heart breaking. “She used my pillow to sleep on, chewed up my shoes and puddled on my clothes.”
“She didn’t like you much.” Colin nodded to the dog. “This Judy is just as high-strung. She hates everyone—including Mason.”
“He seems to like her.” Matt gritted his teeth. He hadn’t meant to sound snotty.
“He’s protective,” Colin said.
“As he should be.” Did that make up for his earlier statement?
“Are you jealous?” Colin tipped his head. “Matt?”
“No.” Liar.
“He’s jealous of you,” Colin said. “Really jealous.”
He paused. “Why?”
“Because I knew you before I knew him.” Colin shrugged. “Makes little sense, but that’s the truth.”
“Ah.” He should’ve guessed Colin would mention him. “You told him I’m nothing to worry about, right?”
“Kind of.” Colin shrugged again.
Matt blew out a ragged breath. Time to end the agony. Seeing Colin was too painful. “Well, I need to pry my dog from yours. We need to get going.”
“Probably smart.” Colin scooped Judy into his arms. “She’s never been this calm.”
“Willie’s a soothing dog.”
“He is. You should bring him around more often,” Colin said.
Is Colin kidding? He had to have lost his mind. They’d split because of a dog. Now, Colin wanted to be friends because of a dog? Come on. “Colin.”
“What?”
“It’s not a good idea.”
“I know.” Colin bumped shoulders with Matt. “It’d be for the dogs.”
“That’s not fair.” He couldn’t be this close to Colin. Not with his heart in pieces.
“You weren’t a dog person,” Colin said. “Guess it just takes a right dog to come along to tame us.”
“Maybe.” Willie had certainly been the right one for him.
“Willie sure seems to be the right one for Judy. Think about it,” Colin said. “Come to the park tomorrow around this time. It’ll be good for them.”
“I’m working. I just happened to be free this afternoon.” Jesus. Can’t I come up with a better fib than this?
“You lie.”
Matt said nothing. Why bother? Colin knew him too well.
“You teach, but school gets out at two-thirty and you’re here by three-thirty every day. I know—I’ve seen you every day this week.” Colin crooked his eyebrow.
Right, because this time having a schedule has been such a boon… “You got me.”
“I could always tell when you were lying,” Colin said.
“Yeah.” He hated feeling uncomfortable. “I should go.”
“I disagree. Willie and Judy were so tight.” Colin laughed. “We should let them do their thing.”
If Colin didn’t have Judy in his arms, Matt had no doubt Willie would still be cuddled up with her. Matt should be honest with Colin. The words were there and needed to be said. “When we split, I wasn’t a dog person. I didn’t have dogs and didn’t enjoy Judy I. She hated me. But I never expected you to quit on me. I get why you picked her over me. Now that I’ve got Willie, I’m not alone. We bonded. But we were thrown together. I couldn’t take him back to the animal shelter. He needed me and I needed him.” Matt paused. His throat ached and if he wasn’t careful, he’d cry. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be who you needed. I loved you, Colin. Down to my soul loved you. Still do, but I know it’s over—I saw you and Mason together. He’s cute.”
“Matt.” Colin reached for Matt, then recoiled.
“See? You don’t want to touch me.” He swallowed his hurt. “This is a small town and we’ll run into each other. We can be civil. We’ll visit the dog park at another time so you don’t have to see us. Come on, Willie.” He patted his hip. “We’ve got to go.”
“You won’t give me a chance for rebuttal?” Colin snorted. “You lay all that on me and won’t let me talk?”
He shook his head. “Not today.” Matt walked away with a heavy heart. He’d said what he needed to and still felt empty. Colin would be a hole he’d never fill. Damn it.
Colin stared at Matt’s retreating form. Shit. He’d pushed Matt away—again.
Come back lingered on his tongue, but he didn’t say it. He wanted to argue with Matt. To give his ex-boyfriend a piece of his mind. But why? He’d screamed, yelled and vented, but never to Matt. Why? Because Matt had done what he’d wanted and left. Colin hadn’t come to his senses about the situation with Matt until after he’d moved out of their shared apartment. But he still loved Matt. He wanted to tug Matt into his arms and feel him against his body again. He could almost taste Matt’s kiss. Matt still filled out his jeans well. He worked the nerdy look even better. The haircut worked great with his face and maybe it was the distance between them, but he swore Matt had grown more handsome.
