I smoothed my hair before knocking on Karla's door. Butterflies stormed my stomach at the thought that Daryl might be with her. It had been a year since our battle over him. She had won and I took my broken heart home to heal.
She opened the door after just one ring, apparently near waiting for me. For just a moment we stared, before falling into each other's arms. I felt a tear slid down my cheek. Best friends since first grade, I had missed her more than I dared admit to even myself.
"Come on in, Jeannie. I'm so glad you could stop by, even if only for a moment. I've missed you so much."
With a smile, I remembered how Karla always chattered when she was nervous. "Karla, I'm sorry. I should've never let Darryl come between us."
"Oh Jeannie, you don't know how terrible I've felt. We tried to resist, but we failed. Please believe me, we didn't mean to hurt you."
Sinking into a plush chair, I watch her perch on the edge of the ivory sofa. "I do understand now, Karla. Let's put the whole thing behind us." I wanted to ask, but was unsure if I was prepared to see Darryl again.
"Honey, can I get you something to drink?" From a doorway, the familiar velvet tone sent shivers up my spine. I swallowed hard, my eyes wandering over a body I once knew as well as my own.
His tawny hair was longer, but the natural curl still brought to mind the mane of a lion. Emerald eyes, full of worship, were glue on Karla. My eyes lingered on his chest, broader and tanner than I remembered, fingers itched as they recalled the faint dusting of blond hair that covered it. I lost a breath when I took in the black leather pants molding his firm thighs. A prominent bulge sent a fever racing through my body. I struggle to gain control of my emotions.
"Anything for you, Jeannie?" Karla asked.
My throat dry, I shook my head. I watched Darryl's pants tighten with each stride as he moved to join her on the couch.
I wondered at the frown creasing her face.
"Off the furniture, you know better." Her voice was stern.
He immediately slid to the floor. Laying his head in her lap, Darryl's gaze never left her. I watched confused as her fingers stroked his hair.
"Walk, yet?" he asked at her expectantly.
With a glance at the clock, she nodded. Ruefully, she smiled at me. "I'm sorry. He is so use to his routine."
The confusion I felt disappeared when Darryl came back with a black leather leash in hand. Handing it to Karla, I watched her snap it onto a silver studded collar adorning his throat.
I felt a sudden need for fresh air.
"Would you like to go with us?" The softness in her voice, told me she recognized the chaos in my thoughts.
"No, I forgot I have an appointment. I really do need to be going."
With a nod, she followed me to the door. "Perhaps next time you'd like to take Darryl for his walk? He is such a sweet pet."
Muttering goodbye, I stumbled out to my car.