Entangled by Annie Brewer

pet?”
    “Dogs. So original, I know.” I laugh, feeling relaxed. “But I get so attached to them, dogs and cats. I love the ones I get to see all the time, and get to know. I get really attached which is hard when they are put to sleep or get sick.”
    “I imagine so. What’s your favorite dog breed?”
    “Is this twenty questions now?”
    “No, you said you wanted to be my friend, so I figured I’d ask you some questions, to get to know a little about you. And maybe decide if we’re friendship material.” I almost laugh or hit him. Who does that? It’s almost like a test to see if we’re a match, but as friends. Whatever.
    “Okay then, I get to question you next.” He shrugs. This may be a good thing. “I love the Frasier dog, Eddie. The Jack Russell Terrier is my favorite breed. They’re just so cute and cuddly.”
    “Eddie, he’s definitely adorable.”
    “Okay, my turn. Why did you move here?”
    He keeps his eyes on the road when he answers, “To start over.”
    “Are you really a trouble maker like Derrick has us all believing?”
    “Do you believe everything you hear?” He looks at me now, catching me off-guard with his question. “I didn’t ask you questions about your past. Questions like “what’s your favorite color” or “number” are welcomed. Questions that open up wounds are not.”
    “Fine, is Kasey an ex?” Shit, that totally slipped out, not that I care who she is but I couldn’t help the curiosity eating at me.
    He bites his bottom lip, contemplating. His lips are suddenly my focus. “I’m not sure if “ex” is the right word. I didn’t do relationships but we had relations of sorts. But if she had her way, I’d have put a ring on her finger by now.”
    “So, you don’t date?” I ask, confused.
    “No, I guess you can say that I don’t.”
    “Then what do you do?” He tilts his head a little and then shakes it and a small laugh slips out. “So what’s up with you and Landon?”
    We pull into the complex. “I don’t know, it’s complicated.” Really, it’s simple but I decided I don’t want to share anything about that with him. Not now. I get out of the jeep before he does.
    “Oh now you’re dodging the question, I see.” He leans against the side of his vehicle. Why is that pose so hot, with any guy? I look away before he sees the truth in my face. “Much like you were dodging my question too.” I finally say after forcing my best poker face, which isn’t a good one to begin with.
    “He seems like a real ass.” I cross my arms, raising a brow, incredulous.
    “And you’re not?”
    He shrugs but begins walking and I follow him. “I never said I wasn’t. I know what I am.” He looks at me, grinning. “I also know when I see my kind. He’s arrogant, cocky.”
    “You don’t know him. How can you tell just by one or two meetings?” It’s such a stupid question and I want to bite my tongue, he must think I’m a moron. I know one can tell a lot about a person in just one interaction. And I also know Noah isn’t really an ass, it’s just a façade. But why is he hiding who he really is?
    “Honestly? I could tell the moment I walked into the kitchen what kind of person he is. He’s got that look about him. He was rude; of course I wasn’t that nice either even though I’d just woken up. But whatever, that’s beside the point. Also, at the pool, he was very territorial…throwing daggers at me because I was looking at you.” I smile to myself, knowing he was watching us. But why?
    We stand in front of the front office building. “We’ve known each other a long time, and he’s always been protective of me. He doesn’t like new people in our secured group. And he didn’t like how you were staring at me.” He opens the door for me, I walk through and enter with a gust of air hitting my face.
    “Hello Maddy.” James, one of the leasing consultant’s approaches us.
    “Hey James. My friend, Noah here wants to look at apartments.