My Golden Retriever Lover Novel – On the first day the sweet younger brother came to my home, I went out to buy him some underwear, but I got the size all wrong. The next day, he mentioned missing his late parents and asked for a hug—though it was a bit tighter than expected. By the third night, he stood at my bedroom door, his torso illuminated in the soft light, looking like a lost puppy. He shyly confessed his fear of the dark and asked to sleep with me. I found myself wrapped in his warm embrace, unable to sleep through the night. When I awoke the next morning, I felt a warm pressure against my lower back and heard a soft, playful whisper near my ear. Sister, are you awake? Can you help me out.
Chapter 1 Clara’s Decision In the dim light, a strikingly handsome face slowly inched closer to a woman and didn’t stop until their breaths mingled. The man urgently lifted the woman’s enchanting face, his dark eyes reflecting her disheveled allure. Clara Hall forcefully turned her head away, having no guts to meet his intense stare. But he persisted and dragged her to the mirror, trapping her slender waist and pressing her tightly against his heated body. His voice, husky and seductive, murmured in her ear, “Clara, take a look at yourself. See what you’ve become.” Clara trembled violently, tears brimming at the corners of her eyes. She pleaded desperately, “Jack… please… let me go.” “Clara, do you really not want me?” A flash of pain flickered in Jack Baker’s eyes, quickly replaced by an obsessive fierceness. “Running away follows with punishment.”
His scorching smooches rained down, and he gently nibbled at her earlobe. His intense breath washed over her, making Clara shudder uncontrollably, her defenses collapsing. Her lustrous eyes were now filled with desire. His large hand gripped the back of her head so that he could deepen the smooch. Jack brushed aside her hair cascading over her chest. “Clara, turn around. Let’s do it in front of the mirror.”
In Gledale City, at the Baker family, Clara sat in the corner of the living room, fiddling with her phone. Right after the SATs, some of her close friends were planning a graduation trip and had texted her for her opinion. Clara looked up thoughtfully, her gaze accidentally landing on Jack, who was seated not far away. Jack Baker was tall and strikingly handsome. Dressed in black, he exuded an alluring aura, sitting among a group of adults with his head bowed, his emotions unreadable. The Bakers were still arguing, their voices loud, using harsh words. Clara tilted her head, pondering where her destination would be. Suddenly inspired, she typed on her phone hastily. Clara: I vote for the ocean. Clara believed the ocean was peaceful. Resided in Gledale City, an inland area, she had never seen the real ocean before. Her friends agreed to her suggestion of a beach trip, and they planned to leave in a week. Thinking of the blue expanse of the sea, Clara felt a calm wash over her.
Before she noticed, the arguments had stopped, and the living room was now enveloped in an unusual silence. A gentle female voice broke the air. “Jack, who would you like to live with?” Jack didn’t respond, still looking down, fiddling with his slender fingers. The room fell silent again, but it didn’t last. Someone spoke harshly, “For the record, we’re already stretched thin with kids and have no room for Jack.” The statement caused a ripple of agreement, the others echoing, “Same here.” Watching the scene unfold, Clara couldn’t help but recall the year her parents had passed away, leaving her in a similar room full of adults, all reluctant to take her in. It was her aunt, Ava Hall, who finally took her home. Perhaps it was this shared experience that stirred a sense of empathy within her. Clara looked at Jack with a twinge of pity. Sensing her gaze, Jack looked up at her. The moment their eyes met, Clara was taken aback. Jack’s eyes were red-rimmed, his lashes damp, and a misty sheen clouded his vision. He looked like a stray puppy, abandoned and alone. Clara’s heart skipped a beat.
She lowered her head immediately, warning herself not to dwell on that look. “Ava, why don’t you take Jack in?” someone suddenly suggested. “Yes, Ava, you took care of Clara before. We’d feel most at ease if Jack stayed with you now. Jack’s father would feel the same in heaven,” others chimed in. “You!” Ava huffed in frustration. Ava’s husband had just passed away. With her son in his second year of high school and a one-month-old daughter to care for, she was already at her limit. The underlying reluctance was that Jack’s father’s company had gone bankrupt, and his siblings feared the specter of inherited debt. The atmosphere turned tense. Clara glanced at Ava, who had aged significantly due to her recent grief. When her husband was alive, Ava had been so gentle and beautiful, always cheerful and kind. Everyone in the room had their own agenda, all trying to pass the burden to someone else. Jack remained with his head bowed, his fingers red from his nervous twisting. Clara, fixated on Jack’s deep, haunting eyes, felt mesmerized. She uttered, “If none of you will take him, I will.”
Jack’s head snapped up, his eyes filled with surprise, joy, and a hint of hope. Ava looked at Clara in shock, cautioning, “Clara, don’t make trouble.” “I’m not making trouble, Aunt Ava,” Clara replied seriously. She turned to Jack. “I’ve just come of age, though inexperienced at caring for others. But I have money and a house. I can ensure your basic needs.” She paused, then asked solemnly, “Would you like to come home with me?” Jack clutched the edge of his shirt tightly, his knuckles turning pale. His eyes glistened as he said, “Yes, I would.” Everyone was stunned. No one had expected Jack to choose to go with a barely adult girl.
As they left the Baker family, Clara found herself in a daze, looking at Jack’s striking appearance and presence. She pinched her cheek. “Ouch.” Behind her, Jack was amused by her action. Clara blushed and snapped, “What are you laughing at?” Jack shook his head, still smiling, and said softly, “Clara, you are so cute.” Clara froze momentarily at his words, a tingle running through her pinky finger. His smile was so sweet. Clara cleared her throat, trying to stay calm. “You go pack your things first. I’ll pick you up later.” “Okay, I’ll wait for you,” Jack replied with a well-behaved smile before heading back home. Clara watched him leave, feeling a bit dazed. Jack seemed genuinely happy. ***** Clara went upstairs to talk with Ava for a while. Ava held her hand, full of guilt. “It’s all my fault. You’re barely an adult yourself.” “Aunt Ava, please don’t say that. I made the decision to take Jack in,” Clara reassured her, holding Ava’s hand in return. “He’s just a kid. He won’t be much trouble. Don’t worry.”
After saying goodbye to Ava, Clara went to pick up Jack. When she arrived at the Baker mansion, Jack was already waiting outside with his things. At the sight of her, he immediately approached the car, smiling sweetly through the window. “Clara, you’re here.” It was drizzling, but he stood there in the rain. Concerned that he might catch a cold, Clara urged him to get in the car. Once he was inside, she asked, “Why didn’t you bring an umbrella?” His hair was wet, forming small strands stuck to his forehead, with raindrops clinging to the ends, ready to fall. He looked at her with his endearing eyes. “I was in a hurry to pack and forgot to take it.” Clara chuckled. “What was the rush?” “I was afraid you’d change your mind and not want me anymore,” Jack said, lowering his head. His voice carried a slight sob, and his eyes were filled with sadness. Clara felt a pang in her heart. She hurried to grab a few tissues to dry his hair and face, assuring him, “Since I promised you, I won’t go back on my word.”
Jack suddenly looked up and grabbed Clara’s hand with one of his own, his eyes brimming with undisguised joy. “You’re so good to me, Clara!” His palm was hot, making Clara’s face burn with discomfort. She tried to pull her hand back, but Jack held on tightly. Feeling flustered, Clara was about to ask him to let go when he spoke again, “Clara, no matter what I do in the future, you won’t abandon me, right?” His gaze was serious and determined, yet cautious. Clara sensed something was off but didn’t dwell on it. Simply wishing he could release her hand, she replied, “Right.” The soft and tender touch of Clara’s hand brought Jack a surge of excitement, but he managed to suppress it. Though reluctant, he quickly let go. He couldn’t afford to let her notice anything amiss. He knew he should take it slow. Chapter 2 How Embarrassing By the time they got home, the sky was completely dark. Clara led Jack upstairs. He didn’t bring much, just a backpack, so he didn’t need her help unpacking.
At the door, Clara told Jack the door’s code and had him try it out. Clara lived alone. Once inside, she remembered she hadn’t prepared any men’s slippers. She pursed her lips, took out a pair of her own slippers from the cabinet, and placed them by Jack’s feet. “These are all I have. I forgot to buy men’s slippers on our way back. You can use these for now. I’ll go to Seven-Eleven to get you a pair later.” Jack didn’t mind at all. He put on Clara’s slippers and cheerfully thanked her. Now that he was so well-behaved, Clara’s fondness for him grew gradually. Her slippers were too small, with Jack’s feet sticking out awkwardly, making it hard for him to walk. Clara couldn’t stand it and helped him to the sofa. “Sit here for a bit. I’ll go buy some things.” Jack nodded obediently. After a short while, Clara returned from Seven-Eleven with lots of items, mostly for Jack. She handed him the new slippers. Having forgotten to ask his size, she bought a larger pair just in case. “Try these on. If they’re too big, I’ll get another pair for you tomorrow.” Jack tried them on and, surprisingly, they fit. “Clara, they fit perfectly.” “Great.” Seeing his hair still wet, Clara worried he might catch a cold and suggested he take a warm shower.
Jack looked up at her, hesitating. Catching him hesitating, Clara asked, “What’s wrong?” Jack pointed to his bag. “Clara, which room am I staying in?” Only then did Clara realize that she hadn’t arranged a room for Jack yet. Her father had bought this apartment specifically for her while he was still alive, modest in size with only two bedrooms. Pointing to the bedroom adjacent to hers, Clara said, “You can stay in that one.” Jack noted the proximity of the rooms, thinking it would be very convenient in the future. “Thank you, Clara.” Jack picked up his backpack from the sofa, intending to settle into his new space before his shower. But Clara stopped him, taking the backpack from his hands. “I’ll set up your room. You go ahead and take a shower.” “Clara, you’re so kind to me!” Jack naturally hugged Clara, resting his head on her shoulder and rubbing against it. She smelled faintly sweet and pleasant, causing Jack to close his eyes in comfort. The hug caught Clara off guard, and she stood frozen for a moment, allowing the embrace to continue. Jack’s charming presence and his breath on her neck tickled her. Clara hesitated about whether to push him away. Fortunately, Jack was tactful and released her after a brief moment. With her straightforward nature, she didn’t dwell on it, heading into the bedroom to help Jack with his things.
Jack turned on the shower, the water cascading over him as visions of Clara’s tender skin and her subtle fragrance danced in his mind. Somehow, he just felt an unusual warmth within him with those images lingering. He needed a cold shower to calm down and ensure he wouldn’t lose control later. Clara cleaned Jack’s room, changed the sheets, and tidied up. When she was nearly done, she heard Jack calling her from the bathroom. “Clara.” “What is it?” Clara walked over to the bathroom door. Jack hesitated, his voice barely audible. “I forgot to bring my underwear.” His underwear! Clara’s eyes widened, her face instantly turning red. “Clara, did you hear me?” Jack’s voice continued. It was the first time Clara felt so embarrassed that she wanted to flee. “Yes… I heard you.” She managed to answer, her voice sounding strange even to her own ears. “Clara, could you help me buy a new one?” “Okay.”
The next thing Clara knew was that she had managed to get to Seven-Eleven, having no idea how. She stared at rows of various men’s underwear, her embarrassment deepening. The clerk, sorting items on the shelf, noticed her standing still in front of a bunch of men’s underwear, blushing intensely, and immediately understood. Approaching her, she asked, “Shopping for your boyfriend?” Clara looked at her upon hearing the voice, nodded, and then shook her head, her face reddening even more. “It’s for my brother, not my boyfriend.” Understanding her embarrassment, the clerk didn’t press further. Instead, she gave Clara some tips on buying men’s underwear, like sizes and fabrics. Clara was absent-minded and didn’t absorb much of what was said. The only words she had caught were that she should buy a larger size for comfort, as it could affect intercourse if it was too tight. Seeing Clara’s shyness, the clerk guessed it was her first time buying such things for her boyfriend and kindly asked, “Do you understand now?” Clara really didn’t want to delve into it further. It was the first time she had realized that excessive enthusiasm from others could be a bad thing. Clara couldn’t bear to look at the clerk.
She randomly picked one from the shelf, paid for it, and hurried back home. Jack heard the door close and purposely asked her, “Clara, did you get it?” Clara felt embarrassed but still replied, “Yes.” “Clara, I’m not wearing anything. Could you bring it to me?” Jack pushed his luck further. He wanted to see how much Clara would tolerate, planning his next move accordingly. Clara rubbed her burning cheeks, trying to gather her thoughts. “I’ll leave it by the bathroom door. You can come out and get it yourself.” After saying this, Clara tossed the underwear aside and hurriedly ran back to her room, closing the door behind her in a fluster. Jack then emerged from the bathroom, picked up the underwear from the floor, and looked at Clara’s closed door. A smirk played across his lips. Clara was too easily shy. After changing, Jack noticed Clara’s door was still closed, so he walked over and knocked. Clara, who had just calmed down after finishing her nightly prayers, sighed in relief and asked, “What’s wrong?” “Clara, I can’t find the hairdryer. Could you help me get it?” “Okay,” Clara agreed.
Getting out of bed, Clara opened the door to be greeted by Jack’s handsome, innocent face. His hair was still wet, drops of water running down his face and slipping into his collar. He wore a white T-shirt, soaked around the waist, revealing his prominent abdominal muscles and a smooth waistline. Clara gulped. She believed all her prayers just now had gone futile upon seeing such a picture. Jack lowered his gaze, observing every change in Clara’s expression, pleased with her reactions. “Clara, what are you looking at?” He asked, feigning innocence. Flustered, Clara looked away, coughed nervously, and changed the subject. “I’ll go find the hairdryer.” With that, she hurriedly escaped. Finding the hairdryer, Clara turned around to see Jack standing right behind her, eyeing her earnestly. Clara touched her face, asking, “What’s wrong?” Jack shook his head, smiling. “Nothing.” Clara handed him the hairdryer and explained, “I usually keep it in the drawer under this cabinet.” “Got it, Clara.” Chapter 3 I’ve Grown Up Clara was discussing weekend travel plans with her good friend, Eleanor Roberts.
Meanwhile, Jack finished blow-drying his hair and saw Clara sitting on the couch from a distance. She was tucked in a corner, her face lit up with a deep smile, her eyes sparkling under the soft yellow light, casting a serene and beautiful glow on her profile. Over the years, Clara seemed unchanged. Her smile was always gentle and bright like the sun. After finalizing their plans, Clara felt thirsty and got up to get some water from the fridge, noticing Jack behind her. “Jack, are you done?” Clara asked. “Yeah,” Jack replied in his deep voice. Clara was startled, thinking he might be coming down with a cold. She reached out to feel his forehead. In a moment of unspoken understanding, as Clara reached up, Jack happened to lower his head. Their skin touched briefly, and Jack let out a soft grunt. Clara sensed nothing was wrong. Unaware of Jack’s intentions, she absentmindedly grabbed a thermometer and placed it against his forehead to confirm her doubt. Jack thoroughly enjoyed Clara taking care of him, though he didn’t explain that he wasn’t actually sick. He hoped she would unconsciously get closer to him and initiate physical contact. Maybe it was the quietness of the room that made Clara pause for a moment while holding the thermometer. She suddenly realized they were standing very close together.
Jack was staring straight into her eyes, his gaze reflecting her own, creating a palpably intimate atmosphere. Clara stepped back immediately, relieved to see the normal reading on the thermometer. “Thank goodness, you’re not running a fever,” she said. “I’m pretty robust, Clara. I don’t get sick that easily,” Jack replied proudly, blinking. Clara didn’t pursue the topic further, putting down the thermometer. She then remembered they hadn’t had dinner yet and asked, “Jack, are you hungry?” “Yes,” Jack rubbed his slightly hollow stomach and obediently replied. It was already past eight, and the rain outside had intensified without any sign of stopping. Ordering takeouts now seemed risky. The slippery roads might cause it to arrive cold. Clara didn’t mind it when she lived alone, but with Jack staying over, it didn’t feel right to serve him cold takeout on his first day.
However, Clara wasn’t adept at cooking. Clara felt a headache coming on, thinking that raising a child was not an easy task after all. “Clara, do we have any pasta at home?” Jack suddenly asked. “I’m not sure.” Clara didn’t cook much, usually ate at school, and ordered takeout occasionally when she was home. She didn’t keep the ingredients stocked. However, Ava sometimes visited Clara and cooked meals for her, so there might be leftover ingredients. Clara opened the fridge. The bottom shelf was stocked with fresh vegetables and some instant food. Jack leaned over and glanced inside. “These should be enough.” “Huh? Enough for what?” Clara questioned. Jack took out two tomatoes and a packet of pasta, volunteering. “These will do for pasta.” “You’re going to cook pasta for me?” Clara looked surprised. “Yeah, Clara, I’m quite good at it.” Jack carried the items into the kitchen, tidying up as he spoke, “Back when no one looked after me at home, I used to cook for myself.”
Clara had heard some details about Jack’s family situation from Ava. His mother had passed away early, and his father remarried. His stepmother treated him poorly. It was only after his grandfather intervened that Jack’s life improved slightly. Unfortunately, after his grandfather passed away, there was no one left to protect him. Clara had met Jack’s stepmother, who was arrogant, temperamental, and self-centered. Ava disliked her intensely. She was nothing like Jack’s gentle and well-bred biological mother. Ava had been cared for by Jack’s mother during her pregnancy. Therefore, when Clara brought Jack home, Ava specifically instructed her to treat Jack well, saying they were both children who had faced hardships. Yet Clara felt she was more fortunate. Despite losing her parents early, they had loved her deeply. Later, Clara was fostered by Ava, who treated her like her own daughter and never let her suffer. Therefore, looking at the well-behaved and thoughtful boy before her, Clara couldn’t help but feel immense pity for him. But now that Jack was under her custody, she was determined to treat him well.
Jack cooked with great seriousness, leaving Clara awkward by just standing there without help. “Let me help you,” Clara offered. “No need, Clara,” Jack replied, setting down what he was holding. He took Clara by the hand and led her to the couch, where he gently urged her to sit down. Leaning over, he spoke indulgently, “Rest for a bit. I’ll be done soon.” With that, he returned to the kitchen. Watching Jack bustling about in the kitchen, Clara had a strange feeling. Why did it feel like Jack was taking care of her? Before long, Jack emerged from the kitchen carrying two steaming plates of pasta, which he placed on the dining table, looking at Clara expectantly. “Clara, dinner’s ready.” Impressed by the beautifully presented pasta on the table, Clara sincerely exclaimed, “Jack, you’re amazing!” As Clara sat down, Jack immediately handed her a fork, showing his thoughtfulness.
“Clara, try it,” Jack said, propping his chin on his hand, eagerly awaiting her reaction. “Okay.” Clara picked up some pasta, blew on it, and took a bite. To her surprise, it tasted exceptionally good. Clara gave him a thumbs-up, genuinely impressed. “It’s delicious!” Jack beamed with joy at Clara’s praise, his eyes crinkling happily. “Then enjoy it to the fullest.” As Clara ate, she couldn’t help but marvel. “With your handsome face and excellent cooking skills, you’ll definitely charm many girls in the future.” Jack’s smile froze for a moment, his gaze darkening slightly, his emotions unreadable. “Clara, are you so desperate to push me away?” “I’m not,” Clara replied, wondering if she had caused him any misunderstanding.
“That’s good to hear,” Jack said, his mood lightening a bit. “I’ll just cook for you.” “What?” Clara was focused on her meal and didn’t catch the rest of Jack’s statement. “It’s nothing.” Jack shook his head, then looked at her seriously. “Clara, you’re so thin. Eat more.” “I’m not as thin as you think I am.” Clara felt awkward receiving his care and returned the concern. “You’re still young and growing. Eat more and get all the nutrients you need.” Jack, handsome and obedient, received Clara’s affectionate gesture of ruffling his hair gently. “Little Jack, you need to grow up fast!” “Clara, I’m already grown up.” Jack retorted, not fancying the idea of being treated like a child. “But you’re three years younger than me,” she pointed out. Jack didn’t want to argue with her now, so he lowered his head and continued eating his pasta. One day, he would let her see that he was already a tough guy, not an ignorant boy.