Chapter 6 #2
“Ogram,” she says quietly. She’s biting her lip when I open my eyes. “Can I tell you something? Something serious.”
“Telling me about inserting sponges in your vagina wasn’t serious?”
Another infectious giggle leaves her smiling lips. “I suppose it was.”
“You never have to ask. Anything you wish to say to me, I want to hear it.”
“That’s going to take some getting used to.
Most people tune me out, or come right out and tell me to stop talking, but you actually want to listen.
” Her hands leave my hair and fall to her sides, her shoulders drooping, even as she gives me a half smile.
“People assume that because I’m a nonstop talker, I must be shallow.
Like I don’t have the capacity for depth because I’m a motormouth. But that’s not true.”
Hearing that others have judged her, hurt her, awakens feelings I have never before experienced.
More than protectiveness. A willingness, readiness, to avenge.
It swirls like a tornado inside me, its power spreading through me until I feel the tingle in my fingertips.
A sensation not unlike the green magic trolls possess because of our connection to the earth, but lacking clarity of purpose.
“I do not think you’re shallow,” I say, curling my fingers toward my palms.
“I’m glad.” She reaches for one of my fists, molding her delicate fingers over the back of my hand.
If she feels the energy I’m trying to suppress, it doesn’t register as such, though her face does brighten as our skin meets.
“I came to Harmony Glen to experience a monster-integrated community, but I had no intention of getting involved with anyone, of any species, or having sex on this trip. Then you happened. I just want you to know that wanting to have sex with you isn’t just about sex. It’s about you.”
Our bond as mates, she feels it. Acknowledges it in her own way.
“This is where you say something so I know if you believe me or—”
“There is no ‘or,’” I say, cupping the back of her head in my palm and bringing my mouth to hers.
Her soft gasp quickly becomes a moan, her fingers once again threading through my hair as she opens for me, both lips and legs.
I take both invitations, dropping to my knees between her thighs, pressing against her everywhere possible and kissing her deeply enough to taste her soul. Her beautiful, warm, open soul.
She wraps her legs around me, pulling me tighter. “I want you,” she whispers on a breath between hungry kisses.
“And I, you, but it will require preparation.”
“Then prepare me. Please,” she says, guiding my hand to the front of her jeans.
I pop the button and lower the zipper, licking my lips as I slide my fingers down the exposed V of soft skin, then beneath the edge of thin pink lace. “Gods, I want to devour you,” I murmur against her neck as my finger slides through the soft warm slickness of her crease.
“Oh, whoa, sorry,” are the words I hear next. Not from my mate. “Didn’t think anyone was here.”
Withdrawing my hand, I refasten Hope’s pants before standing in front of her to block her from my employee’s view. “I thought everyone had gone for the day.”
“Yeah, we did. I got halfway home, then remembered Maryanne telling me to bring a bushel of apples so she can make two hundred turnovers for the elementary school bake sale, so I circled back. Saw the trailer sitting unloaded when I came around and figured you must’ve been called away before you got the bins off the wagon, so I thought I’d grab the forklift and take care of them before the storm rolls in.
” Andy hooks a thumb toward the sky outside.
“Rain’s on the way in. Maybe five minutes out, max. ”
Good man, good intentions, bad timing. “I appreciate you stepping up. Just got sidetracked talking, but I’ll get the apples unloaded and stacked now. Grab whatever you need and give your wife my best.”
“Will do,” he says, nodding. “Have a good night.”
Once he’s out of view, I step to the drive shed’s opening and listen for the sound of his engine in the parking lot, then for gravel crunching under tires. Satisfied we’re truly alone, I turn and find Hope standing nearby.
“Sorry for putting you in an awkward situation with one of your employees,” she says.
“You have nothing to apologize for. I am sorry for compromising you. I should not have touched you without the guarantee of privacy.”
“I think it’s safe to say neither of us was aware the rest of the world even existed in that moment.
” Eyes twinkling and lips curved in a smile, she points toward the sky.
“But I think your guy is right about the rain. Is there any way I can help? I know literally nothing about farming or equipment, but I take direction well and I’m not afraid to work my butt off. ”
Her offer brings my heart joy. But she’s not dressed for farm work, explaining even the basic tasks would take time to ensure she’s safe on the job, and raindrops have begun to dot the ground, with the clouds appearing ready to erupt.
“Don’t worry about gently declining my help, Ogram. I know I’d just slow you down. Go do what you need to do. I’ll wait.”
“I have two more wagons to bring in from the field after these bins are unloaded and stacked, then some other jobs to do before I can dedicate my attention to you the way you deserve.”
“Even your dirty talk is sweet,” she says, stepping close enough to pull me down for a kiss.
“And that was the nicest ‘get out of here’ I’ve ever heard.
” Giggling at the obvious distress on my face—because I absolutely did not instruct her to get out of here—she kisses me again, then moves away, waving as she walks backward in the direction of the parking lot.
“I’m going to The Corner Bar to listen to a vampire opera singer perform!
Can you believe that? I love it here! I left my number with the girl in the market store today, so text me whenever you’re ready to dedicate your attention to me the way I deserve, and I’ll hurry back to do the same—or test the limits of my gag reflex trying, anyway! ”
Tempting as her suggestion is, I have another plan. One she won’t expect. Something I never expected to do, especially voluntarily. But for her, with her, I’d do just about anything.