3. Mia
Mia
T he next morning I’m slightly hungover but also stunned at the events of last night. All I can think about is that handsome orc I met.
I gulp down water and two pain killers.
Yes, I partied too hard, acting so very rude, leaving my music blaring at one o’clock in the morning.
How terrible of me. My neighbors probably hate me right now.
Our complex is filled with lots of other first responders so maybe I’m lucky and some of them were on night shifts and not around anyway to see one of the lowest moments of my entire life?
I can only hope.
When I opened the door to find the imposing Kavin Irontree standing on my doorstep, I was instantly enthralled with that dangerous orc.
The black horns and white tusks did it for me.
I wanted to lick him all over and pull him into my bed.
And that was before he started talking with that deep, mesmerizing voice.
Never in my life had I ever met a man so damn sexy.
Hot, off the charts, sexy.
He wasn’t flirting with me, not even a little bit and instead seemed like he wanted to leave but I kept dragging him into more conversation, trying to get him to stay and talk to me.
He was very patient with my drunken oversharing.
I did catch his eyes lingering though, many times, a beat too long on my chest and my ass and even my lips, so I think there’s something there between us.
Mainly I’m embarrassed by how much I talked last night. I always overshare when I get drunk. And I complied so easily with his orders to stop the music. Not even a hint of debate or negotiation from me. Carmen looked truly stunned. I’m sure I’m going to be teased mercilessly later.
The most important part was that I learned he is actually qualified and in fact better qualified than me for the firefighter position and it made sense he got the job instead of me.
This brings me a huge amount of relief this morning.
Being passed over for someone with zero qualifications was both painful and nonsensical.
Being passed over for that fabulous Kavin Irontree makes total sense. I would’ve hired him instead of me too.
I grab my phone off the nightstand to check the time and see three missed texts from my concerned friends.
Carmen:
Girl, you never back down from anyone. What was that about?
Jessica:
That orc was huge. You okay? Did he threaten you?
Riley:
Need us to come back? That guy looked intense.
I type back quickly:
No worries. Sorry I didn’t respond sooner. After Kavin left I passed out and just now woke up. He stayed a bit to make sure I drank enough water. And I discovered he’s highly qualified for the job. This is good news.
Which reminds me, today is his first day as a firefighter.
I put down the phone and shuffle into the kitchen to start the Keurig and grab my first cup of coffee.
I cannot keep my mind off that hawt orc.
Since when do I find orcs so attractive?
I wish I had his number so I could call him and chat about last night.
In fact…I wish I could ask that orc out on a date.
I blow out a breath. How weird is that? I never ask guys out.
No one has ever asked me out on a real date either.
One-night stands are more my style. This is completely foreign to me. How does this work?
I twirl my hair, thinking about Kavin’s body language last night.
He kept sending me hot glances and stayed to chat but then left as soon as possible.
Shoot. Mixed messages. This means he might not make the first move and I’ll have to make the first move if I want to end up having that orc in my bed and…
maybe as an actual boyfriend for the first time in my life.
Would an orc think me making the first move is inappropriate?
I have no idea. But I’d rather do that than wait around for him to ask me out, which could take an eternity.
This is uncharted territory for me.
I need a strategy. A plan of attack that doesn’t make me look desperate or crazy.
After a quick shower and the application of my morning skincare routine, I position myself by the front window with another cup of coffee.
It’s early and I’ve had basically no sleep, but I’m strangely energized with the realization I might’ve met the man of my dreams. Plus, I have a feeling Kavin is the type who shows up early for everything and I must see him again before he leaves for his first day of work.
Sure enough, at seven-thirty, his door opens.
I peek through the blinds and nearly drop my coffee.
Holy hell. Kavin Irontree is a sight to behold. The dark uniform stretches across his massive frame, emphasizing every muscle. The badge on his chest catches the morning light. His dark hair is cut short and perfectly styled, his jaw clean-shaven around those intimidating tusks.
He looks like every fantasy I never knew I had.
I watch him move to his truck with that confident stride, and that perfect ass. My heart goes pitter-patter in my chest. This is the guy who got my job, and instead of being angry, all I want to do is climb him like a tree. His competence is hot as hell.
What is wrong with me?
Kavin’s black truck pulls away, and I’m left standing at my window like a creepy stalker.
I need to get out of this apartment. Normally I’d go for a run in the morning, but today seems like a good day for a break because I don’t feel my best after all that drinking last night. And since it’s my day off, I decide to take care of some errands.
A few hours later, after I’ve finished shopping and gotten some gas, I decide it’s time for lunch.
My favorite sandwich place is a little deli about ten minutes away.
They make the best turkey club with bacon and avocado in Spokane, and I could use some comfort food.
I park and then walk toward the deli and notice the shop next door is named Heat & Ink.
My feet stop moving. Hold on, is this…?
That’s the orc tattoo shop Kavin mentioned last night and it’s open.
The one owned by his best friend Talon. Well, isn’t this convenient.
I stare at the storefront for a moment, debating.
Going in would be obvious, wouldn’t it? Like I’m checking up on him or something.
But I’m also genuinely curious. I’ve never been in a tattoo shop before, and if Kavin does hang out here sometimes…
Before I can talk myself out of it, I push open the door and go inside. The interior is impressive with rustic wood floors and exposed brick walls covered in incredible artwork. The place has a serious, professional vibe that’s both intimidating and inviting.
And then I see them.
Three black cats sit in the middle of the hallway like sentinels, blocking my path. They’re all different sizes, one is massive, one is medium with distinctive large ears, and then one is smaller, but they’re clearly an impressive unit.
The largest cat, who seems to be the leader, takes a step forward and hisses at me.
Without thinking, I hiss back.
The cat actually backs up, ears flattening. The other two exchange glances like they can’t believe what just happened.
“Well, that’s interesting,” a deep voice rumbles from behind them.
I look up to see the largest orc I’ve ever encountered emerge from a doorway.
He makes Kavin look medium-sized, which should be impossible.
Tall black horns shoot up from his forehead, impressive tribal tattoos sleeve both arms, and his harsh face suggests he’s not entirely sure what to make of me.
And I notice that I don’t feel even a hint of attraction towards this guy, which confirms I’m not attracted to orcs in general, but only to one specific firefighting orc.
“You just made Shadow back down,” the orc chuckles, studying me with questioning dark eyes. “That’s never happened before.”
“Shadow?”
“The big one. He hates everyone except me.” The orc crosses his arms. “I’m Talon Overtree. This is my shop.”
“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Mia Martin.” I pause and then admit, “I’m Kavin Irontree’s neighbor.”
“Kavin’s neighbor. The one who had the loud party last night?”
I bite my lip as warmth floods my cheeks. “That’s me. He already told you about that?”
“Yeah, he mentioned it this morning when we talked before he left for work.” He glances down at his cats, who are now cautiously approaching me. “I think they respect you.”
I kneel down and extend my hand to the medium-sized cat with the big ears. “I’ve always loved cats. I like playing around with them. Never been able to have my own, though.”
“That’s Ink,” Talon says as the cat sniffs my fingers. “The small one is Cole.”
To my amazement, all three cats allow me to pet them. Shadow, the one who hissed at me, even starts purring.
“These are guard cats. They’re trained to be suspicious of strangers.”
“Guard cats?” I laugh, scratching behind Cole’s ears. “They’re just cats who want attention.” I look up at Talon. “Do you bring them with you to work every day?”
“I do. And normally I’m the only one they allow to pet them.” He leans against the doorframe. “What do you want, Mia Martin? I assume you aren’t here for a tattoo?”
His blunt question catches me off guard. I’m used to people being intimidated by me, but this orc doesn’t seem fazed in the slightest. “No, I’m not here for a tattoo. I was getting lunch next door and noticed this place. Kavin mentioned you were his best friend.”
“And you thought you’d check up on him?”
I grimace. “Not really, I just wanted to get to know him better by learning more about this place and the other orcs that are important to him.” I stand, meeting his gaze directly.
“Look, I’ll be honest. After meeting Kavin last night, I learned that I’m, um, interested in your friend, romantically.
So I guess I thought I’d come inside and poke my head in to see this place… ”
Talon’s eyebrows rise. “Kavin doesn’t date human females.”
I blink. “At all?”
“At all. Well, orcs in general don’t date. We like to take our brides in the dark of winter. Dating is a ridiculous human construct. But Kavin does neither of those things. He’s got his reasons.”
“Care to share?”
Talon studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “That’s not my story to tell. But I will say this, my cats are a good judge of character. If they accept you, there’s something worthwhile there.”
I feel a little thrill of victory. “So you’re saying I have a chance?”
“I’m saying you’re the first human those cats have ever tolerated, let alone liked. And Kavin did mention meeting you, in a good way, which is unusual too.” He glances down at Shadow, who’s now rubbing against my leg. “Kavin’s going to be very surprised when he hears about this.”
I smile and then check the time on my phone. “Oops, I should go. I need to be back in plenty of time before he gets off work,” I laugh, giving each cat a final pet. “Thanks for letting me meet them.”
“Thanks for not running when they hissed at you.” Talon’s lips twitch. “Most people do.”
“I’m not most people.”
“No,” he says, watching me carefully. “I don’t think you are.”
I’m almost to the door when he calls out. “Mia.”
I turn back.
“Be patient with him. He’s worth it, but he’s got walls for a reason.”
I nod and step back out onto the sidewalk, my mind racing.
Kavin doesn’t date human females at all, which is good to know.
He’s got walls…this is also good to know.
His body language had already hinted at this, so this isn’t new, but hearing it from his friend lets me know that getting close to Kavin is going to be a tough job.
But his best friend’s guard cats love me, which apparently means something significant.
Hmm. I head back into my favorite sandwich shop with a wide smile on my face and order my typical number ten combo meal.
Tough projects don’t bother me in the least. Nothing good in life ever comes easy. And I have a feeling, in the end, Kavin Irontree will be worth the bother.
Two hours later, just as I’m checking my mailbox—okay, pretending to check my mailbox—Kavin’s truck pulls into the parking lot. It’s time to implement operation Get Kavin’s Phone Number.
He climbs out still wearing his uniform, looking tired but impressive. When he sees me, he pauses. “Mia?”
I smile back, pleased he remembered my name.
Wow, the sweat on his body, the smear of dirt on his cheek are hot as hell. I love the look of a male coming off a day of hard, hard work. “How was your first day?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
“Good. Productive.” His voice is carefully neutral. “How was your day off?”
“Interesting. I went to get lunch at my favorite sandwich place I love, and I realized it’s right next to Heat & Ink. You know, that place you mentioned.”
He blinks with surprise. “You went to Talon’s shop?”
“Well, yes. I was curious because I’ve never been in a tattoo place before.” I step closer,
watching his reaction. “I met your friend, Talon. And his cats.”
“His guard cats?”
“Yes. Shadow, Ink, and Cole. They’re amazing. Shadow hissed at me at first, but then they all let me pet them.”
Kavin’s eyes widen. “They let you pet them?”
“Yeah. Talon seemed pretty surprised about it too. Said they don’t usually like strangers.”
“They don’t like anyone except Talon. Even the orcs who work there can’t get near them. They barely accept me .”
“Well, they liked me.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, but inside I’m celebrating. This is clearly significant. I crook an eyebrow. “Maybe I have a way with difficult personalities.”
His jaw clenches, and I can see him processing this information.
“Anyway,” I boldly continue, “I was thinking, since we’re neighbors and all, maybe I should have your number. You know, in case of emergencies.”
The question hangs in the air between us.
“Emergencies,” he repeats.
“Sure. Like if there’s a fire in the building. Or if I accidentally play my music too loud.”
He grins. “You’re not going to do that again.”
A smile twitches on the corner of my lips. “Probably not. But you never know.”
He stares at me for a long moment, and I can practically see the internal debate happening behind his dark eyes. Finally, he pulls out his phone. “What’s your number?”
I tell him my number, watching as he enters it into his contacts. Then my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number. This is Kavin.
“There,” he says, but his voice sounds slightly strained. “For emergencies.”
“For emergencies,” I agree, trying not to smile too widely.
He looks like he wants to say something else, but instead just nods and heads toward the building.
“See you around, neighbor,” I call after him.
He doesn’t respond, but I catch him glancing back once before he disappears inside.
I wait until his door closes before I let another smile spread across my face.