Chapter Thirteen Darien
Chapter Thirteen
Darien
I watch in fascination as Rex performs the ritual to open the invisible veil that protects the cave from outsiders. My stomach flutters as Rex opens the door, inviting me to go ahead, trusting me with one of his biggest secrets. That alone has to mean he’s serious about us.
The memory of the last time I was here hits me as I step inside, traveling down the low hallway that opens into the main area of his cave. Even I have to crouch a little so my head doesn’t scrape against the uneven rock. Poor Rex probably has back issues from having to stoop even lower.
I step into the open space, my mind flooded with memories of the last time I was here.
Was that only a few weeks ago? And oh, how so much has changed in such a short span of time.
Instead of being mad about the barrier I crashed into, I’m glad.
Otherwise, being with Rex like this probably wouldn’t have happened.
I shove those thoughts aside. A profound sadness fills me that we might’ve never had the chance to be together the way we are now.
A rustling sound beneath the small dining table catches my attention, and I surmise it’s one of his critter friends.
Because his space is completely open, he’s arranged everything in sections, as if there were invisible walls between them.
I half wonder if there are. I don’t think anything would surprise me anymore.
Rex carried in the tote with our food, and he’s busy unpacking everything at the small kitchen area next to the table. I glance around, my gaze landing on the large bed, featuring a wood-hewn frame. The corners are anchored by heavy posts shaped into smooth, round pillars.
I recall none of these details. I was either so terrified that none of it registered, or my head was so fuzzy that the details evaporated. Probably a little of both.
Rex’s voice sounds next to me. “Sorry. I would’ve tidied up if I’d known you were coming over.”
It occurs to me that it was rather nervy to invite myself over the way I did. To be honest, I’ve spent so much time masturbating while thinking about Rex, I’ve reached the point that I need the real deal. Maybe not all of the real deal, but at least some of it.
Dining at a fancy place in Hot Springs wasn’t going to achieve my objective.
“Is it okay that I’m here?”
I’m counting on him feeling the same way I do. He’s probably been holding back because I’m human and have never been with a man. What a double whammy that one is.
Rex laughs shakily. “More than okay. I’ve been holding off on asking you over because, you know…”
I smile, relieved that we’re on the same page. “I know. But I’m okay with everything now. Everything.”
Rex’s eyes widen a bit. “Oh. Well, err, that’s great.”
He shoves his hands in his jeans pockets. He’s being so cute and shy, I’m starting to wonder if he’s a virgin or something.
I fiddle with the zipper on my hoodie. “Not that we have to…”
Oh brother. This is going well.
“You don’t want to?” Rex’s voice comes out soft.
“I totally want to.” Mine wasn’t soft at all.
Rex rubs the back of his neck and chuckles. “Why don’t we have something to eat first? I’m trying so hard not to pressure you, I’m making things worse.”
I move closer, stroking his arm as I gaze up at him. “I think it’s okay that we’re both nervous, .as long as we want the same thing. Right?”
He lowers his head and gives me a quick kiss. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
I have no idea what could possibly make me amazing, but I’ll take it.
We come up for air, and Rex claps his hands. “Okay, let me grab some plates and drinks. I have milk, soda, and beer.”
Part of me thinks I need the beer, but the other part says I don’t. Whatever happens between us tonight, I don’t want a single moment to be hazy. I want every sensation to be sharp and full of color.
“Any soda you have is fine, thanks.”
After Rex brings everything to the table and we start going through the selection of sandwiches, salads, and scones, I jump as something taps my leg. I peer down and am met with Winston’s pleading, shoe button eyes. His whiskers twitch and he gives me another tap with his paw.
Rex sets down the second half of the sandwich he’s already been working on and leans forward.
“Winston, no! That’s not polite. Wait over there until it’s your turn.”
Rex points to a tall structure made from thick carved branches, reaching the stone ceiling. The beautiful piece must be Winston’s treehouse. I note the artistry, how the faux leaves and moss-covered limbs have turned it into something beyond a pet accessory.
“Wow.” I watch as Winston scurries toward the pet tree and climbs to the platform at the top in a flash. “Is that one of your creations?”
Rex is already back to eating, but he nods while he finishes off his second sandwich.
“So that’s the type of thing you’ll be taking to sell at the solstice?”
Rex wipes his mouth then crumples up the paper napkin. “Yeah. But not everything is that big. I do a lot of leather collars, toys, slings to carry smaller animals, and so on.”
He’s been telling me bits and pieces about the big bash coming up, and I really wish I could go. Not only because I’ll miss him while he’s gone, but I’m so curious. It sounds as if humans can go if they’re personally invited. Maybe Rex thinks I’m too scared to go. He did say he’s been holding back.
“The solstice sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun.” I’m racking my brain for something to say that might finagle an invitation without being too obvious. “I bet your booth is very popular.”
Rex rubs his chin. “I usually do pretty well. I have more preorders this year than ever before. I even had to rent a bigger space.”
Damn. I really want to go. “That’s awesome, congrats.” Think, doofus. “I know you have to be careful and everything, but are you allowed to take pictures? That way I can see what it’s like.”
Rex stares at me, his eyes sort of glazed over. Oh man, I went too far. I bet he’s thinking I’m using him to get proof of cryptids, that I’m trying to make money or be famous. Why couldn’t I keep my big mouth shut?
Rex licks his lips. “Is that something you’d want to do?”
“See pictures?” I should dial it back, so he doesn’t get the wrong idea about my interest. But he must know how I feel about him. Doesn’t he? “I’d love to, but only if it’s okay. I don’t want you to get into trouble or anything. You can always just tell me all about it when you get back.”
Rex shifts in his seat. “Wouldn’t you rather see everything firsthand?” He coughs into his fist. “I mean, pictures don’t really do the event justice.”
No way. I’m much better at finagling than I realized.
“You mean you really want me to go with you?”
Rex lets out a long sigh. “You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted to invite you. I was planning on asking you tonight, but I’ll be honest, I was on the verge of chickening out.”
“Then, yes.” I’m grinning so hard, my cheeks ache. “I’d love to.” A thread of doubt interrupts my excitement. “Your friends won’t mind, will they?”
“Are you kidding?” Rex scoots his chair closer to mine, gathering my hand between his palms. “They’ll be so thrilled that I’m not solo for the first time in forever. Plus, I know they’ll love you.”
“And you said there are monsters who have humans as their partners, too, right?”
“Absolutely.” He smiles. “I’m so excited. I wish we could leave tonight.”
I laugh, but I feel the same way. “Yeah, but we get to be alone tonight, so that’s even better.”
Rex and I lock gazes, and for a moment, I think he’s going to pounce on me. Instead, he abruptly rises.
“I’d better clean all this up so Winston doesn’t get into it.” He’s closing containers and piling up sandwich wrappers.
“Let me help, Rex.”
I rise as well, and when he turns to respond, we bump into each other. My chin hits his clavicle, and I stumble back. He grabs me by my waist to keep me from falling and brings me flush to his body.
We both freeze, gazes locked, the only sound being our rapid breathing.
I don’t know who moves first, but it doesn’t matter. Our kiss holds more need and intent than any we’ve shared before.
His lips press against mine with an urgency that makes my knees weak. Rex’s hands slide from my waist to my lower back, pulling me closer until I feel the hard planes of his chest against me. I surrender to the kiss, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt.
When we finally break apart, my heart hammers against my ribs. Rex’s eyes are dark, pupils blown wide.
“Bed,” he murmurs, his voice rough. “Now.”
Before I can respond, he sweeps me up into his arms as if I weigh nothing. I gasp, instinctively wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Rex! I can walk,” I protest, though I’m already melting against his solid frame.
“I know,” he says, carrying me effortlessly across the room. “But I’ve been dreaming about this for weeks.”
He crosses the short distance to the bed, then lays me gently on the mattress. Hovering above me, he balances his weight on his forearms as he stares down at me. The intensity in his eyes makes my stomach flip. I reach up and run my fingers along his jaw, his stubble rough beneath my fingertips.
“You’re so beautiful,” Rex whispers, the words sending a shiver down my spine.
I’ve never been called beautiful by anyone. The word settles in my chest, warming me inside. I pull him down to me, our lips meeting again in a kiss that starts gentle but quickly deepens. His tongue traces my lower lip, and I open to him eagerly, no hesitation over being with him this way.
Our hands become more urgent, our fingers fumbling with buttons and zippers. Rex’s hands slip beneath my shirt, his calloused palms sliding against my skin. The sensation makes me arch into him, seeking more contact.
Suddenly, Rex pulls back. His chest heaves as he stares down at me, his expression a mixture of desire and something else—Concern?
“What’s wrong?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.