Page 35 of Maneater

I’m so relieved we can talk to each other this way. I have a feeling we’re going to be even better friends than before.

“But I’m done being a dick.” He gives a sharp nod. “I’m going to watch what I say from now on.”

I give him a big smile. “I’m proud of you, dude.”

He ducks his head. “Thanks.” There’s an awkward pause, then he sucks in a deep breath and continues, “So tell me about lover boy…” He snaps his fingers. “Was I being a dick just then?”

I chuckle. “No, but I’ll let you know when you are.”

“Cool. Baby steps, right?”

“Right.”

He’s not the only one who’s taking baby steps. Although I’m starting to feel the urge to take grown-up steps with Rex. Why should I deny myself the chance to be serious with someone I’m so wild over?

A thought occurs to me, and it has nothing to do with revealing my sexuality. But my promise to Rex cancels out my keeping his Howler secret from Kade. Although that doesn’t mean I can’t share all his other incredible attributes.

Okay, maybe leave out how big Rex’s package is. Not that I’ve seen the goods yet, but it’s pretty obvious in his tight hiking shorts.

“Well,” I begin. “I actually met him the first time when I applied for a job at his inn.”

“Whoa. He has his own inn? That’s killer.”

“But that’s not how we started getting to know each other. He actually saved me from a mountain lion.”

Kade gasps. “Shut the front door. A freakin’ mountain lion? You’re just now telling me you were attacked by a vicious animal?” He tsks. “Haven’t I been telling you all these years that the outdoors are dangerous? This is why I prefer video games. If you die, you come back.”

I proceed to tell him the edited version that leaves out the Howler part and me crashing into a magical force field. As I share my story, Kade goes back to stuffing chips in his mouth.

All is right with the world again.

Chapter Twelve

Rex

Tonight. I’ll ask him tonight.

Or not.

I’m so inexperienced when it comes to relationship protocol. I don’t have a clue when it’s too soon to take the next step. Especially since I was already ready to level up after that first scorching hot kiss.

It’s only been a little over a week since we’ve been seeing each other, so shouldn’t I dial it back a bit? The thought alone of slowing down makes a pit form in my stomach.

What did Boone say? Something about my spirit knowing if it was right? Right now, my spirit is screaming, ‘you guys were meant to be together so quit being a big dork and ask him to the solstice already’.

My spirit is very pushy.

Then there’s my logical side, my brain that thinks it’s so damn smart. It’s telling me not to get my hopes up, considering how my relationships—if you want to call them that—usually turn out. If it isn’t incompatible lifestyles, it’s being from different planets that messed things up. I shake my head in frustration as I tuck my T-shirt into my jeans and try to calm my pounding heart.

Damn, but Darien is so damn cute. He’s what’s considered tall for a human—almost six feet. Lanky build, that tousled hair that I can finally tangle my fingers in, and his wide, toothy grin that makes my knees turn to jelly.

After checking one last time in the mirror that I’ve done the best I can with what I’m working with, I pat Clover on the head and ignore Winston’s suspicious stare as I head to the truck.

Once I’m on the road to pick Darien up at the market, my chest tightens. Getting to spend time with him has become the highlight of every day, the reason I’m excited to wake up every morning. Even if it’s only for a couple of hours to grab breakfast or dinner because of our busy schedules, it doesn’t matter. Every moment with him is precious.

I chew on my thumbnail, trying once again to keep from getting ahead of myself. It’s kind of a drive to the market—for both of us. And I know Darien loves his job and feels an obligation to be there for his boss. Maybe once the summer is over, we can discuss other options?

I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, mentally kicking myself in the ass. That’s definitely getting ahead of myself. Never mind asking Darien to the solstice. What if he does go with me and completely freaks out? The moment Thunderbird Bob does the booming awakening call at dawn, and every monster answers with their distinctive shouts, howls, roars, and screeches, Darien could end everything between us.