Page 38 of Fang Fatale

“And his taste in coffee is unforgivable.”

That earns me another smile.

“Then why are you here?”

Because your library record says you check out poetry.

Because you always overtip the baristas.

Because you rescued an old dog no one else wanted.

Because somewhere along the way I stopped seeing you as a case.

Instead, I say, “I think you deserve to decide who gets to bother you.”

She studies me for a long moment.

“I hope you're not expecting an invitation inside.”

“I'm not.”

“Or my undying gratitude.”

“I'd settle for polite indifference.”

“I've heard all about how you charm the women of Blackthorn.”

I smile.

“My reputation is wildly exaggerated.”

She considers that.

“I can see that.”

Another beat passes.

“I don't really understand what all the fuss is about.”

That was...

Unexpected.

I wasn't particularly vain.

But statistically speaking, this was a first.

“Ouch.”

She shrugs.

“I prefer honest.”

“I'll try to recover.”

She doesn't invite me inside.

But she doesn't retreat, either.