Page 83 of Wayward

Barnaby gave me a head tip, then left, and I crouched down beside Gale. “Breathe, baby.”

“Shut up,” he groused at me. “And he’s too young for you.”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“He thinks you’re flirting with him, but you’re just being nice.”

“I try to be nice to everyone now.”

“Well, stop.”

“Pardon?”

“Don’t smile so much,” he ordered, sounding ridiculous, which was absolutely charming.

“I need to speak to you,” Mr. Farley yelled at me.

“Not now,” Gale and I said together.

“And I’ll work on being more of a dick,” I lied, enjoying how irritated he was, unable to control my grin.

“I thought you were supposed to be scary.”

“Pardon?”

“You said people were afraid of you.”

“They used to be.”

“I might enjoy that,” he grumbled.

“No. You’re too nice of a guy yourself.”

“I can be mean too.”

Doubtful. “I’m sure you can,” I placated him.

He met my gaze. “The baby was good.”

I put my hand in his hair loving the feel of it sliding through my fingers.

“Okay,” he said, straightening up and turning to the Farleys. “Now, who are you two, and why’re you yelling at Maks?”

Which basically closed the door on their visit.

“Oh, Gale,” Ada gushed happily when she returned from speaking to Eugenia. “Guess what we’re going to turn all this land into?”

Gale started praying under his breath.

“What is he saying?” Ada asked me.

“He’s saying please God, don’t let it be a snake sanctuary.”

“Oh, heavens no, but yes, a sanctuary, for dogs and cats.”

“Thank God,” he rushed out, reaching over to pet Misha. “I hate snakes.”

“Well, I don’t hate them,” Ada said, “but really, is this the best climate for them?”