Page 27 of Whispered Promises

“What? No! Are you always this exasperating?” Her eyes roll, and a small smile tries to break free. Obviously, I need to try harder if she can hold it back. She’s beautiful when she laughs, and I want all of her laughs.

“Always,” I promise. “It makes life more fun. Plus, it’s dangerous to hold in smiles and laughs.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s sneezes,” she quips, squinting at me.

“Well, either way, we should just let it all out.” I boop her lightly on the nose, lingering slightly at the feel of her soft skin.

A dubious expression is her only response. Then she turns her focus back to Moshi. It’s hard not to notice the loss of her attention.

Reaching into a different box, Rosy plucks out a long plastic stick with a bunch of feathers hanging off the end. Holding on to one end, she sweeps the feathered part towards Moshi, then bobs it around from side to side. Sharp eyes latch onto the toy, and his pupils dilate as his head tracks the feathered end. Rosy quickens her movements, before she flicks it close to him. A tiny paw snaps out, attempting to grab hold of the feathers.

She giggles, before turning to me, her bright gaze locking on mine.

“Fancy having a go?” She grins, holding the stick out for me to take. Our hands brush as I accept it.

“Definitely. I love frolicking and playing.” My voice drops, despite trying my best to keep the tone even.

Her head tips down as she snickers, her shoulders vibrating with the sound. “Who’s the 80-year-old now? No one says frolicking, you weirdo.” She playfully slaps my arm.

“But you like me weird.”

Her head lowers, and she stares at the hands fidgeting on her lap. “Fine, yes, I do. It feels easier to be myself around you. Maybe it’s your weird calling to mine,” she murmurs. Her embarrassment tugs at me and makes me feel all sorts of tingly shit.

“I like your weird too,” I admit, the confession feeling heavy and potent as she glances back up at me, a smile gracing her pretty lips.

I clear my throat, wanting to break the bubble surrounding us, and turn my focus back to the kitten, letting myself get distracted by keeping him entertained.

After some time, Rosy reaches over, grabs her phone from the bedside table behind us, and glances at it.

“We should go. It’s been almost an hour, and I don’t want to be rude and have us delay dinner.” She sighs, and my stomach chooses that moment to rumble. Raising an eyebrow, she glances down at my middle. “I’ll take that as an agreement.”

“I enjoyed hanging out. I didn’t even realise the time. Fuck, and it’s pizza night.” I groan, my eyes falling closed as I think about the cheesy pepperoni feast waiting for me. “Okay, muffin top. Let’s go eat.”

Standing, I offer my hand down to help her up, taking a moment to enjoy her on her knees in front of me. She grasps my hand and hauls herself up before I can linger over the sight. Good thing I took a mental photo, because that vision of her was fucking hot.

“No to that nickname, yes to the food,” she mutters, quickly putting the toys back into the box, then sliding it under her bed.

“What? But the muffin tops are the tastiest bit. Fine, I’ll think of another one.” A frown tugs at my face, as she straightens and nudges me.

I step through the doorway and wait for her to close it.

As she goes to walk past, I reach out and wrap a hand around her arm, tugging her to face me. My hands slide up her arms, and I squeeze her shoulders gently. “I meant what I said before: you’re really good with Moshi and all the other animals too. I really think you should pursue it. We can all help somehow. Noah’s good at this sort of thing.”

Her pale eyes search mine, trying to see where the joke is, but this time I don’t have any. She’s truly special at this; her obvious care and passion shine through every time she’s around the animals.

She swallows roughly, eyes shining with moisture. “Thank you, Max. It means a lot that you mean that…I think? But unfortunately, it doesn’t pay the bills.” A sad smile graces her lips, and my body sways as the overwhelming urge to kiss away her sadness glides through me.

Stepping back, she turns and walks across the room to the front door, pausing to wait for me.

But my body feels stuck, while my mind races in some bullshit panic.

What am I doing?

Initially, I thought she was cute; why not have a bit of fun together, then I could move on. Not sticking around for anything more than that, the usual. But spending time together has changed that. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, and I know she wouldn’t be interested in some quick, but mind-blowing, one night stand. When I introduced her to the guys, I thought perhaps one of them would want to date her, and I could just be a friend. I don’t know where we are now, though. This feels like some fuzzy, unfamiliar territory, and it has my heart pounding.

My long-broken, buried down deep, heart.

I don’t do feelings, and that’s what this is scarily feeling like.