Page 14 of Shit Happens in Ivydell

“Perfect. I’m keeping a list.”

“What kind of list?”

“Of all the times I save you from the scary prehistoric lizards.”

“So I can repay you with sex?”

“That’s what I like about you. You’re not just a pretty face.”

“Yeah, I’ve been told I’ve got a nice ass, too.”

“True, but if you bring up other guys commenting on it again, I’ll be forced to spank it.”

“We’ve had this conversation. I’m not into punishment play.”

“Who said anything about punishment? I just get all worked up thinking about your pretty ass. And it definitely makes me want to play.”

I’ve walked her back against the wall next to the door, and she squirms against me. Intentionally torturing me, I’m pretty sure.

“Jensen. You’re supposed to be taking care of the lizard.”

I glance down between us at my thickening cock. “He likes your pretty ass, too.”

She laughs, but she pushes me away as she does it. “Will you and your lizard please go scare away all the other ones?”

“You promise to show your appreciation later?”

“I don’t know. I might be in the mood for popcorn.”

“You better be.”

I rattle the door and shake the washing machine and dryer a bit. No lizards run out, so I assume they’ve all vacated, but I stand guard for her while she swaps her clothes from the washing machine to the dryer.

“Text me when you’re ready for me to come get your clothes. I’ll be at Shadow’s.”

“He’s older than I expected. Like . . . old enough that I don’t think he should venture off alone like he does. Or even live alone, really. How old is he?”

“Not sure. Early eighties would be my best guess. But he’s in good health. Strong. Still got his wits about him. I’m never going to be the one to tell him he has to give up his independence. I feel sorry for whoever has to when the time comes.”

“Does he not have any family?”

“Not as far as I know.”

“That’s sad.”

I wince, knowing I don’t have any either. Nobody close enough to feel like it, anyway. My distant relatives are distant in every sense of the word. But I don’t want to be thought of as sad. People use that word because it sounds nicer than pathetic, but that’s the word they mean.

“If you ask me, he’s happier than most.”

“I still think everybody should havesomeone. If he really has no one, that’s a shame.”

“He has Ivydell. These are his people.”

“I hope you’re right that he’s happy.”

“I am.” I kiss her forehead and linger for a moment to feel the heat of her skin on my lips.

She’s kind. So damn kind. As long as you’re not a lizard.

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