Page 15 of Marked By the Wild Orc

Kavin invited me to go with him to Mia’s parents’ house for the holiday, which I of course declined. Instead, I plan on driving all the way back to Portland to stay for a few nights with grandma’s best friend, Lori and her family, who are also like my family too. Lori called and insisted that I come down or she’d pick me up herself.

So sweet.

But first, I have to check on the cats again. I’m house sitting for Talon while he’s gone. Kavin is stepping in for me over Christmas Eve and Christmas, to come and check in on the baby kitties while I’m out of town for two days. I want to bring them with me, but I’ve learned that Shadow, Ink and Cole are very choosy about who they show their affection towards and I’d hate to bring them all the way to Portland, only for them to hate everyone and for chaos to ensue. So, at home they stay.

I unlock the door to Talon’s home and instantly miss him all over again.

What a mess.

Three weeks later…

It was cathartic to talk with others who’d loved grandma as much as I did.

We shared memories and talked of times past. I even went to the cemetery and left flowers at her gravesite. I sat on the grass and chatted with grandma and told her all about my new adventures in Spokane with Kavin and my job at the shop. I even laughingly admitted my attraction to my boss. It was nice.

Then I returned to my new hometown and spent a lot of time at Talon’s house, taking care of the cats and also getting words done on my novel. I brought my laptop with me each day because I’d discovered a perfect little desk in his second bedroom which was pushed up under a large window. If I brought a chair to the desk, I could write on my laptop and pause often to look out at the large front yard, with a beautiful view of large trees, birds and white snow. With the occasional cat hopping up for hugs and kisses. Lovely.

I got two whole chapters completed while I house sat. It was good times.

But at the same time, I heard nothing from Talon, which was heartbreaking considering I thought about him every single day. How could I not, considering I was in his home, taking care of his cats?

I sent him texts with pictures of the cats, but he never responds.

He has not lived in this home for very long. I thought at first that he was renting, but I learned he bought this home, with cash. It’s fully paid for, which is astounding. He moved in only a month prior to opening the shop. There still isn’t much furniture. And I can’t help but think of all the large furniture I have in my apartment and how it would fit nicely here. My Fiestaware, cookware and utensils would also be a nice addition.

Look at me, play acting like I’m moving in with him.

Jeez, I think I’m in love with Talon Overtree. The male who doesn’t want to have anything to do with be beyond friendship and a coworker relationship. It’s a sad state of affairs. And this isn’t like a relationship with a human male. I can’t just tell myself that I should get brave and tell him how I feel and ask him out, so then I’d at least know where I stand. Of course, I know where I stand, permanent friendship. I’ll never be able to get past this point.

Except on the last day of this house sitting gig, the day before the shop reopens in the middle of January—I find an envelope that looks like it had fallen and slipped between the trash can and the wall. It is addressed to me.

I glance over at Shadow. “Did you knock this off the counter and never tell me that it had fallen down here?”

The cat gives an adorable, embarrassed meow and rubs his head against my arm.

A light growl of disappointment rumbles in my throat but I also give him a pet so he knows I’m not remaining angry.

“This is from Talon, isn’t it?” I tear it open and see that it’s indeed a handwritten letter from my boss.

Talon told me, long ago, that often orcs raised in communes were sent to human schools in nearby human towns. He graduated from a small human high school with a large mixture of orcs amongst the humans. I’ve always thought that sounded interesting. But it also means that he has good handwriting in English despite the fact that it’s his second language.

Dear Krissy,

I cannot communicate with you while we are both on winter break. Kavin remains in Spokane to share your holiday and will be your contact if you need anything. Thank you for caring for Shadow, Ink and Cole while I’m gone. And thank you for the excellent job you do at Heat & Ink.

Happy Holidays,

Talon

An extra two hundred dollars,in twenties, falls out of the envelope. Of course, he pays me in cash. Some things never change. Talon is very generous, always trying to give me extrabonuses. He also pays for my health benefits, which is how I was able to recently get my teeth cleaned and a cavity fixed.

I hold the letter to my chest with tears in my eyes. He does have feelings for me. Right? Isn’t that what he’s saying? Well, not outright, but it sounds close.

Dammit, I need to act on this. Why wait? Maybe there is some loophole in orc mating allowing the two of us to be together that I haven’t been aware of until now.

I’m going to show up tomorrow morning, ready to get something started.

I arriveat work in a new outfit that shows cleavage. I can’t even quite explain why I’m dressed like this, but I’m growing a little desperate.

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