Page 21 of Edge of Darkness

“Yes.” Kit took note of the red hair and brown eyes. “Why don’t we go back to my office?”

“Sounds good.”

As Kit led Beckett back, the previously mentioned butterflies were now doing cartwheels in his stomach. And get this. Now that he knew paranormals existed, he was uncomfortable having one at his back. Which was silly, really. He had firsthand knowledge how useless he was at defending himself against one, so why worry about it, right?

Yeah, no. He was not gonna relive that again. Nope.

“Come on in. I’m in the process of moving my office, so things are a mess right now. Sorry about that. Damn.” Well, he was certainly an idiot. “There’s nowhere for you to sit. Just a second, let me go grab a chair from our breakroom. Sorry.”

“Hey, it’s not a problem. I completely understand.”

“Be right back.” Kit hurried down the hall, grabbed the chair, and rushed back to his office. Seriously, where was his brain lately? He set it down in front of his desk.

“Thank you,” Beckett said, taking a seat.

Kit collapsed into his desk chair and blew a stray stand of hair out of his face. “Really, I’m usually much more organized than this.”

“Kit, it’s okay. Hudson explained everything. Of course you’re rattled after what you went through.”

Kit leaned his head back and stared up at the ceiling. “It’s been an adjustment, that’s for sure.” Kit straightened up in his chair and then made eye contact with Beckett. “Anyway, sorry you got stuck with babysitting duty, but I really do appreciate you being here.”

“Don’t look at it as babysitting duty, and I’m thrilled to be here. Hudson did tell you I love books, right?”

“Yes, he did.”

“And he did tell you that I am more than willing to help out around here, right?”

“He did. I don’t want you to feel obligated though. I don’t know if you have another job or whatever, but—”

“It’s fine, I promise.”

“Okay. Okay. Sorry.” Lord, he had already apologized twice so far. He needed to stop that. Gah, what an impression he must be making. “I guess I’m still somewhat overwhelmed.”

“Again, that’s not surprising, all things considered. It’s going to be okay, Kit. I’m pleased to be here and more than willing to help out. And also? Just so we’re clear? You’re not a burden, in case that thought may be lurking around in your head.”

“I mean… yeah. It is. And I am. I’m sorry Hudson got stuck with… me.” Oh look, third time apologizing.

“My king was asked by his dear friend to watch over you. In other words, Kage honored Hudson by entrusting your care to him.I’mhonored my king gave that duty to me.”

“Wow, that’s…. Yeah.” What a beautiful thing to say. “Thank you. That helps.”

“I’m glad, because I meant it. Now, I see you’ve started painting. Would you like to have a helping hand?”

“Seriously?” Because really, who willingly offered to help paint? Who did stuff like that?

“Seriously. Between the two of us, I believe we can get this done in a matter of hours. I like the color, by the way.”

Apparently, dragons did stuff like that. More than happy to have help, Kit stood. “That would be awesome and thank you.”

“I never would’ve thought of combining those two colors, but they definitely work together. You have a good eye.”

“I know, right, and thanks! Oh hey, by the way, I’m going to tell everybody here you’re a new hire,” Kit said. “For a bookstore, we’re pretty busy, and several of the ladies have been on me to hire somebody to help me out. So I’m going to say you’re my new assistant.”

“Excellent idea. In that case, let me assist you in painting this room.” Grinning, Beckett stood too.

Laughing, Kit led Beckett over to the cans of paint.

CHAPTER SIX –KIT

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