Page 32 of Approved

“I bought some flavored creamer yesterday. Can you add a generous amount of that? You better take good care of yourboyfriendbecause I think Allison likes me, and you can’t break her heart.” I gave him a genuine smile.

“It will be my honor.” West said, “She usually is pretty shy around strangers. I was impressed that she wanted to go to you. I’m sorry about the boyfriend thing.” East cocked his head at West.

“What? You’ve been courting him. I figured you were there by now,” he said earnestly, still looking confused.

“Courting? What is this, the nineteen-thirties?” West said as he pushed his brother. “We haven’t labeled it. I am sure it will be something we discuss between us before announcing it to family.”

“It’s okay,” I shrugged. “I wasn’t insulted, only a little surprised.” I cleared my throat, “and West, I noticed you nearly called me a boyfriend when you told your brother to unhand me.” I delighted in the blush that went up his neck and covered his face.

“Well. I.” He wouldn’t look up at me. “So. East has agreed to watch Charlie for a few hours so I can still take you to the Art Festival. If you are interested in going, I also promise to feed you.” I took a deep breath and looked at West for the first time since I got to the kitchen. He wore jeans that were obviously a favorite, with faded patches and even a little threadbare in places, which added to the look. The jeans fit his ass perfectly, and he had on a T-shirt that I was certain was at least one size too small. My heart hammered in my chest as I realized how incredible he looked. The Art Festival sounded great, but the idea of taking him to bed and having my way with him held a lot of appeal.

I would enjoy that. “When did you want to go? I have a date with a coloring book I need to fulfill.” Earl landed on the counter and looked for food. Allison hadn’t met him yet; that would be another point in my favor.

“This is Earl, then?” East said. I had forgotten about my buddy until that moment.

“Yes, this is my little troublemaker.” I rubbed his head.

“He’s cool. I’m going to like having him around here. Wait until Allison meets him.” It’s funny that he thought the same thing I did. He went to the fridge.

West leaned over and whispered in my ear, “So you know being so sweet to Allison, accepting of East, and kind to me is giving me a boner. Is that weird?”

Butterflies flew around my stomach. He just told me that he liked the person I was, and it melted me. Everyone always said I was too naive and trusting, making me seem weak. Here was someone saying it was sexy. Fuck this guy was all up in my feelings, and it happened quick. Too quick? I would embrace that he was amazing, and I deserved amazing.

I whispered back. “Not weird.” As I shifted my hip and rubbed against his very obvious erection. I was already looking forward to getting home from the festival. I turned around.

“Earl. No.” The brothers both turned toward where the dragon was. He popped his head up, egg yolk all over his face. East’s beautifully cooked breakfast was now my dragon’s snack. I grabbed Earl and a handful of paper towels, while I wiped the egg off his face and chest, I addressed East. “I am so sorry. Let me cook you some new eggs.”

“Don’t worry about it,” the brothers said at the same time.

“Every single time,” I said to Earl as I finished cleaning him up.

“I am so sorry, East.”

“Can I eat after him?” It was an odd question. There had been many times I’d had food he ate off of, never considering it wasn’t okay.

“Oh. Yeah, sure. Go for it.” He grabbed his food and started to eat his breakfast as if there hadn’t been a small dragon enjoying it a few minutes earlier. I liked this family a lot.

With his arm around my waist, West whispered to me. “How about we leave in an hour, but we don’t have a schedule. I’d like to spend some time with you since you finally agreed to let me take you on a date.”

“An hour is good, enough time to spend with Allison and get ready. I need to feed Earl, or he will find something himself.”

“I’ll take care of it, just tell me what to give him.” He was so genuine.

“Give him a plate of meat and vegetables. Most dragons will overeat if they like the food, but he stops when full.”

“Okay, I’ll hook the little guy up. He has been so sweet to Charlie, make sure you give him plenty of kisses, too.” It did seem like my dragon took to the kitten, though I shouldn’t be surprised, because he and Larry always slept together.

I kissed West. “Let me go color, I don’t want to disappoint Allison.”

As I left the room, I heard West. “He’s fucking great right? Now you understand why I waited for him to trust me.”

I knew I wasn’t supposed to hear what he said, but his words felt incredible. I smiled as I entered the living room where Allison lay on her stomach with a coloring book and crayons. She looked up at me and smiled. “You remembered.”

“Of course. I promised you.” I sat on the floor, and she came over and hugged me.

“Sometimes people don’t keep their promises. Daddy and Unkkie Wefst does.”

That was good to hear. I wondered where her mother was, because there was no doubt that East had flirted with me earlier. Did he decide to have a child on his own? That was something I would ask at another time. “Carmen sometimes doesn’t, and my friend Molly.”

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