Page 67 of Fanged Temptation

“But–”

“No buts.” He lifted a wizened finger and waggled it at me. “You may not have a boat any more but you’ve got plenty of people who care for you here. What about Maxine? I’m sure she’d be happy to have you for a housemate.”

I cringed inwardly. When filling my grandfather in on my life as of late, I had neglected to mention that my boat had been burned down—he thought I’d sold it—and I’d also left out the part about Maxine and me being… more than friends.

“I just… worry, you know?” I tugged at the cords of my hoodie, shuffling on my feet. “You’ve taken care of me for all these years and I feel like I’m abandoning you.”

My grandfather turned, a flicker of mild amusement in his gaze. “Leah, that’s ridiculous. I’ll be fine! I’m not exactly helpless, you know.”

I dropped my eyes to my shoes. He would be perfectly fine without me. I knew that. Of course, I knew.But that nagging sense of responsibility remained.

My grandfather exhaled, tucking his hands into his worn coat pockets. “Leah, you need to focus on yourself for once.” He gestured vaguely around the room, eyes drifting to the city line beyond the window pane. “You’ve got a lot going on. A whole future to build. Don’t you worry about me.”

My heart clenched. He was right—I had Maxine now, and the Leyore coven, and all the chaos that came with them. I’d uprooted my life, tethered myself to a love I never would have imagined, and that meant letting go of old obligations and taking on new ones. But letting him travel back alone still made my stomach twist.

“I’m still gonna worry,” I said softly, a wry smile ghosting my lips.

He chuckled, stepping forward to plant a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Worry if you must, but not too much. I’m older, yes, but I’m not senile.” His eyes crinkled. “Besides, I’ve got a darling waiting for me back home now.”

“Right.” I snorted, dropping my head back with a sigh. “Angela. I hope you know, I want to meet her in person sometime. Need to give my blessings and all.”

“Oh, but of course.” My grandfather grinned, hiking up the suitcase handle as we headed for the door. “You’ll have to pay us a visit sometime. And bring Maxine! I’ve missed that girl.”

I winced. “Actually, about Maxine. I, uh, I’ve been meaning to tell you…”

I trailed off, struggling to find the words. My grandfather paused at the threshold, suitcase bumping his bad knee. He lifted a bushy, grey brow. “Yes?”

“I, um…” I rubbed at the nape of my neck, chewing on my lip. “We’re kind of… more than friends now.”

That was one way to put it. Although what we were exactly, I had no idea. Maxine had essentially let me know that if I wanted to pursue a relationship, she was game. But the ball was entirely in my court.

My grandfather frowned slightly, forehead wrinkling in mild confusion. “More than friends?”

My cheeks flushed bright red. A week had passed since I’d seen Maxine and I still didn’t have an answer for her, torn between my new life and my duties to my grandfather. But now was the time to make a decision.

My pulse hammered.Might as well just spit it out.“We’re kinda… together,” I said, swallowing my nerves. “As in, we’re dating. Or we will be, when I tell her that I want to. She’s my—well, we haven’t really labeled it yet, but… we’re like a couple.”

A momentary silence, my grandfather’s gaze scanning my tomato-red face. For a fraction of a second I panicked—was he upset, or confused, or just disappointed? But then his lips curved, and his eyes crinkled in genuine delight.

“Oh,” he exclaimed, a soft laugh bubbling out. “Well, I’ll be. Took you two long enough.”

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest. “You’re… okay with it?”

He huffed, waving off my concern. “Of course I’m okay with it, kid. I’ve been watching you two dance around each other since you were practically in pigtails. If anything, I’m relieved you finally figured yourselves out.”

“You–I–” I stuttered through the words, heart skittering in my chest. “What?”

My grandfather shrugged with a smile, eyes twinkling, like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. “We should get going. I’m sure you’re eager to tell her how you feel.”

I stared at him a moment longer and then exhaled a shaky breath. I stepped forward to help him with his suitcase, cracking a sheepish smile that I hope conveyed every ounce of love I had for the old man. “Thanks, Grandpa.”

A few hours and a tearful goodbye later, I shifted uncomfortably on the landing outside Maxine’s upscale apartment, cradling my duffel bag under one arm. The door stood ajar, warm light spilling into the quiet corridor. She must have left it unlatched, knowing I was on my way.

My heart gave a little leap at the thought of entering her space so freely.

Quietly, I slipped inside, greeted by the soft glow of lamplight and plush furnishings. The place smelled faintly of sandalwood and something sweet. I glanced down at my boots, wet and grimy from traipsing through puddles, and winced.Not exactly Leah-friendly carpets in here.

“Max?” I called softly, leaning my bag against the wall. I tiptoed forward, trying not to leave muddy boot prints on the fluffy rug that sprawled across the floor. “White carpets, really?”

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