Page 85 of Mistaken Magic

"SeemsIhave a fondness for that,"Iteased.

Heslapped both hands over his heart. "Oh,I'mwounded.Areyou calling me arrogant?"

"Maybea little,"Ijoked. "Sowhat do you think?Willyou be able to see the band when he's flying around?"

"Yes,"Keirassured me. "I'mmore worried about the other birds picking on him.It'sshiny, it's colorful, and crows are known hoarders, right?"

"Butthis isJack'shoard,"Icountered, petting the bird's back asIoffered him some more food.

ItseemedJackliked the meat and bread the best, but a grape was a hit too.Ihadn't really picked too much fruit, but the bird wasn't impressed with most of the vegetablesIoffered him.Then, when he finished the last bit of whatIhad,Jackhopped closer to rub his face against my hand.

"Ilike you too,Jack,"Isaid. "ButIthinkI'mgoing to have to get better crow treats.I'mpretty sure this stuff isn't that good for you."

"Jack!" the bird told me.

"Iknow, bud."Ididn't, but it sounded comforting.ThenImoved him off my lap.

Surprisingly, the crow allowed me to pick him up.Ifelt his wings flex against my hands, but he didn't really fight me.Itwas more like he was trying to balance asIlifted.WhenIset himback on the ground and stood, the silly thing tried to peck at my shoes.Hewas kinda cute.

"Youknow,"Keirsaid, flicking a finger at me, "that's kinda sexy."

"Thebird pecking my shoes?"

"Thegirl being so kind to animals," he countered, pushing himself away from the tree. "Also, tomorrow isThanksgiving.Whatare the chances you'll consider spending a little time with me and my friends?"

"Uh..."

Hewrapped an arm around my back and turned me for theInstitute. "Bye,Jack.I'mstealing your girl."

Caw!

Keirchuckled. "That'sdefinitely your bird."Wewalked a few steps more, then he looked over. "So, what's the status on you andAspen?"

"Good,"Iassured him, but it was a little too fast.Whenhis violet eyes kept watching me,Isighed. "It'sgood,Keir.I'mnot sure what it is, butIknow it's good."

"So, any more kissing?"Therewas a devious sparkle in those eyes.

SoIpoked him in the ribs. "No!"

Butdamn, that boy was solid.Myteeth found my lower lip andItried to play it off as being embarrassed aboutAspen, yet even as he ducked away, his expression said he knew better.Theguy looked at me for just a little too long and then rushed back in.Iyelped, trying to dodge him, butIdidn't stand a chance.

Hisarms wrapped around my waist from behind, and he lifted.Itried kicking out, butKeirwas laughing a little too hard.Desperateto get down,Ireached back, hoping to tickle him again.Myfingers found his waist, but there was nothing soft to torment there.Ipoked,Igrabbed, andIsquirmed.Stretchingabit more,Istruggled to do something - anything - to get loose.Thatwas howIended up grabbing a little too low.

"Easynow," he teased as my finger poked right into his dick. "Caress, don't jab."

"Keir!"Isquealed.

Hefinally set me down, but he didn't let go.Withhis mouth right beside my ear, he said, "Virgin?"

"What?"Iasked, spinning around to face him.

"Areyou a virgin?" he asked.

"No.Why?"Themoment the words were out of my mouth,Istarted to wonder if that was a bad thing.

"Truth," he told me, his smile softening some. "I'mjust trying to figure you out,Rain.Youblush.Youget flustered.Youflirt and then evade.I'msimply trying to make sureIdon't chase you off."

"I'mhard to chase off,"Ireminded him.

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