Page 12 of Swipe Right for Orcs
I scan the bar, my eyes darting between groups of people and monsters, searching for Osric. Not to be an asshole, but he’s huge and green—how could I miss him? But as I continue to look around, there’s no sign of him. A small knot of anxiety starts to twist in my stomach.
Am I early, or is he ghosting me? I try to suppress the rising worry that maybe this was a mistake, that maybe I should’ve known better than to go on a first date with an orc I met online.
“You’re even more beautiful in person.” A deep, gravelly voice comes from behind me.
Spinning around, I'm met with a wall of muscle—a massive, solid torso wrapped in a black shirt that clings to every ridge and curve. My breath catches as I tilt my head back to take in the rest of him. Sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and those amber eyes—so intense yet softened by a hint of warmth.
“Osric?” I breathe his name.
He gives me a slow smile that sends my pulse racing. “Should we sit?” His voice rumbles through me, and when he holds out a large, calloused hand, I don’t hesitate to slip mine into it. His palm is warm, his grip firm but careful, as if he’s aware of his strength and is making a conscious effort to be gentle with me.
He leads us deeper into the bar, effortlessly parting the crowd as we go. When we reach an empty table, he pulls out my chair, his actions deliberate and almost old-fashioned, something I’ve never seen before from the men I’ve dated. They were all smooth and cocky, expecting something in return for even the smallest gesture. But Osric? He just does it, no expectation in his eyes, just a smirk as he pushes me closer to the table.
This is new—this feeling of being completely dwarfed by a man yet utterly safe at the same time.
“Thank you,” I murmur, trying to ignore the fluttering in my chest.
“You’re welcome,” he replies, taking the seat across from me, his gaze never leaving mine. There’s something in the way he looks at me—like he’s not just looking at me, but actually seeing me.
“I’m glad you came. I have to admit I was worried you wouldn’t show up,” he confesses.
“I was nervous,” I confess, surprising myself with the honesty in my voice. “But I’m here, and I’m ready to have a good time.”
As the words leave my lips, I realize just how true they are. The nerves that had been swirling in my stomach have settled, replaced by a growing desire to see where this night could go. There’s something about Osric—his presence, his confidence—that makes me want to throw caution to the wind and just... be.
Before I can say anything else, a bubbly waitress appears at our table, breaking the moment. “Hi, what can I get you guys to drink tonight?” she asks.
“I’ll take a Surfside lemonade and tea, please.”
“And you?” She turns to Osric, and I can’t help but notice the way her eyes widen slightly as she takes him in.
“Give me a Captain and Dr Pepper,” he says. His tusks, which I hadn’t really noticed until now, jut out just below his top lip, adding an exotic allure to his rugged appearance. It’s strangely captivating, and I find myself wondering what it would be like to feel those tusks against my skin, to have him kiss me and?—
Whoa, slow down, Fairlie.
“Perfect,” the waitress says, oblivious to the heat simmering between us. “Here are your menus, and if you want to order any apps when I bring the drinks, just let me know.” She hands us each a menu and heads to the bar, leaving us alone once more.
“So, what do you do for work?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation somewhere neutral, though my mind is still racing with thoughts of what it might be like to be kissed by an orc.
“I own a security company,” he replies, his voice steady as he leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. “We mainly do cybersecurity, but once in a while, we provide in-person security for large events in town.”
“Wow, that’s impressive,” I say, genuinely interested. “So, do you work from home, or do you have an office?”
“Everything is ran from my basement. It’s all state-of-the-art equipment, and my employees meet with me either there or virtually.” He pauses, then smiles. “What about you? You want to be a teacher?”
“Yeah,” I say, my heart warming at the thought. “I’ve wanted to teach since I was a little girl. Kindergarten through second grade, specifically. I love kids, and they’re so fun at that age—so impressionable.” I sigh. “I’m student teaching over at Amox Elementary, but I have the crabbiest and most old-fashioned mentor ever. I’m hoping to get a new class assignment.”
“Here are your drinks.” The waitress sets them down. “And are we ready to order, or do we need more time?”
Shit. I haven’t even glanced at the menu, too busy talking and staring at Osric like a lovesick teenager.
“I'm ready. What about you, Sweetheart?”
“Um, yeah, you go first,” I say, hastily opening the menu. “Let me just glance real quick.”
He doesn’t even look at the menu. “I’m gonna have the bison burger with everything on it, and can I have it rare with a side of chicken fries instead of french fries?”
“Absolutely,” the waitress responds with a smile. “And since you’re a monster, those chicken fries won’t be an upcharge since we know y’all need more protein.”
