Page 19 of Swipe Right for Orcs
He gives me a thumbs-up from the living room, and I head off to work. My mind races with thoughts of Fairlie, my meeting, and the fact that my brother might have bred a woman and hasn’t told her.
I dash out the door and hurry to my car. I turn down the street, the familiar route to work offering little comfort as my mind races. The drive feels longer than it actually is, and by the time I pull into the parking lot, I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the nervous energy. As I pull into the parking lot, I steal a final glance at my phone and see a text from Osric.
Brother: Good luck today. Also, I told Fairlie that you could maybe mention that she’s looking for a new class to student teach in. She’s at Amox now and hates it.
I shake my head,a smile tugging at my lips despite the mounting stress. I mean, of course I’ll do it because I love him, but first, Ineed to meet her. I’m not going to put in a word for someone I’ve never met to be around kids until I feel her out myself.
Me: I want to meet her first. Not saying yes, not saying no.
He replies instantly.
Brother: Fair
I chuckle softlyand turn my phone on silent before getting out of the car and heading into the school. Today is going to be a challenge, and I need to focus.
CHAPTER TEN
FAIRLIE
When I reach Osric’s house, I press the doorbell and immediately hear footsteps approaching from the inside. The door swings open, and there stands Osric, his broad shoulders filling the frame. Without a word, he sweeps me up into his arms. His lips find mine in a kiss that’s both passionate and tender.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmurs against my lips, his voice a deep rumble that rolls through me.
I laugh, my heart fluttering. “We’ve talked and texted every day, and it’s only been two days.”
“Just really like you, Sweetheart,” he says, setting me down, his eyes softening as he looks down at me.
“I really like you too,” I whisper.
He takes my hand, his grip firm, and leads me inside. The house is cozy and inviting, with the smell of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. I drop my bag by the couch as we walk straight to the heart of the home, where the kitchen table isset for three. A pan on the stove sizzles, filling the room with a mouthwatering aroma.
“I hope you like meat,” Osric says, glancing over his shoulder at me with a playful grin. “I’m making steak and shrimp with some crab rangoons.”
“Sounds amazing,” I reply, hopping up onto the counter to watch him, my eyes fixed on his movements. “I’m not very picky, just not a huge fan of tomatoes in chunks.”
“Noted.” He chuckles, turning back to his cooking.
As Osric works his culinary magic, I can’t help but smile. The kitchen is large but cozy, filled with the sounds of sizzling and the occasional clink of utensils. We chat easily, sharing stories and laughter, and a sense of contentment I’ve not experienced in a long time settles in.
Suddenly, the scent of tangerine and musk reaches my nose, and I turn to see a striking woman entering the kitchen. Her presence is commanding, her beauty undeniable. She’s slightly shorter than Osric, though still tall, with skin that’s a rich emerald green and blonde hair pulled up into a high ponytail.
She walks straight to me, her smile warm and welcoming. “Hi, I’m Ovivia. This lug’s little sister. I’ve heard a lot about you, Fairlie.”
“I hope all good things,” I reply with a smirk as I shake her hand.
“All good,” Ovivia assures me with a wink before leaning against the counter next to where Osric is cooking. I can’t help but admire the striking resemblance between them. Despite the difference in their heights, they share similar features—a strong jawline and those captivating amber eyes. They clearly have good genes.
Ovivia asks about my work at the school, and I mention that I’m hoping to switch classrooms for my student teaching semester. She nods, sharing that her school recently decidedto bring in more human teachers to balance the staff between monsters and humans. I make a mental note to inquire about student teaching opportunities there.
Osric plates the food, and we gather around the table to eat. The meal is delicious, and the conversation flows naturally until Ovivia throws a curveball.
“So, Osric mentioned you have questions about orc reproduction?” she asks, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I nearly choke on a shrimp, my eyes widening as I glance over at Osric. His face has gone a peculiar shade of pale green, and he’s glaring at his sister.
“I—I do,” I manage to stammer, feeling my cheeks flush. “We’re all adults here, right?”
“I’d hope so.” Ovivia laughs, clearly enjoying our discomfort.
