Page 25 of Love the Way You Lion
“Be a little more specific? What kind of profession—doctor, lawyer, accountant?” she grins, teasing me.
“Not a career, but the other profession. As in, where you say something important.”
“Ooh. I did that?” She bats her lashes at me and I chuckle.
“I think so.” She doesn’t answer and I frown. “Being difficult, I see. You don’t care to reiterate it, huh?”
Her look is scathing. “Do I look witless to you? It occurred to me while I was at work that I’ve been the one doing all the spouting of declarations. I’m making all the decisions and taking all the risks. I’m scared, okay? I don’t want to be out on that branch alone anymore.”
Tweaking her nose, I wink. “I was only trying to get you to say it so I could say it back. If the flo—striding hadn’t happened as you left, I would have earlier.”
“Oh.” She frowns and looks a little sheepish. “That was a whole stomach full of nerves all day for nothing.”
“It was all your own doing, pet. You didn’t give me a chance. It’s the truth, though. I do.”
Her smile is tender, happiness and relief showing in her dusky grayeyes. “How’d the melted ice cream issue go? You were sure we were in trouble for leaving it all night.”
“Ugh. Bitch, bitch, bitch—that’s what I got.”
“Sorry. We were doing well eating it until we got distracted.”
“It’s okay. Besides, I enjoy making Hex grumpy. It’s not a proper day if I don’t piss everyone in the house off once.”
Talia chuckles and tilts her head. “I think you should go first now.”
“You do, huh?”
“I do it because I'm so shy and retiring.” She makes an innocent face and I snort.
“Does anyone ever believe that rot?”
“No. It might be the pointies. What do you think?” Her blades spin on her palms and I grin.
“Your attitude might be a factor.”
“I have a fine attitude.”
“I like your attitude as well, or it’d be hard to love you so damned much.”
Her smile creeps over her face like the dawn breaking. Her eyes glow. Launching herself at me, she knocks me to the lounge with a throaty laugh. “Ha!”
“Got me, huh?”
“Thank god. It took two days!” Her grin is wicked,and I roll my eyes. “Talk about a long chase. I love you too, long hair.”
“Is that my nickname now?”
“I’m trying things as I go until I find one that fits. I like long hair,though. Taurus’ Sampson crack was more intelligent than normal for him.”
“I’m sure that he's more intelligent than that.”
Her laugh is low and full of humor as she shushes me. “Shh! Sweet hell, if he hears that it’s a whole puffy chested, swishy tail feather thing—and he’s already impossible to live with because of all the compliments your mate dishes out to him.”
“She has a problem with ego puffing. She can’t help it. When she loves, she loves like today is the last day ever. It’s how she’s made.”
“They’re good for each other. He and I—he’s a part of me, he always will be. But she completes him and he’s happy. I thank her for that.”
“I feel how happy he makes her. It’s been a while since I felt that.” I’m not lying to her; it’s true.
