Page 23 of Hiss and Tell
“That was…” Aspen lingers by the door, her eyes soft in the dim light.
“Mortifying?” I offer. “Overwhelming? A clear demonstration of why I need new neighbors?”
“I was going to say sweet.” She reaches up, and for a heart-stopping moment, I think she might touch my face. Instead, she gently pats Evangeline, whose happy hiss startles her. She rapidly recovers to add, “They really care about you.”
“They’re impossible,” I grumble halfheartedly.
“Maybe.” Her smile turns teasing. “But they’re right about one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Burgundy does bring out the copper in your snakes.”
She’s gone before I can respond, leaving me standing in my doorway, touching the sweater I’d complained about for days, while my snakes writhe in approval.
Maybe jumping from the frying pan into the fire isn’t so bad if you have the right person to keep you from getting burned.
After Aspen leaves, I slump against my kitchen counter, emotionally drained from my neighbors’ matchmaking enthusiasm. But as the apartment settles into quiet, other needs make themselves known.
Aspen’s scent lingers in my space—on the coffee mug she used, in the air where she stood. My snakes rise restlessly, seeking more of that intoxicating fragrance. The predatory part of mynature that I keep so carefully controlled whispers dangerous suggestions: follow that scent trail, find her, claim what my instincts recognize as mine.
I force myself to remain still, but my body betrays the struggle. My skin burns with barely contained heat, my pupils shift between human and reptilian, and when I catch my reflection in the dark window, I see something that would terrify most humans. This is why I work so hard to stay gentle, controlled—because the creature beneath the surface wants things that nice librarians shouldn’t want.
My phone buzzes with a text from my brother Thaddeus. Good. Maybe talking to him will give me time to come to my senses.
Heard from the Silver Swimmers that you’re dating someone. They’re very excited about it. Should I be worried about your sanity? Get fitted for a tux? Find a plus-one for your upcoming nuptials?
It takes me a minute, but then I remember he teaches swimming to Iris, Mabel, and Dorothy at the Y in his course called the Silver Swimmers. I type back:Since when do you listen to the gossip network at the Y?
His response:Hard not to when Iris, Mabel, and Dorothy cornered me after swim class today. They want details about your “lovely girlfriend.” I told them you’d probably run screaming if they start planning your wedding.
Despite myself, I smile.They’re not that bad. Just… enthusiastic.
Thaddeus:Enthusiastic is one word for it. Dorothy asked if I thought you’d need help picking out rings. Apparently they have OPINIONS about what kind of engagement would suit a librarian.
I can practically hear his dry tone through the text.Please tell me you didn’t encourage them.
Well, bro,I may have mentioned that you’re terrible at romance and would definitely need supervision. Iris is already researching proposal venues that “showcase Sebastian’s gentle nature.” You’re welcome.
I groan out loud.You’re the worst brother ever.
The WORST brother would have told them about your secret stash of fantasy novels. I’m saving that ammunition for when I really need it.
The fact that he knows about my guilty pleasure reading material makes my snakes curl in embarrassment.How did you—never mind. I don’t want to know.
Relax. Your secret is safe. But seriously, Sebastian… if she makes you happy enough to tolerate Mabel’s matchmaking schemes, she must be pretty special.
Something warm settles in my chest at his genuine tone.She is.
Good. You deserve someone who sees past the bow ties to the man underneath. Even if that man has questionable taste in neckwear.
Despite myself, I’m grinning as I type back:Says the man who wears nothing but black leather.
At least I’m consistent. Your snakes change bow tie colors more often than some people change clothes.
The playful banter feels good—familiar in a way that reminds me why, despite everything, Thaddeus is still my favorite person to annoy.
Chapter Fourteen
