Page 53 of Pulled By the Tail
“Georgia has only improved the quality of this house since she arrived. Hiring her on was the wisest decision I’ve made in years,” he said.
“Fine, but when you wake up one morning and all the money's gone, don’t say I didn’t warn you!” With another stomp of her foot, she stormed off. In the distance, he heard doors slam.
“What the hell was that about?” he muttered, lugging the chair out to the workshop.
Chapter 11
Talen
Fuzzy Britches,
Happy Annulment Day! See the attached document which annuls that shitshow of a marriage contract. The agency apologizes for the “profound misunderstanding” but I’m more interested in a refund.
-G
“You are thinking of your female,” Charl said.
“I am not.” He was, but he refused to admit that to Charl.
“You’re smitten as a kitten.” Charl grinned, pleased at his joke.
“That’s not amusing,” Talen grumbled. He wasn’t thinking about Georgia, much, or the shift in the dynamic between them.
“Yes, it is. Very. I am extremely clever. You, being an uneducated heathen, can’t possibly appreciate my wit.”
“You think a boot to the ass will show you my appreciation? Get to work. I don’t actually pay you to mock me.”
Charl laughed. He sat on the floor; a chair overturned in his lap as he delicately wove the strands of cane to repair the seat. His four arms especially suited him to the task, one hand weaving, the other holding the cane in place, another pulling the binding cord taught, and another ready with a hammer. All four limbs worked with frightening speed.
“You’re staring,” Charl said.
“Just admiring the way you’re not smashing your fingers with the hammer. You’ve got three hands to keep track of and I can barely manage one.”
Charl shrugged. “It is normal for me. I am amazed at the way you cope, being deformed as you are with only two hands. So brave.”
“Asshole,” Talen said, laughing. His tail swished merrily behind him.
“Would you like me to tie two hands behind my back, so you do not feel so inadequate?” Charl teased.
“No, because I pay you to work with four arms, not two. Stop trying to cheat me.”
Charl’s mouth quirked up at the corners. Almost a grin. The male had a sense of humor after all. “Try not to trip over your own tail when you’re thinking about your female. Or at least share what is worrying you,” he said.
The male was Talen’s closest friend, had been since the first day of basic training when they stood next to each other in line waiting to be issued gear, wearing nothing but boxer briefs. As much as he valued Charl’s friendship, he had never seen the male take an interest in anyone romantically, male or female. Charl had never been in a relationship, as far as Talen knew, and the male remained silent about much of his life before the Navy.
Talen watched the male weave the thin cane reeds with skill and dexterity. He knew so little about the Gyer male, who knew absolutely everything about him. Charl lived with his family, was like a brother—better, actually, because he wasn’t a scheming little fraud—and could probably read Talen’s mind if he wanted.
“Right now, you’re wondering if I’m qualified to advise you on your mate,” Charl said.
“Ha! You are wrong.” Only because Talen hadn’t arrived at that thought yet, even though the course had been charted.
“So, you do not doubt my qualifications.”
“Oh, I doubt. I’ve never seen you look twice at… anyone.” Talen stumbled as he found the correct word.
Charl snorted. “I was mated. Once.”
“You have never said,” Talen said.
