Page 67 of Pulled By the Tail
Georgia
Georgia quietly turned the lock to the library door. Talen sat on worn wood treads of the staircase to the upper level, like he pulled down a book and immediately fell into the story. He was oblivious to her and her very short skirt, and the rest of the world.
For some reason, he did not wear a shirt and she heartily approved. The discarded garment sat on the floor, near the fireplace.
He was too handsome. He was all muscle and bulk, sitting with his elbows on his knees and a book cradled in his large hands. It just wasn’t fair that the universe made someone that good-looking and that intelligent.
“Ahem.” She cleared her throat dramatically.
He lifted his head. “What are you wearing?”
She plucked at the buttons at the front of her white blouse, exposing the pale pink bra underneath, before hiding her hands behind her back, which thrust her chest forward. Demurely, she twisted the tip of one of her shoes against the floor.
“I’ve been bad,” she said.
Talen snapped the book closed with one hand. “What have you done?”
“I don’t want to tell you.” She licked her lips, aware that his eyes tracked the motion.
“You do or you would not be here.” He stood, bare feet padding down the steps, and his thighs flexing and straining his trousers.
“I took a book from the restricted section,” she breathed.
He paused, brow furrowed. “You are welcome to any book in my collection. It is not impressive by any means, but nothing is restricted.”
She pressed a finger to her bottom lip and blinked her eyes. “It was a naughty book.”
“Is something in your eyes?”
She fisted the front of her shirt, tugging it down to expose the bra. “It had pictures. They made me feel funny.”
He looked at her with a blank expression.
“Funny. Down. There,” she said, stressing each word. “Could you help me feel better?”
“Your attire appears inadequate for the temperature. Warm yourself next to the fire and I will fetch you some suitable garments.” He picked up his discarded shirt and draped it over her shoulders. “Wear this.”
“For crying out loud, Talen,” she said, tossing her hands in the air and dislodging the shirt. “Haven’t you ever played Naughty Librarian?”
“Oh! This is one of your games.” He grinned, finally having caught on.
“It’s just a little roleplay. It’s not weird,” she said defensively. “Never mind. I’m not feeling it anymore.”
He perched on the edge of a sturdy table, setting the book down beside him. As he folded his arms over his chest, the movement of his dark amber striations mesmerized her. Too handsome and too smart, he watched her with sharp eyes. “Explain this game to me.”
“I’m not in the mood now.”
He sniffed the air and his tail twitched. He didn’t have to say anything. They both knew she lied.
“Fine,” she said. “You’re the sexy librarian.” Obviously. “And you’re very protective of your books.”
“I am.”
“And I’ve been a naughty student. I read books from the restricted section; books I can’t possibly understand.”
His ears went back. “No. I will not listen to you besmirch your own intelligence. I refuse to believe you did not understand.”
Oh boy. She had her work cut out for her. “It’s a fantasy, so I’m pretending.”
