Page 40 of The Alien Reindeer's Bounty
“I was made for cold climates.” Truly, his reilendeer physiology thrived in the cold, but his human mate would be adversely affected. “Let’s go inside.”
“Inviting yourself in now? Make yourself at home.” Her grin returned in full force, burning away the miasma. Unsullied colors leaked through her aura, shining bright. How could one creature be so lovely?
“Hmm. And I’m also inviting myself along for ice skating tomorrow,” he said.
“Sounds like a date.”
“Because it is a date.”
“Ice skating? I haven’t done that in ages.”
“Then I will not shame your rusty skating with my superior technique.”
She lightly thumped him on the arm. “I’m surprised you can skate with that massive ego you’re hauling around.”
He held back the retort bragging about other massive things he hauled around. “And my massive monkey wrench.” He didn’t try too hard. “I have many talents.”
She snorted with amusement. “I can’t tomorrow. I have to get a new tire.”
That wasn’t a no. “Sunday,” he said. “You, me, and Ruby.”
“You really want to take my kid on our first date? I mean, it’s fine if you don’t. You don’t have to impress me.”
“If I wanted to impress you, I’d be your full-time bodyguard. Nothing would ever frighten you again.” He’d shadow her every step.
“Not happening. I don’t need a bodyguard.”
She did. Her stress hormone levels were still high, clouding her natural scent of earth and rain.
“Don’t be stubborn,” he said.
She shook her head and moved to the house door, opening it. “Now you have to buy me ice cream for that.”
“We’ll compromise. I’ll be your chauffeur,” he called out to her retreating figure.
“Sunday,” she said, the door shutting behind her.
Mads grinned, thoroughly pleased with himself. He had a date.
Chapter 11
Odessa
“Idon’t like ice skating.” Ruby crossed her arms over her chest.
“You like roller skating,” Odessa prompted.
“I guess.”
Part of her wanted to cajole Ruby into a good mood but she didn’t want to reward grumpy behavior with promises of ice cream.
“You know,” Odessa said, “I learned to ice skate when I was older than you. I fellsomuch.”
“Did it hurt?”
Ah, that was the root of her reluctance.
“Nah. My butt bounces.” Odessa gave an exaggerated slap to her bottom and Ruby giggled. “You’re much better at roller skating than me. I bet you’ll learn fast.”
