Page 14 of Tattle Tail
“Two years now, and she’s full of surprises. I’m discovering exciting things every day,” he said.
“We work together,” Peaceable added.
“And you are a pilot?” Tolerance’s tone sounded unimpressed as she frowned.
“Yup, just like my dad. I ran cargo for the family business, but now I’m a CayneTech flyer.” Joseph seemed immune to Tolerance’s frown. Perhaps he was used to parental disapproval, or he did not care. He needed to share his secret of indifference with Peaceable.
Tolerance sniffed. “You will join us for dinner tomorrow.”
Translation: Peaceable’s parents would interrogate Joseph. Food might be present.
“He cannot,” she said quickly, speaking over Joseph so that he would be unable to accept. “He will be on a supply run tomorrow.”
Another lie. They seemed unavoidable now.
“The next night then,” Tolerance said.
“I should be back,” he said slowly, watching Peaceable’s reaction as he spoke.
She nodded. The delay would give them time to prepare. For what, she didn’t really know.
“Do not let us intrude on your plans. We should go,” she said, pulling away.
“No kiss?” he asked. His eyes gleamed with amusement.
“A kiss?”
“That’s what people do when they’re engaged.” The challenge was in his voice, daring her for a kiss.
That was the wrong move. He thought this was a game? A passing amusement? Yes, she dragged him into a lie that had already spun wildly out of control, but this was serious to her.
Peaceable would not lose this game.
She softened her posture, melting against him. Her fingers toyed with the front closure of his coat, dragging the zipper up and down. His throat swallowed, the muscle working in his neck, and he leaned forward.
She licked her lips, pleased to note the way his eyes followed her tongue. Suddenly, she felt confident that while he wanted to make her squirm with discomfort, he also wanted a kiss.
Desperately.
“Yes, that is an activity…” She glanced away. Truthfully, she found herself unable to finish the preposterous statement without giggling.
Nuzzling was more a Tal expression of affection. Humans seemed to enjoy licking each other’s faces. She had always thought of kissing as too wet and sloppy to be pleasant.
Peaceable stretched up on her toes, planting her mouth on his lips. She wasn’t the most experienced kisser in the star system.
He responded, his mouth opening, and then his tongue was in her mouth.
She gasped. His hand settled on her waist, holding her in place. It was odd but enjoyable. Very enjoyable. Suddenly, kissing was not just wet and sloppy. It was terribly exciting.
He guided her through the motions, leading her with a stroke of his tongue and his teeth nipping her bottom lip. Moving on instinct, her arms went around his neck.
This was nice. This wasgood.
She could do more of this.
Her hands went to the back of his head, and she dug her fingers into his hair. The tips of her claws popped, scratching.
He moaned and her body responded with an aching need.
