Page 21 of We Three Kings
“Good. I’ll make your friend believe it too. Or anyone else who stands in the way.”
“Please don’t be mad at her. She just worries. I’m like a little sister to her, and she thinks she has to take care of me.”
I nod. “I get it and understand completely. I’d be suspicious of me too. But I’ll earn her approval just like yours.”
An emotion I can’t read flashes on her face as she stares up at me. I finally come to my senses and realize I’m still locking her down. My hands look huge wrapped around her slender arms covered in white cotton fabric decorated with red reindeer.
The innocence reminds me to dial back, and I release my hold on her. “I like your pajamas.”
Instantly, her arms cross as if hiding herself. I’d get it if she was naked or something but she’s absolutely modest with her long sleeves and pants.
“Thanks.”
Hesitation wobbles in her answer. I don’t understand her ambiguity to my compliment, yet I don’t push. I’ve already overwhelmed her enough for one night. “It’s late so I better let you get to bed. I’ll be back to pick you up at eleven.”
Her brilliant smile returns. “It’ll be fun.”
“Yeah, it will be.”
I drag her to me and hug her tight, relishing her sinking into me. Indulging in the sensation, I stroke the back of her head, soft hair gliding under my fingers and pressing my lips to her crown. “You’re mine angel. Don’t forget that.”
She shudders in my arms from my confirmation. No response, which is fine. We both know the truth.
With one last chaste kiss, I force myself to head out. “See you in the morning.”
Her lips curl in as she nods. A blush burns her cheeks as she glances down at my cock bulging in my pants for her before she lifts her gaze to mine again.
“Bye.”
That whisper will destroy me. I wait on the other side of the door until the deadbolt engages.
I know I won’t hear from her again tonight, and I’m shocked how disappointing that feels. Morning won’t come soon enough.
Seraphina
As soon as I twist the red band at the end of my braid, I slide the elastic back down my hair. If he doesn’t want to go the festival, maybe I should do something more sophisticated. That’s what he’s used to, I’m sure.
He dates women like London.
Rich, confident, intelligent women who probably always know what a man like Balthazar wants. She never seems flustered or tongue-tied or hesitant. Which is my goal except I can never figure out how to feel that way, let alone look that way.
Shoot!
I rip through the plaits until the strands are separated and plug in my flat iron. Thank you once again to my wonderful friend Bree for giving me her old one. If I hurry, I’ll be ready by the time he gets here.
I sprint to the bedroom and drop to my knees in front of the closet. Boxes topple from my search until I find the heels from graduation stuffed in the back. Plain black but better than the fuzzy boots I’d planned.
What else? What else?
Channel London. How would she dress?
She often wears all one color. Maybe because she’s so tall.
And necklaces. Long, silver necklaces that look elegant and expensive.
I don’t have that. But I stand and yank the brown pants off the hanger that I wore to the interview with her. They looked good enough I got the job, so they should be okay.
I grab the bronze blouse Bree gave me for my birthday. I’ve been saving the top for a special occasion. This definitely is the most special date I’ve ever had.