Page 41 of Tusk & Puck

“Even better,” I say breathlessly. This is most likely the exact moment I’ve been waiting for. My princess is alone in her castle, afraid of the evil wizard who threatens her. She wants some warmth and comfort from her cherished knight.

“Oh. Well, don’t let me keep you waiting. Try to be quiet about it, though. For her sake,” Verog warns.

“Yeah, you too,” I snipe back playfully. I practically jog to my car, excitement welling up in me. It’s been so long since I’ve been laid. It almost drove me crazy. But Melody is certainly worth the wait.

As I drive, a flurry of more precise instructions come through on my phone. I follow them faithfully, parking a block down the street and staying clear of streetlights. I go to the left side of her house by the large tree. There, I find some sturdy trellises leading to an open window.

I can't help but feel giddy. I’m like a teenager again, sneaking into my girlfriend’s bedroom while her parents are busy watching some late-night news program. I hope tonight ends better than that one. At least there’s no old man here to chase me back out the window with my boxers and jersey in my hands.

I crawl in through the opening, and Melody quickly shuts it closed behind me. Then, he closes the blinds for good measure.

“Was anyone out there?” she asks.

“Nope.”

“Are you sure no one saw you?” Her eyes are wide and pleading.

I can’t help but feel a small sting against my pride. It’s strange to be invited into her bedroom for what I’m pretty sure is going to be some fun between the sheets. But she still doesn’t want anyone to know about us? I suppose I can understand, considering this morning’s events.

“I’m absolutely sure.” I leave out the part where Verog knows I came. I’m sure that’s fine.

“Okay,” Melody says. Then she reaches out, pulls my face down to hers, and gives me a strong and frantic kiss.

22

MELODY

Ifinish closing my office for the evening and pause at the filing cabinet near the door. On top is the spider plant Jaromir rescued for me. It’s looking better now, maybe even better than before being tossed from its last pot.

It was sweet of him to do that without even being asked. I was so ready to toss it in the dumpster, and there he was. My plant in his hands, safe and sound.

I can’t describe just how much my heart swelled at the sight. He’s really something. I probably would have gone straight home and cried the entire day if Jaromir hadn’t been there to help me through it all.

I close and lock the door, making sure no one is watching or following me, and head to the parking lot. The security guard walks me there. She’s been incredibly kind with escorting me after school, no questions asked. Thankfully, there are no letters or creepy gifts attached to my car this time.

Ryan has hockey and Tina has her club today, so I’ll be home alone for a few hours until the activity bus brings them home. I take advantage of that time by making myself some soothing herbal tea and putting on a fun little movie. Just something on the channel for bored housewives looking for a little fun and excitement from the comfort of their living room couch

The movie is about two sisters who both find boyfriends, but one of them finds a prince while the other is a con man. There’s a ton of conflict, and a wedge gets driven between the sisters. It’s sad and stressful, but it culminates in a heartfelt moment of love between the sisters.

The kids are home by the time the credits are rolling.“Aunt Melody, are you okay?” Tina asks when she rounds the corner and looks at me.

I wipe my eyes and nod. “Yep, just watched a sad movie again.”

“You should watch more action movies. They’re never sad,” she states plainly.

I shake my head and shoo the kids into the kitchen to do their homework while I cook dinner. A simple casserole tonight, I don’t have the energy for much more than that. The kids spend dinner telling me about their day, but I have to admit my brain is a hundred miles away. They notice, too, because they’re so perceptive like that.

I can’t deny what I need right now. Maybe it’s irresponsible, maybe it’s risky, but all I want right now is Jaromir holding me close and telling me everything’s okay. So, while the kids brush their teeth, I do something probably very stupid. I text him instructions on how to get into my bedroom without anyone knowing.

I feel ridiculous. It’s like we’re spies trying to dodge the eye of some corrupt syndicate. But no, we’re just two grown adults with responsibilities and reputations.

Just when I start to think all this effort is too much to ask, Jaromir is there, climbing up the trellises that haven’t hosted a plant in years. He squeezes through my window and smiles down at me as I close it behind him.

After taking a moment to make sure no one with bad intent followed him, I grab Jaromir and kiss him exactly how I’ve wanted to all day. He responds eagerly, wrapping his arms around my waist and holding me close. I sigh against his lips as he gently cups my ass. He’s obviously feeling out his boundaries. I want to tell him there will be none tonight.

But I quickly consider one and pull away to tell him.

“Tina and Ryan can’t hear us,” I whisper.