Текст книги "Tiger"
Автор книги: Laurann Dohner
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Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 18 страниц)
“You’re so wet,” he rasped, brushing a kiss on her shoulder. One of his arms hooked around her waist and lifted her.
A gasp escaped her as he lowered her straight onto his hard cock. The sensation of being filled by him was amazing. He continued to stroke her clit as his hips bucked upward, fucking her slowly. Zandy gripped his biceps just for something to cling to. He moved her easily up and down on his lap with his arm. All she could do was lean back, enjoying him.
“I love what I feel inside you when I do this, Zandy. You grip and squeeze me the more excited you become and you’re so hot and wet. We’re in water and you’re the one soaking me.”
The water was level with her nipples and every time he lifted her, they hit the air and tightened painfully. Her entire body tensed as she prepared to come but he seemed to know that. He stopped rubbing her clit to just tap the bundle of nerves. It was torment.
“Please, Tiger!”
His arm tightened around her waist and he pounded his hips up, using the rock behind him to support his back as he braced his feet on the creek bed. His fingertip pressed down on her clit and he fucked her faster. Raw ecstasy gripped her. She moaned louder and bucked her hips, just trying to keep some sense of control, but Tiger wouldn’t have it. He fucked her even faster, harder, and frantically strummed her clit.
Zandy threw her head back against his shoulder and cried his name when the climax struck. Her vaginal muscles quivered from the force of how hard she came. Tiger’s body seized, every muscle seemed to turn rock hard where she was against him or gripping his arms, and he threw back his head. The animalistic roar that filled the woods was extremely loud.
Hot jets of his semen filled her as his body jerked under hers. The roar cut off and his hand left her clit to wrap around her breasts until he hugged her tightly to his chest with both arms.
“Zandy,” he rasped.
“Tiger,” she panted, out of breath.
His mouth nuzzled her throat and his hot tongue licked her skin. It made her shiver in a good way, only amplifying the after-sex glow. The water felt good now on their overheated bodies as they both relaxed.
“Do you think someone will come from Reservation to investigate? We were kind of loud.”
Tiger shook his head. “We’re far enough away from the wall where the officers patrol for them not to have heard us.”
“Good.” The idea of officers swarming the area looking for the source of the noises made her inwardly cringe. His assurance put her at ease.
“I could stay inside you forever.”
“I wouldn’t complain.” She smiled.
“We need to get out of the water soon. You’re more fragile to the elements than I am.” His hands explored her skin. “I don’t want you to catch a cold from the cool water.”
His arm around her waist tightened as he lifted her high enough to break the connection as his cock withdrew from her pussy slowly. She felt the loss instantly but didn’t complain. His hand slid down her body and he slipped a finger inside her, fucking her slowly with it. She was surprised but it felt too good to protest.
“I thought you wanted us to get out of the water. Keep that up and I’m going to want you again.”
“I’m cleaning you.”
She moaned. “You’re doing more than that.”
A chuckle tickled her ear as he nuzzled her again. “We’ll finish this once I get you dry.” His finger withdrew and he cupped her between her thighs, rubbing lightly. She just leaned against him, enjoying his touch until he stopped and his thighs closed.
“Walk toward the towels.” He released her waist and gripped her hips with both hands, urging her to stand.
Zandy’s legs were shaky as she walked through the moving water to the other side and climbed up the grassy embankment. Tiger remained close behind her in case she lost her balance. She found it cute and gentlemanly. No man had ever been so attentive to her. He didn’t even allow her to dry herself. He grabbed a towel before she could, flipped it open and wrapped it around her. His big hands carefully rubbed it over her skin.
She stared into his eyes as he bent enough to reach her lower body and realized that she wouldn’t ever stop being fascinated by their exotic shape and color. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth when he was done. The towel was torn away and she gasped when he gave her a push. She fell backward and landed on the air mattress. An extremely soft bedspread cushioned her body as well. Her fingers brushed against it.
“Is this sheepskin?”
Tiger used another towel to quickly dry off as his gaze raked over every inch of her body sprawled before him. “Yes. I brought it from my own bed. You haven’t been to my home so I thought I’d bring part of it to you.”
He was a romantic or at least seemed so. It made her like him even more. Hell, she admitted silently, I am falling in love with him.
He dropped the towel and stepped closer. “I want to take you on it. It is the only thing that will do your soft skin justice.” He dropped to his knees, gripped her ankles and bent her legs up and apart to expose her pussy to his view. He stared at it and licked his lips. “Hold your legs just like that, tight to your chest.”
Zandy gripped her knees and Tiger growled, the only warning she received before he let go of her ankles to grip her inner thighs. His face lowered and his hot mouth fastened over her pussy. His tongue teased her already swollen clit and she moaned. He burrowed in, lashed at her clit in rapid flicks of his tongue and zoomed right in on that tiny spot that drove her insane as raw rapture struck.
It was too much, felt too good after her recent climax. She tried to close her legs. Tiger refused to allow it as his hold on her thighs tightened when her heels dug into his shoulder blades. He held her down tighter to the bed.
“Tiger, you’re killing me,” she whimpered.
He began to purr loudly and vibrations added to the sensations. Zandy’s back arched and her fingers clawed at the bedding. Pants and moans mixed until she feared passing out. Another climax brutally tore through her body. She shook from the force of it and screamed when he released her clit to drive his tongue inside her pussy.
She was certain he was attempting to actually kill her. Wave after wave of pleasure rolled through her body as she jerked and twitched under him until he finally withdrew and released her thighs. Her body went lax as he rose to his knees and used her hips to drag her ass to the edge of the air mattress.
“I can’t,” she rasped, struggling to sit up. “Give me a minute.”
His tight expression showed his displeasure. “I want you now. I need you.”
She managed to roll to her side and pat the bed next to her. “Lie here.”
He moved, the mattress dipped with his added weight and she rolled into his side as he sprawled out on his back. The sight of his hard cock pointing up drew her attention as she still fought to regain the ability to think. Her hand curved around the thick shaft and he responded with a groan.
Her tongue darted out to wet her lips as she scooted down the bed while she continued to stroke him with her fingers and regained some control over her heavy breathing. He groaned when she took the head of his cock into her mouth.
His hand tangled in her hair but it didn’t hurt. He was careful not to pull it or force her head down to take more of him. The sweet taste of pre-cum made her moan. She usually wasn’t overly fond of going down on men but of course he couldn’t even be typical in that way either. He tasted good, which encouraged her to keep going.
“Stop before I come,” he groaned. “I’ll warn you.”
She had no idea why he’d want to do that as she opened her mouth wider, exploring him with her tongue as she took him deeper, tightened her lips around him and sucked. Tiger was a mouthful and she had to be careful with her teeth. The loud sounds of him purring became music to her ears and she loved hearing how he responded to her. Not only was his shaft rock hard but his taste just grew better as she worked him. He vibrated where they touched too, his entire body seeming to be affected by it.
He tugged frantically and she lifted off him to peer at his face.
“Stop. I’m about to come. Use your hand. I’m so close.”
“Why? I don’t want to stop.”
“You feel me when I come inside you, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“I would choke you if I came in your mouth. I shoot hard and hot.”
“I think I could handle it.” She tried to capture his cock with her mouth again but he twisted his hips before she could, forcing her gaze back to his.
“Our females can’t handle it. That’s why they don’t do this to our males. I shoot about six feet.”
A mental image surfaced and she grinned. “How do you know how far it goes?”
He sat up a little. “I’m male. How do you think?”
A laugh escaped her. “You measured the distance, didn’t you?”
“I hurt, Zandy.”
Her hand squeezed his shaft and she stroked him. Her gaze dropped to his dick as he slid flat on the mattress again and she watched him come. He hadn’t been mistaken about how far his semen could shoot. It didn’t even land on the bed. Watching his stomach became more interesting as his muscles tensed, revealing a sexy pattern.
His hand grabbed hers and tore it off his cock. She realized he hadn’t roared that time. Groaned and panted but no loud, animalistic roar. It surprised her a little since most men enjoyed head more than intercourse. She started to ask him what he preferred but decided to discover that answer on her own. It would be fun.
She lowered her mouth to the crown of his cock when his body relaxed and he stopped coming. The flat of her tongue traced the ridge of his still-stiff cock and the sweet taste of him drew a moan from her. His taste reminded her of warmed honey with a hint of maple syrup. He could become her breakfast of choice.
“Zandy!” He snarled her name and fisted her hair, tearing her away as he rolled her onto her back. His weight came down on her to pin her beneath him.
Tears filled her eyes from the stinging pain of having her hair pulled. She stared at him as he relaxed his hold, his intense gaze locked on hers. Her ears still rang from the harsh, brutal sound of her name.
A jolt of fear shot through her that she must have done something really wrong and he looked enraged as their gazes held. Had she hurt him? He was on top of her and she couldn’t even breathe. His weight was crushing her into the air mattress and she couldn’t move with his legs and arms holding her down. He took a deep breath before lifting off enough for her to get air into her lungs.
“I smell fear. I’m sorry I scared you. I didn’t mean to.”
“You snarled at me. Did I hurt you?”
His hand near her face stroked her cheek. “No, Zandy. I didn’t mean to yell. It was just that you were killing me.”
Her fear eased. “In a literal sense?”
“No. It felt so good that it was too much to take.”
She could relate. “Oversensitive?”
“To put it mildly.” He cupped her face. “I’m so sorry I frightened you.” He inhaled. “I made you really afraid, Zandy.”
She wound her arms around his shoulders. “I know that. You just kind of scared me there for a second.”
“I’m so sorry,” he rasped.
“It’s okay.”
He purred and shifted on her, stretching his body lower down hers. He buried his face in her neck and nuzzled his mouth there. “I’d never hurt you. Never. I don’t ever want to smell fear on you again.”
“I’m fine. I know you wouldn’t hurt me. It startled me more,” she lied. He was really upset that he’d frightened her. “I’m okay.”
His head lifted until he could peer into her eyes again. “You are so much more than fine.” He reached between them and gripped her thigh to adjust it enough for his hips to fit between legs. “I can’t get enough of you.”
Zandy moaned as Tiger’s rigid shaft entered her pussy. “How can you still be hard?”
He brushed his mouth over hers. “I’m not human, Zandy. It’s the animal in me. I can fuck you until I drop from exhaustion. I just need a minute to recover.”
She moaned, moving against him, matching his thrusts. He moved slowly, setting a pace that drove her to pleasure. He shifted on her and put his hand between them.
“I can’t last long with you, Zandy. You make me come over and over again.” His finger found her clit and stroked. “Come for me now.”
She thrashed and moaned. The pressure against the bundle of nerves grew as he rubbed her harder and faster. His hips kept perfect time with his finger. She cried out his name and climaxed. Tiger snarled her name as he found his release.
* * * * *
Tiger rolled to his side and drew Zandy against him as they recovered from another round of sex. The sky began to darken above them as the sun lowered in the sky behind the treetops. He didn’t have to watch her drive away any time soon. She was his until morning.
The smell of sex and their mingled scents seemed right to him. His hand caressed her hip as her hot breath fanned his chest where she faced him. Her eyes were closed and her face relaxed in near sleep.
He’d frightened her. The smell of it was gone but the memory remained. It only reminded him of how different they were. A Species female would have just snarled back at him, known not to fear him. Zandy was human.
He closed his eyes to take deep breaths. The bird sounds faded as a cool breeze picked up. It felt good against his heated skin but the female against him burrowed closer. Another reminder that she wasn’t Species.
“Let’s get under the covers. I’ll keep you warm.”
Her lips brushed near his nipple. “I know you will.”
They both shifted enough to get under the thick comforter he’d taken from his bed. The sheets were his as well, ones he’d stripped from his bed after lunch. His scent was strong on them and it was almost as if he were in his own bed. The air mattress was just a lot softer. He settled on his back to allow her to cuddle into his side and use his arm as her pillow. He carefully tucked the blankets to make sure she wasn’t chilled.
Her hand stroked his chest sluggishly and she yawned. It couldn’t be much past seven but she was tired. He’d worn her out after her day of work. It made him feel a little guilty. She hadn’t complained but Species had a high sex drive. He should have taken it easier on her.
“A penny for your thoughts.”
He glanced down and found her peering up at him with a curious look. Her green eyes were beautiful to him. “Sleep. I’m right here.”
“It’s too early.”
“You’ve had a long day.”
A smile softened her lips. “It ended really well.”
He couldn’t help but smile back. “It has. I could take a nap,” he lied. He wasn’t tired but she was exhausted.
“Okay.” A yawn broke. “We’ll do that but wake me when you do.”
“I will.”
She closed her eyes as he stroked her lower back. She was small compared to Species females and they rarely allowed a male to pet them after sharing sex. They also didn’t cuddle against his side or use his biceps for a pillow. He enjoyed the feel of her so close.
Her breathing changed quickly to that of a deep sleep but he continued to touch her. She’d wanted to know what he was thinking but it wasn’t anything he wanted to share. Zandy Gordon didn’t fit into his life but she fit perfectly into his arms. He was at a loss over what to do.
A mate would leave him vulnerable in a way he never wanted to be. Mercile had taught him young to never value anything he couldn’t live without. They’d used any weakness they discovered against him and others of his kind to try to control them. He was a survivor but a mate would expose him to untold pain if he were to lose her.
It’s just sex, he tried to convince himself. He wasn’t buying that thin excuse though. A small female with red hair and green eyes had broken through his barriers of self-protection when nothing else ever had.
He’d allowed himself friends. He’d even learned to depend on other Species. It had been a risk but he’d known deep down he could survive their loss if something ever happened to them. It would cause him a lot of pain but he’d go on. The thought of something happening to Zandy made him grow icy cold inside. His hand paused on her lower back to just feel her breathing.
He could only protect her if she were with him twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He’d have to take her to his house, barricade the doors and windows and allow no one close to her. That wasn’t any kind of life for her to have. It would be a prison similar to the one he’d grown up inside. Mercile wouldn’t be her captor—he would be. She’d grow to hate him and he wouldn’t blame her. He knew he’d have to let her go soon before he became too attached. His chest hurt from the thought.
Chapter Eight
Zandy fought a yawn but lost as Richard watched from his desk. He grinned.
“Didn’t you get enough sleep?”
“Nope.”
“I take it your date went well last night?”
Zandy just grinned.
“I’m glad to hear it. Did you get any sleep at all?”
Memory surfaced of the times Tiger had woken her during the night to make love to her—at least four times. “Not much. At dawn I had to drive myself home to shower and get ready for work.”
“You spent the night with him? That good, huh?”
She winked and focused on the letter on her computer screen.
“Does he have a name?”
“Yes.” She refused to glance at him. No way was she telling him Tiger’s name.
“I’m not going to leave you alone until you tell me who it is.”
That made her turn her head and stare at him. He looked serious. “Fine. His name is Angel.” She grinned at the private joke. Tiger would probably laugh too if she told him about calling him that.
“One of my kind.” Richard wiggled his eyebrows. “We’re sexy, aren’t we?”
“One of your kind?”
“Angel is a common Hispanic name. Latin lovers and all that.”
“You’re off base there. It’s his nickname.”
“He must not be too angelic if he kept you up all night.”
“He took me to heaven quite a few times.”
Richard laughed. “I’m glad that you met someone. So, is this going to be marriage number three?”
“Bite your tongue, man.” She hesitated, thinking it wouldn’t be so bad sleeping with Tiger every night and waking up his arms every morning. He wasn’t looking for anything long-term though. “No. Neither one of us wants something too serious. I’ve been married and divorced twice. He’s not looking for a wife. We’re just having some fun together so don’t expect a wedding invitation.”
“Do you know that saying about never saying never? Just remember that. You might fall for the man and I’ve heard the third time is the charm.”
“Or three strikes and you’re out.”
“Bah humbug. You’re too young to be so pessimistic.”
She shrugged. “He’s not up for it even if I were willing to take another shot at a relationship. He seems to enjoy his freedom too much.”
Richard smirked. “That’s what all men say until they meet the right woman. I thought about becoming a priest before I met my wife in high school. She changed my mind when I realized I couldn’t live without her. I have no regrets.”
“That’s really romantic.”
He shrugged. “I do need some help. Will you leave Reservation with me at lunch? Her birthday is coming up and I need a woman’s opinion. I want to buy her something nice but I have terrible taste in jewelry.”
Zandy nodded. “Sure. What does she like?”
“Not butterflies.” He chuckled. “I bought her a broach last year, thinking it was pretty but she wasn’t so thrilled.”
“I bet. I’ll go with you.”
He smiled. “Thanks. I don’t know too many women. My wife’s best friend was supposed to go with me but she’s sick. I have to buy it today to make sure I have time to have it inscribed. I also figure we’re going to be swamped here for the next week.”
“Why?”
“That press release last night is going to draw in some hate mail.”
She wasn’t sure what he was talking about since she’d spent the night in the woods with Tiger but didn’t want to reveal that part. Her coworker would ask too many questions but of course the NSO had a lot of press conferences. They were already pretty busy but she figured they could handle an increase in mail. The system they had implemented for incoming mail was pretty effective and smooth.
Thoughts of Tiger made the time pass quickly as she wondered how long they’d last and how their relationship would end. He wanted to see her again but hadn’t given her a time. She hated that he’d kissed her goodbye at her car and promised to call her. Her teeth dented her lip, worrying it might have been a brush-off line for goodbye.
“Zandy?”
She turned her head to peer at Richard. “Yeah?”
“It’s lunchtime.” He stood. “Snow just pulled up to escort us. Don’t forget your purse today. I doubt they’ll ask for it since you’re with me but you don’t use the front gate, do you? I’m not sure they all know you. You should take your identification.”
It stunned her that time had passed so quickly as she put on her shoes and followed him to the front door. Snow opened it before they reached it. A few minutes later he dropped them off at the parking lot near the front entrance of Reservation.
“You drive a white minivan?”
He chuckled as they climbed inside. “My wife has a matching blue one. We thought it was cute.”
“It is.” She put on her seat belt.
Richard drove them to the gates and whistled. “Wow. Look at that.”
Zandy was shocked at what she saw. “Is it always this bad around lunch? I never leave this way.” They slowly drove past at least a hundred protesters after they exited through the gate. They were glared at as some of them shouted.
“I guess they aren’t happy Justice North took a mate.”
Zandy jerked her head to stare at him. “He did? If the locals had such a problem with them why did they buy land here for Reservation?”
“How did you miss that news conference last night? It was on every channel. He married the daughter of some popular senator and all of them announced it together. Daddy was thrilled, she’s kind of hot, and Justice swears they are really happy. They sure looked it.” Richard paused. “These aren’t the town residents. Everyone who lives around here loves the New Species. All these assholes drive here to cause problems. The local motels won’t rent rooms to them so maybe that’s why they are so bitchy. They have to drive over an hour to stand out here being idiots and then at the end of the day drive another hour back.”
Zandy laughed. “The local motels won’t rent to them?”
Richard shook his head. “Nope. They put out big signs. Haven’t you seen them? They state ‘no anti-New Species persons’ allowed right there with the ‘no shoes, no shirt, no service’ signs. It’s kind of funny.”
“That is. I’ve never visited any of the motels. I bought my house online and did all the paperwork by fax. I just moved here after the house closed. I’m glad Justice North is happy. I like him. I’m glad he found someone but I thought he’d take a New Species mate.”
“You and everyone else.” Richard accelerated once they reached the highway that would lead them into town. “The fact that she’s human is going to stir up every asshole out there who has a problem with the NSO. We’re going to get slammed with hate mail but just remember to respond nicely.” He turned his head and winked. “Insult them back with polite sentences.”
“Dear sir, your thoughts are much appreciated by our entire mail department because we laugh daily over your views and hope you have the kind of day you’ve wished on us too.”
Richard chuckled. “Too bad we can’t just tell them to fuck off.”
* * * * *
Tiger snarled as he hung up the phone and glared at the males around him. “Lock it down and triple security. I want the males from the Wild Zone patrolling the long stretches of walls where we’re spread thin. Have them break into two groups, twelve-hour shifts and they can tear apart any trespassers if they somehow make it over the walls.”
Flame cocked his head. “Seriously?”
“No. It would be nice though, wouldn’t it? Tell them to terrify but hold anyone they find until we can send someone to collect the morons.”
The other male grinned. “I know I could think of a few humans on the other side of the gate I wouldn’t mind beating on.”
Harley nodded next to Flame. “The loudmouth with the blow horn would be at the top of my list to get an attitude adjustment.”
Tiger’s sense of humor returned as he grinned. “The male in the red beer shirt?”
“That’s the one,” Harley confirmed. “Just two minutes with him and I’d send him home with that horn in a bad place that would make walking difficult for him.”
Moon shifted his stance. “I’d go after the male in the fatigues. He isn’t really military but someone should put him through my version of boot camp.” He lifted his foot to show off his military-issue boot.
Tiger’s bad mood dissipated. “Try to keep your sense of humor. I know it is difficult but we’ll get through today.”
“What about tomorrow?” Harley smirked. “I don’t think this is going to blow over fast. I think those losers out there just realized we can give their women a lot better than they can.” He softly growled. “I could show them with that brunette beauty in the blue suit.”
Moon growled too. “Hot. She could do an in-depth report on me anytime.”
A deep chuckle escaped Tiger. “Don’t flirt with the reporters.”
The phone rang again and Tiger dismissed the males. He reached for it and was glad it was Justice who called. “How is Jessie holding up?”
Justice hesitated. “She’s angry. We expected a backlash but it’s been worse than we feared. Brass said you’ve had a lot of protester issues since late last night.”
“It wasn’t actually bad until a few hours ago. I wish you’d given me warning before you announced this. I wasn’t even aware of what had happened until this morning when I came on shift.”
“I tried to call you but you didn’t pick up. I was told you wanted time off and didn’t want to be disturbed.” Justice paused. “Are you well? Brass said you’d called to say you were spending the night in the Wild Zone.”
Tiger hated to lie. “I just needed to commune with nature.” An image flashed of Zandy under him while he’d fucked her. His dick stirred at the memory of her parted lips and sexy green eyes staring into his. He’d gotten in touch with his animal side all right. A lot. Guilt struck next. “That’s a lie,” he admitted. “I refuse to speak of it but I was with a female.”
The silence on the other line lasted long seconds. “Okay. I don’t understand the reason for secrecy but I’ll respect it. You know you can discuss anything with me.”
He was tempted and hesitated. “Maybe later. I want to work this out on my own.”
“Understood. Our females can be complicated. Do you need more males there? We’re spread thin here but you have more territory to protect.”
“I’ve just sent my team to recruit the help of the males from the Wild Zone. They won’t be real stable but they love to hunt. I don’t think they’ll kill anyone if they find a human. Harley and Moon will assign them in teams to even out the calmer ones with the more feral. It’s now standard procedure here in case of emergency. I’d qualify this as one. How are you holding up?”
“I’m furious. I knew it would cause problems when we released a statement about me taking a human mate but we hoped for the best with her father at our side.”
“Why did you do this now?”
Justice hesitated. “Jessie’s brother was shot. He’ll live but she flew to be at his side. The press saw some of our males on her security team. They contacted us to ask why. We had him transferred to Homeland to recover. It’s safer for her to be with her brother here than at a hospital. Jake agreed and our doctors are caring for him. The reporters weren’t going to let it go.”
“You had no choice.”
“That’s how we felt.” Justice sighed. “I apologize for the difficulty but she’s worth it.”
“I know you love your mate.”
“Love is an understatement. She’s my life. Her brother however is a thorn in my side. I hadn’t met him until they flew him in. He’s difficult.”
“Anti-Species?”
“No. Just an asshole. Think of a younger version of Tim Oberto without the leash since he works for us. Jake quit the military to work for a private security firm. He’s already demanding to see our entire security protocols to fix them. He’s a very protective older brother. I admire his love for my mate but the male is annoying.”
“Humans come with family,” Tiger teased. “He is yours now.”
“Bite your tongue. I know I’d enjoy punching him in that loud mouth of his.”
“Resist. Your mate wouldn’t approve.”
“Jessie wants to punch him too. She threatened to shoot him in his other leg so the scar on his thigh will have a matching one if he doesn’t back down. They have this strange sibling relationship where they argue a lot and make dire threats against each other.”
“My day doesn’t seem quite as stressful now,” Tiger teased. “Enjoy getting to know Jessie’s brother.”
“Take care.”
Tiger hung up and entered the main room of Security. The cameras were filled with scenes of protesters. “Are they behaving?”
“No one is throwing anything since we hosed down the first twenty feet in front of the gate,” Zest answered with a grin. “They didn’t enjoy getting icy water baths.”
“Good.” He brushed his fingers through his hair. “How about the town? Has the sheriff returned our call?”
“He isn’t reporting any trouble. Most of the protesters are avoiding it and instead hanging out here.”
“That’s a relief. I don’t want the town to grow to hate us.”
At least something was going right. Tiger knew it was going to be a long day. He’d had hopes of calling Zandy to arrange a meeting with her after work but she’d be sleeping by the time his shift ended.
* * * * *
“That was fun.” Zandy shot a glance at Richard. “Thanks for buying me lunch in town.”
“My pleasure. You have great taste. I think my wife is going to love that locket with the rose design. It’s beautiful.”
“Just remember to take those pictures in tomorrow when you pick it up after they inscribe it for you. One of you and one of your kids. Every woman would love that. It was actually fun to shop for someone else.”
“Hey, I’m glad you think so. At Christmas, may I borrow you for a few hours? I really need help then.” Richard grinned. “Not only do I have to buy for my wife but my mother too.”
“Ah,” she teased. “You don’t want me as a friend. You want me as a shopping assistant.”
