“Okay, okay. There is this thing called a car. Not a cart. Ac-a-r. Picture a big metal carriage that doesn’t need horses to move. It has four wheels and runs on a special liquid called gasoline. Instead of a horse, there’s a powerful engine inside that makes it go. People sit inside them and use a steering wheel to control where it goes. It’s like a magical machine that can take you anywhere you want to go, much faster than a horse and carriage.”
“You’ve mentioned this before.”
“Travel is more comfortable and way quicker. You don’t have to walk everywhere.”
“But I like walking.”
“People still walk, but for exercise.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“It’s setting aside specific time to move your body in ways to make it stronger and healthier. You do things like running,jumping, lifting weights, or stretching to keep your body in good shape.”
“Exercise—that doesn’t sound enjoyable at all.” Her voice was quieter; she was drifting away. “You have one more chance to impress me.” She wrapped her hand around his pointer finger, rubbing her thumb back and forth on his palm.
“Let’s see. Cars. Electricity. None of these grab you. What about tampons?”
“Mmmph...” she murmured sleepily. “What’s that?”
“They’re these small cotton cylinder-shaped things used during a monthly cycle. You insert it into your vagina, where it absorbs the flow. I guess it can make things easier.”
“You have my attention.” She flipped herself on top of him, eyes wide. “Tell me more.”
“I mean, there isn’t a lot more to say. At least thatIknow about.”
“You put these magic tampons inside you and then you don’t bleed everywhere?”
“I mean, I don’t have first-hand experience. But I shared a bathroom with my sister all through our teen years so, you know, I know enough.”
“How marvelous. Although my stomach would still hurt.”
“Yeah, but we have medicine for that. Ibuprofen. Acetaminophen. Pills you take to relieve pain.”
“I have no inclination to engage in exercise like running in the future, but the idea of using these tampons and these pain pills doesn’t seem too objectionable.” She tumbled off him and flopped back onto her pillow. “Goodness. I’m pickled, aren’t I?”
“If that means drunk, then yes.”
“I believe I might have behaved in a way I won’t be proud of tomorrow.”
“Hey.” He rolled on his side, wrapping an arm around her. “You can’t be held responsible for wanting to get with such a good-looking guy.”
She craned her head back. “We’re talking about you, I presume?”
He gave a deadpan smirk. “Don’t see anyone else here who owns a dragon you’d like to ride on.”
“Nevereverrepeat those words.” She pushed a finger to his lips. “As far as you’re concerned, they were never uttered.”
He nipped the tip of her finger, grinning at her squeal. “We’ll see. You were cute.”
“It was kind of you to not take advantage.”
“Kind has nothing to do with it.” He cupped her cheek, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You are safe with me. Whatever happens, know that.”
“Safe.” Her voice was thick again. “Until you leave me.”
As she drifted to sleep, Tuck stared into the night, wondering how he’d ever be able to do that.
Chapter Twenty-Four
