“Of course not. You’re one of them, Tilda.”
Turning in his arms, I kiss him hard on the mouth. “I love you too, Max, and I do think we should date just to make sure you don’t hate me once you get to know me.”
His grin is contagious. “Impossible.”
The flush of joy is so strange and new since I met Max and found my family. I hardly know how to act. I hug him.
“You should go swim with the swans. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
Pure happiness fills me. “Are you sure?”
Easing me away, he floats toward shore. “Positive.”
“Why hasn’t Ion come to visit?” I ask two days later. I pull on a form-fitting white dress that reaches my knees, then step into a pair of heels. My hair is loose for the first time in days, and I pull a brush through it as I calm my excitement over going on a real date. “Have you heard from him?”
“I haven’t. Maybe he thought you’d go home by now. I think he’s staying at Mari’s old house. Why don’t you call him?”Max steps out of the bathroom in a brown suit with a madras pattern, perfectly tailored for his huge frame, and a cream-colored button-down shirt with the collar open and no tie. He’s breathtaking.
“You look amazing.” I have to make myself close my mouth. “Where did you get that suit?”
He shrugs. “I have two suits. This one and a black one for funerals. “A man should have clothes that fit him if he wants to do more than running around naked in the woods.” He winks at me.
“I wouldn’t argue with you doing that either.” My cheeks heat.
Wrapping his arms around me, he nuzzles my neck. “You’re stunning, but you always are.”
“It’s my first date night in a long time. I wanted to impress you.” My arms don’t reach all the way around him, but I love the feel of his muscles. Suddenly, the idea of skipping dinner and ripping this suit off of him is very appealing.
He breaks the hug and kisses my forehead. “Give Ion a call while I brush my hair. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Are you dismissing me?” I stare at his back as he heads back into the bathroom.
“I’m preserving our date night before you seduce me, love.” He laughs and closes the bathroom door.
It would be nothing to break in that door, but I love the idea that he wants to date me, even though I’m given no opposition to sex and sleeping in his bed. Many males would be thrilled to have the milk without having to buy the cow. Ugh… I hate that expression. I don’t know why it popped into my head.
Plucking my phone from the kitchen counter, I dial Ion’s number.
“Hello, Tilda. How are you feeling?” My many-times great-grandsire’s voice is deep and strong. Something about him always eases any tension, even over the phone.
“I’m better. Why haven’t you come to see me? Are you alright?” Since Ion is generally direct, I find it best to be the same way, or our conversations become one-sided. After all, he’s something more than a thousand years old, maybe a lot more, thus has little call to be coy or shy.
“I apologize. Mari informed you of your continued strides toward good health, and my services have been needed elsewhere.” There are strange sounds in the background. It sounds like the squeaking of a chain.
“Is someone ill?”
“In a manner of speaking.” He pauses, a door closes, and the other noise stops. “The Manning twins are quite traumatized by the events with the boogeyman. As you can imagine, Olivia is having a hard time with recovery. I’ve been trying to help, though my skill with children is likely inadequate to the task.”
“Shall I come by and speak to them? Maybe I can help.” I’m not sure why I think so, but my instincts scream to go where I’m needed.
Another pause. “If you are free, I’m sure it would be helpful for Olivia to see you are well again.”
“Max and I are heading out to dinner. We’ll stop by on the way.” I have no doubt that this will be alright with Max. He’ll want to help too.
“The girls are swinging in the backyard.” Another longer pause. “Miss Manning says to let yourselves through the gate and come around back.”
I hang up as Max steps into the living room. He’s perfect in every way. His hair combed back off his face, yet still wild and plentiful. He meets my gaze. “Did you reach Ion?”
“Yes. Do you mind stopping for a few minutes at Lori Manning’s house? I think Olivia might be relieved to see me well. She’s having a tough time. Ion said both twins are. I don’t know if I can help, but…” It feels a little foolish to think I can do anything to help another person’s trauma, when my own is still so raw.
