She smiled, but there was a sadness in her beautiful blue eyes. “I…I know you think that, but you make a grand total of one.”
“I guess I’ve got my work cut out for me.”
Roz picked up her clothes from the floor. “What do you mean?”
“I won’t be satisfied until you believe it too.” Konrad swept her into his arms and held her close. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her hair. “Should I tell you again how I see you?”
“No, it’ll just embarrass me.”
“Man, you’re really putting yourself in a no-win situation, Roz. Look at me.” He stepped back slightly and lifted her chin until she stared into his eyes. “You have the softest, creamiest skin and the most magnificent blue eyes that stand out even more, because of your dark hair, perfect eyebrows, and thick lashes. The highlights you added couldn’t make you more radiant. And I love the new haircut. Very cool. I know most guys don’t comment on things like that, but we notice them.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, seriously. And you’re not fat. You’re voluptuous. I like grabbing onto you and finding a real woman, not a bag of bones. I’m sure I’m not the only guy on earth like that. You’ve dated a few guys before, right?”
“Yes. I haven’t had any long-term relationships, but I dated a couple of guys in high school. A few guys in college. One in law school. The occasional drunk hits on me, but that doesn’t count.”
“Why doesn’t that count? They have eyes.”
“Yeah, and they’re probably seeing double. Maybe they think I’m twins.”
Konrad shook his head. “Roz, Roz, Roz, what am I going to do with you?”
She smiled again, and most of the sadness was gone. “I don’t know. Love me? That might work…eventually.”
“I can do that.” He dipped his head and captured her lips in a long, sweet kiss.
When he finally released her, he said, “I have things you could find fault with too, you know.”
“Like what?”
“Like the fact that I’m poor now. Or poorer, I should say.” He spoke softly. “I don’t think I can make the rent this month.”
“Oh, no! I shouldn’t have let you pay for all our dates. And the bail money must have wiped you out.” She grabbed his arms and tried to shake him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Pride.”
“Stupid pride. Let me help you this month, and don’t say—”
“No.”
I was just going to tell you not to say that.”
“I know.” He sighed and pulled his T-shirt over his head. “Dottie will have to understand.”
“Does she seem understanding to you?”
He smirked. “No. But I’ve never been late with the rent before. That has to count for something.” He grabbed her hand. “Let’s go up to my place. I’ll make you lunch.”
“I should makeyoulunch. Food isn’t cheap either, especially all the steak you eat.”
A loud bang and what sounded like two females yelling at each other filtered through Roz’s closed door.
Konrad wandered toward the sound. “What the—”
As soon as he opened the door, he recognized the voices. Gwyneth and Morgaine were getting into it. They must have been on the third floor, but outside their apartment, since even without his wolfish hearing he could make out every harsh word.
“Are you calling me a slut?”
