I cackled like a witch on crack. “That was so bad. But points for trying to be funny.”
Author’s notes:
Cock-zilla will make more appearances in this fic, I promise LOL Any Swimming with the Sharks fans out there? Looooove themmmm
Thank you all who shared your work nightmares in the comments and hate on AI. I appreciate all the lovely pick-me-ups too! My day job is in a book environment and I’m seriously scared I’ll get fired :(
Milo
“It’s a half-hour walk. I checked.” Rowan matched his long stride to my smaller steps without me having to ask him. His feet were nearly silent on the pavement next to my sneakers.
“Do you mind? It’ll be a nice stroll.” I waved my hand to encapsulate the weather and vibe.
The sky bled red and orange, bathing the buildings and closed shops in warm light. A delicate breeze licked the exposed skin of my midriff and arms, balancing the passing heat of the day with the incoming chill of the evening.
“No. I’m just not used to walking places. I usually have to drive to work, to the store, to visit anyone I know.”
“Perks of living in the center of a small town—everywhere is close. You can get a new kettle around the corner; next dooryou’ll buy socks, and once you’re done, a fresh coffee will make your day.” I said in the tone of a cereal commercial.
Rowan chuckled. “You like living here, huh?”
“Yeah. It’s my home. So many places bring lovely memories.” And some tougher to process, like the last time I’d visited with my parents before moving here permanently. “I love the community, but getting around easily is a great perk too.”
“Is that why you ride a bike?”
I stiffened involuntarily. He didn’t need to know everything. “Yeah. I don’t need a car, and it’s good exercise.”
“It’s definitely working for you.” He bumped my shoulder gently, but I went reeling to the side anyway. “Fuck, sorry.” He grabbed me by the arm and pulled me upright again.
“You’re as strong as you look.” The skin on my forearm was still warm from his touch, and I craved more of it. I grazed his hand with the back of mine to see his reaction.
The corner of his lip twitched, and he threaded our fingers together. Warmth spread through our connection and up my arm, causing the tiny hairs there to rise. Was it too fast? Who cared? This didn’t have to be a one-night thing. A summer fling could be fun.
“That’s not always a good thing,” Rowan said.
I frowned. “Why not?”
“Expectations. Preconceived ideas about me.” He raised his left shoulder and let it drop.
“Like expecting you to lift heavy things for other people?” I nodded at a frequent customer, Mr. Franklin, who was passing us by with his miniature pinscher. The dog pulled on his leash to come closer to us, but the owner lifted him up and crossed the street instead. Pity. I’d love to pet Miss Pixie. She liked ear scratches.
Rowan sighed. “I don’t mind that. But I hate when human or even cryptid kids are afraid of me when they see me, or whenrandom people anticipate violence from me, when partners expect aggression.”
“Fuck. I never thought of that.” I squeezed his hand, thinking of the weird reaction we’d witnessed from a guy who’d bought coffee from me for the last five years. “That sucks.”
“I always wanted a dog but my life is so busy I don’t think I could take care of one. Animals are the best judges of character. And you, I guess. You didn’t assume anything about me.”
“That’s not true. Your designer pants and shirt put me off initially.” I glanced at his pants and, oop, there it was, a monster imprint. I had noticed that before as well, but I’d ignored it.
“Okay. That’s a first. Why?”
I grimaced. “My ex, Andrew, wore fancy clothes to work. He saw it as a show of money and status. But he was just a cheating-ass phony.”
“Most of my wardrobe is bespoke, that’s true. BlackHorns have my measurements on the system ‘cause they can get me suits that fit me. For regular clothes, I use brands that cater to tall people in general. Lots of basketball and workout styles there, which is great.” He pursed his lips. “But I’m also vain enough to appreciate the nice threads.”
“When you’re with me, you can skip them, like you skip shoes. I won’t mind.”
“Oh really?”
