Page 140 of Kneel Before Me

“Is it good that way?”

“It’s exemplary.”

She shifted again, adjusting her position against his chest. Maximus stayed perfectly still as she did so, afraid if he made any move at all, she might push him away. He asked another question, if only to keep her here.

“What about mushrooms?”

Daphne craned her neck to look back at him. “What about them?”

“Do you like them?”

She made a face. “Why are you asking me such ridiculous questions?”

“They’re not ridiculous,” he insisted. “They’re informative.”

“What could possibly be informative about whether or not I like mushrooms?”

“It’s a way to get to know you.”

“If you want to get to know me, you could ask me something more interesting than my food preferences.”

“Such as?”

She turned away, facing the view once more. “I don’t know. Anything of substance.”

Maximus considered this parameter. He wasn’t used to having these types of conversations with women, although he found that he liked it. He’d certainly never asked Veronica anything of substance. He decided to start with the basics.

“Do you have any siblings?”

She shook her head, her curls brushing against his chin. “No. But my best friend is like my sister.”

“What is her name?”

“Gabriella. Ella for short.”

“Perhaps I could meet her someday.”

Daphne let out a light laugh.

“Why is that funny?”

“She thinks you’re a prat.”

Maximus had no idea whether to be offended or not. “Why would she think that? She’s never met me.”

“She’s seen you when you come to the village for events.”

“And that’s enough for her to decide I’m a prat?”

“Yes.”

Maximus shook his head in disbelief. It was absurd. “Do you think I’m a prat?”

Daphne shrugged easily, as if this were a natural question for him to ask. “I think you act like one sometimes.”

Maximus opened his mouth to retort but almost immediately closed it. At least she didn’t think he acted like a prat all the time. He figured he should take his wins where he could get them.

“In that case I shall endeavor to act…less…prat-like.”