Page 24 of Moth to a Flame

“Friendship is still tentative.”

I grabbed the closest jar and cracked it open, letting the rich smell fill my lungs. Dozens of floral notes hit the back of my throat. Oh, this was the good stuff, and likely local by the scent. A spoon waited in the half-open drawer nearby, so I pulled it out and spun up a huge glob.

The delicious liquid slowly coated my tongue as I opened the cat treats. Mugen stomped his paws until I tossed one into the air, and he swooped down off the refrigerator to catch it—triumphant.

Next, I found a mug and filled it with water, popping it into the microwave. The jasmine tea near the front of the cabinet was almost empty. I bet that was her favorite. In the silverware drawer, there were a few tea strainers, so I gathered some up and enjoyed the floral scent as I dunked them into the newly hot water.

By the time I’d set the honey jar next to the mug and given the tea a stir, she was in the doorway again.

She’d put on black jeans and a big, cable-knit black sweater that swallowed her hands to the knuckles. Her hair was braided on both sides of her head, and she shuffled awkwardly.

“Sorry. I’m not used to someone being here.”

“I didn’t mind.” No lie there. Me and my lonely cock had both quite enjoyed the sight. We also enjoyed the flush that rose on her neck and through the bond.

“Normally, the only one who sees me before noon is Mugen, and he already thinks I’m pathetic.”

Mugen chirped from the top of the fridge in what sounded like agreement.

“Traitor.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

I slid the mug across the counter toward her. “For you.”

She looked down at the mug, then back up at me.

“How did you know jasmine is my favorite?”

“Moth senses.” I grinned. I’d leave out the simple deduction of her barren kitchen.

She stared at the tea for a second longer than she needed to, and something small and warm landed in her chest. This time, it didn’t disappear right away.

That was a start.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, boss.”

Her mouth twitched at that, but it was cute.

“Cut that out.”

“But you like it.”

I expected her to flush or deny it, but instead⁠—

“Maybe I do.”

She wrapped both sweater sleeves around the mug and lifted it to her mouth, but her hazel eyes never left me, and that undeniable heat rose between us again. I made myself hold her gaze because we had a lot of work ahead of us, and if I looked down, I would just remember the shape of her nipples through her tank top. We would be very unproductive if I ended up on my knees in front of her again.

Beautifully unproductive…

The rotary phone on the wall rang.

We both jumped. Mugen hissed.

I crossed to the wall and lifted the heavy black receiver.

“Lucia’s house.”