Page 27

She swallows. “Okay.”

We stand there holding hands. On the balcony of a house I built more than a century ago. And for the first time in one hundred and forty-three years, I have absolutely no idea what to do next.

April glances down at our hands. Then at me. “So...how long do we have to do this?”

“I don’t know.”

“Because I’m not trying to be rude, but I will eventually need to pee.”

I close my eyes. Of course. Of course this is the woman fate has chosen to save me.

When I open them again, she’s grinning. “Sorry.”

“You don’t sound sorry.”

“I’m a little sorry.”

I sigh. Then something occurs to me. “Do you have any men’s clothing?”

She blinks.

“Why would I have men’s clothing?”

“A robe? Something?”

She looks me over. Slowly. Deliberately.

And I experience a sensation I haven’t felt in a very long time. Desire.

Sharp, immediate, and potent. But also entirely inappropriate.

My body responds. My cock begins to harden, not back to stone, but with pure need.

April’s eyes widen. “Oh.”

I grit my teeth. “Stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like that.”

Her mouth twitches. “I’m sorry. It’s just...”

“April.”

“You’re a very impressive genie.”

I groan.

She laughs.

And despite everything, I find myself laughing with her. It’s a strange sound. Rusty. Almost unfamiliar.

But it feels good. God help me, it feels good.

And then I notice something. The chill is gone.

April is no longer touching my cheek. She’s still holding my hand, but her grip has loosened.