AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Okay, I’ll think of a different nickname for you then. Hmm, Greid… I mean, greedy is the obvious choice. You are pretty greedy. Ooh, how about greedy boy!” She laughed.
My throat closed up.
“Uh.” I stared straight ahead as my mind took that in a very inappropriate direction.
I would be greedy with Beryl. So embarrassingly greedy and desperate for anything she would give me. And I’d beg for more. And more.
“Okay, maybe not that,” she said, sounding embarrassed. But her voice was strangely throaty in a way that made my whole body tingle. “Um, anyway… Have you eaten yet? Wait, stupid question.”
I managed a weak laugh, but it came out more like a dog barking in distress. A demiurgus couple in matching suits shot me odd looks as they walked past us arm in arm.
I cleared my throat, but my voice was still painfully hoarse as I asked, “What do you feel like for dinner?”
“I don’t mind. It’s your night to pick.”
“Hmm.” I pretended to be thinking very hard about it, but all I could really focus on was the way her arm brushed against mine as we walked. “Uh, how about Indian?”
“Ooh, yes.” She nudged me. “Are you gonna get the mildest curry on the menu again?”
I glared down at her. “I have a sensitive stomach.”
She snorted. “Greid, I’ve watched you eat actual chicken bones many, many times. Cooked chicken bones.”
“The bones are the best bit.”
“How do they not tear your oesophagus and stomach to shreds?”
“I dunno. It’s a demiurgus thing. Or I have really powerful stomach acid.”
She burst out laughing. “That must be it.”
As we turned onto our quiet road and left the busy street behind, I relaxed and stuffed my hands deeper into my coat pockets, but then I felt Beryl tuck her arm through mine and shift closer. My scalp tingled, wide eyes darting down to hers.
“Sorry. It’s cold.” She gave me a hesitant smile, holding my gaze. “Is this okay?”
“Yeah,” I said, cringing when my voice cracked. “Um, yeah, it’s cold. I’m freezing my balls off.”
I immediately cringed. Why, Greid? Why bring up your balls?
Beryl laughed. “Oh, right. Well, best get home quick then.”
“Do you…” My entire head was on fire, but I persevered. “If you’re really cold, you can, um, get under my coat if you want.”
Yes, great idea. Talk about your nutsack then immediately ask her if she wants to ‘get under your coat’ like a dirty old man.
“Okay,” Beryl said quickly, unlinking our arms.
Hearts pounding, I tugged my hand out of my pocket and awkwardly lifted the side of my coat so she could burrow underneath. Tingles raced over my skin as she slid her arm around my waist beneath my coat, and after a second I settled my arm lightly over her shoulders.
Clearing my throat, I hoarsely asked, “Warmer?”
“Yes. Thanks, Greid.”
“No problem.”
Was I sweating? Her head was basically in my armpit. Had I put on deodorant? Oh god, I hadn’t. At least I’d had a bath, but then I’d power-walked so I wouldn’t be late meeting Beryl. Did I stink? Should I ask her? No, that would be weird.
When we reached the house, I reluctantly lifted my arm so Beryl could slip out from beneath my coat and walk up the steps. Cold air rushed in and snuck through my loose-knit sweater, making me shiver as I followed her.
