Page 17 of In Love With the Leshy

I drop my eyes as my face gets flush and hot from embarrassment.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so forward.”

“Yes, you did.” He smirks. This knowing what I’m thinking is getting on my nerves. He laughs, a loud, hearty laugh, holding his belly. My mouth twists in frustration.

“Oh. I have something for you in my car,” I remember as I try to think of ways to keep him by my side a little longer.

“You do?” He lights up, and a funny warmth rushes through me.

I nod. “Irina told me to bring you a pie. I did, but maybe you want to eat it when you’re in one of your smaller forms. It’s kind of tiny.” I leave out the fact that it came with yesterday’s fast food lunch from the golden arches.

He leans over, takes my face between his hands, and kisses the top of my head before getting to his feet. “You’re very special, Erin. Now, sleep so your ankle can get to work healing.”

Chapter 9

I stretch my arms overhead and yawn as I fight the heaviness of my eyes, trying to keep the last bit of the Sandman’s magic alive. I had the most amazing dream that I went to the forest in search of Masha and her lumberjack-Leshy-protector. When I found him, he looked like he was part man, part tree. Solid, strong, and even more handsome than my celebrity crush.

“Good morning.” A deep male voice greets me.

I start with a gasp. My eyes open wide in disbelief as I push myself into a sitting position. The room spins. What the hell? It was real? He is real? Before I have a chance to stand, Em is at my side, helping me up. I lose myself when my eyes meet his shimmering emeralds. Taking my hands, he pulls me up, and the momentum sends my body crashing into his chest.

Strong arms circle my waist and steady me against him.

“Shh. I’ve got you,” he says with a small smile.

Self-conscious, I don’t know what to say as he stares down at me affectionately. I keep my lips sealed, not wanting to offend him with a bad case of morning breath.

“You slept well?”

I nod and pull out of his embrace.

“I am sorry.” His eyes avert mine and look off behind me. “I didn’t mean to invade your space. I didn’t want you to fall.”

“It’s fine. Really.” I reach for his arm and notice a difference in the area of skin I’m touching. It’s thicker, rougher, bark-like rather than cool and smooth like yesterday. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I stare, examining him. “Are you hurt?” My heart hiccups. “Em, what happened?”

“It’s nothing,” he answers, pulling away from me, which only confirms my suspicions. “How’s your ankle? You look like you’re standing better.”

“I am, aren’t I?” I should be thrilled that I’m feeling better, but that means I’m in good enough shape to finish my mission and return home. Where ever home is now that I’m not safe in my apartment. “Is that because I’ve been off of it for so long?”

“Possibly. What do you say you have some breakfast, and then I can take you to the spring where you can refresh and wash the plaster off your ankle.”

“That sounds like a plan.” It sounds like he’s not rushing to get rid of me. Maybe he won’t mind if I stay for an extra night. “What’s for breakfast? More bread and jam?”

“No,” he smiles, and I swear he glows, lighting up from the inside. “Berry muffins.”

“Brimberry?”

“That’s in there, but so are strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. They are delicious. And my favorite.”

Holding me by the elbow, he leads me across the room to the table and chair. As we approach, the scent of freshly baked goods assaults my nose.

A basket of goodies sits on the table with bright, colorful flowers lying all around it. Whoever picked them didn’t cut the stems but plucked the blooms off.

I look around the cave for a source of fire, but there is none. “How did you bake these?”

“I didn’t.” He beams with pride. “It was an offering from one of the farmers across from the other side of the forest. They bring me delicious treats, and I make sure no human or animal harms their stock.”

“What happens if someone tries to kill their animals or steal from them?”

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