Page 35 of Twisted Thorns

"7?" I ask, thinking I'd need time to get home and feed Conan and change out of my work clothes.

"7 it is then," he replies, reaching across the cart to grasp me around the waist and tug me to him, capturing my lips in a kiss that had me questioning my no make out in the library rules.

He pulls away and tucks a stray hair behind my ear. "I'll see you at 7," he says before turning and walking away.

My mind is reeling, caught up in the surge of emotions racing through me, when a laugh interrupts my thoughts.

"So that's what has been keeping you distracted lately."

I turn to see Mavis standing at the end of the bookcase, a hand resting on her growing baby bump. She is due in a couple of weeks with her first child and although Sarah and I have both told her to stay off her feet and rest as much as she can at the reference desk, Mavis has been doing as she pleases.

The telltale heat of a blooming blush creeps up my neck, and I suddenly find the books in my hand very interesting. "I have no idea what you're referring to, Mavis." I try, but fail, to hide my smile.

Mavis steps closer to me. "I need all the details. You've been holding out on me! I mean, Kieran Calder!" she whispers this last part.

"I know, I know! I haven't told anyone, even Iris. Mainly because Iris seemed to think he wasn't good enough for me." I frown.

Mavis glares. "Screw that. I want all the details."

I laugh. "Okay, but not... here."

Mavis nods. "What about this weekend? You can come over to my place and help me finish up the nursery while you tell me all the steamy details."

"Okay, sounds good."

Later that evening, I’m standing at my closet door, wondering what to wear. Kieran and I have seen each other a few times now, but it is always at his place or mine. By him seeking me out at the library today, plus going to dinner together tonight, we are moving away from feeling like we have to hide our relationship in the shadows.

Conan brushes up against my leg and meows, looking up at me with pleading eyes. "You want me to pick you up, bud?" Reaching down, I put my not so small tabby cat in my arms, while he curls up and nestles close, kneading in the fabric of my soft, fluffy robe.

"What do you think I should wear tonight, hmm?" I walk over to a simple black dress, pulling it out to take a better look. Conan yawns, and I chuckle. "Yeah, I think you're right. It's too simple."

Next, I finger a long, gauzy violet dress, which might be more suited to warmer, spring weather instead of the chilly autumn nights, but I think it would pair well with a pair of ankle boots and a fitted faux leather jacket. Conan swipes at the fabric, trying to play with it. I laugh. "Purple it is, then."

It isn’t long after that I touch up my makeup and sweep my copper hair up into a simple, slightly messy bun when a knock sounds at the door. Answering it, I can’t help the swell of gratitude for Conan's choice of clothing when I spot Kieran wearing dark dress pants and a navy sweater pulled over a white button-up shirt.

"One second, I just need to feed Conan, so he doesn't tear us my curtains or devour my pillow while I'm gone." I say to Kieran as I step back to let him into my apartment.

His lips twitch. "Has he done that before?" Kieran asks as he shuts the door behind him.

"No," I reply over my shoulder, grabbing the cat food down from the cabinet. "Well, not exactly. It's a long story."

"Good thing we have all night, then." I glance up through my lashes at Kieran from where I'm kneeling, putting Conan's food bowl on the floor.

"That's rather presumptuous of you." I respond haughtily, trying my best to mask the heat flowing through my veins at the look he's giving me as I kneel in front of him.

The moment stretches between us, and I can't think of a single thing to say to break the rising tension.

Kieran reaches his hand out to help me up, and I take it, silently rising to my feet in front of him.

"What are you thinking about?" he asks as he tilts his head. I feel like his eyes can see right through my facade, to the nerves that are racing through my veins.

I wring my hands together and look down, embarrassment heating my neck. "Sometimes I have dreams. But I'm not sure if they are dreams or memories."

"What do you dream about?" he asks, eyes narrowing.

"You. Me. Us. We're having sex." I stammer, not needing a mirror to know red is blooming across my chest and face.

I glance up to see Kieran's hands fisted by his sides. My mouth opens and closes, but no words come out and I wish the ground would just open me up and swallow me whole.

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