Page 75 of Forever Touched

Knowing that she wasn’t bluffing, I opened up my hands. “Fine, but be careful.”

Why? Do you think your boy toy will swallow me whole?

Before I could scold her again, Everett asked, “What’s she saying?”

I whirled to face him. “Um . . . you probably don’t want to know.”

Chicken, Pepper goaded me.

I poked her little side.

She squeaked in protest and lunged for my finger, but I pulled it out of reach in the nick of time.

“Pepper, this is Everett. Everett, this is Pepper,” I quickly said, needing this introduction to be over with so I could shoo Everett away. I had no idea why he was here, but conversing with him like this was dangerous on so many levels. At least he was still in the doorway. Mistress might not be able to detect his scent later on, so long as he stayed where he was.

Ooo, he’s handsome. For a bloodsucker, I mean, Pepper said, boldly checking him out.I can see why you’re attracted to him.

Denial sprang to my tongue, but I didn’t voice it. I’d be lying to say I wasn’t attracted to him.

Everett took her in, then said thelastthing I expected him to say. “Can I pet her?”

Oh ho ho!Pepper chortled, practically preening in my hands.Sorry, Ada. I can’t help it if this body is irresistibly adorable.

“Sure,” I answered, stifling an eye roll. As I stepped forward, though, I couldn’t resist the instinct to tuck her close to my body. “Just . . . be careful, okay? She’s really small. And delicate.”

Everett’s expression noticeably softened. “Like you?”

Aww, he likes you too, Pepper sighed in a dreamy voice.

My heart gave a weird little flutter. Did he?

Girl, don’t be daft. He’s making googly eyes at you right now, Pepper said with a snort.

That stupid vulnerable feeling stole over me again. I could barely look him in the eye, too afraid of what I’d find.

“I won’t hurt her, Adalyn. I promise,” he said, making my heart flutter again.

Good enough for me, Pepper said.Let the petting commence.

I shook my head with a small laugh. “Fine. If you’re okay with it, Pep, then so am I. I’m going to let the big scary vampire pet you now.”

“Scary?” Everett said with an amused tilt of his mouth.

“Veryscary. To all the people who upset you and wind up dead.”

A laugh rolled from him, one that made me forget how to breathe. Spirits save me, he had the sexiest laugh. Too bad he didn’t whip it out more.

He laughed again, louder this time. “Whip it out? Interesting choice of words.”

I groaned, feeling the beginnings of a blush stain my cheeks. “Well,thatwas embarrassing.”

“You? Embarrassed?”

“I know, right? Apparently, the thought of you reading my deepest darkest thoughts does that to me.”

He laughed again.

This is the cutest thing ever, Pepper interrupted.Wish I had some popcorn for this little romcom moment.

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