Page 14 of Thicker than Blood

“He’s loyal to you.”

“I know. It isn’t that. It’s something deeper. Hidden. Whatever it is, it keeps me at bay.”

“You should know that he’s very patient. He’s positive that one day you’ll give in and invite him to your bed.”

I chuckle at that. “I suppose we’ll have to see about that.”

The doorbell rings, echoing through the house. It’s been ages since anyone has shown up at the front door so formally. I’m on my feet, glancing at my watch. If it’s Geordi, he’s early. If it’s not Geordi, well… won’t that be interesting?

I swing the door open to find the adorably curious mortal on my doorstep, bundled up to the point where I can only see his face. His cheeks and nose are pink from the cold, and with the snowy backdrop, his hazel eyes pop even more. He’d look absolutely stunning splayed out on my bed.

“Uh, hi. I’m early. Really early. Sorry. I can leave if it’s too early, but I have a hard time waiting around for important things. Do you want me to leave?”

Smiling, I step to the side. “I want you to come inside out of the cold. I had no pressing appointments, so your early arrival is just fine.”

He blows out a breath and smiles. It’s a very genuine, pretty smile. Suddenly I’m the curious one. Geordi steps past me, glancing around the cavernous foyer. His boots are covered in snow, making me cringe inwardly that he’s getting the wood floors wet.

As if reading my thoughts, he kicks the boots off and shrugs out of his coat, which I hang on the rack by the door. There’s a small hole in his sock, revealing the tip of his big toe.

“We can meet in the sitting room.”

“Okay.”

He seems so small in my too-large home, making a protective instinct I haven’t felt in some time kick in. The last thing I should have on my mind is the delectable nature of this man, but he’s right here. I could scoop him up and carry him straight to my bed. Wouldn’t that be a nice change?

My gums throb as the desire for flesh and blood spreads through me, igniting the fading embers of pursuits long buried. It’s been… ages since I indulged. Funny that this wide-eyed mortal stokes the flame.

As he looks around, I smile, amused. His head looks like it’s on a swivel with the way he swings it from side to side, taking in every detail.

“Your home is amazing. It’s like a museum, but more inviting.”

“Thank you. It’s filled with details of my life. Places I’ve been, things I’ve seen. I suppose it is a museum in a way.”

“Neat,” he says, glancing over his shoulder then stumbling on his feet.

I grab his arm to steady him, balancing him with ease. “The floors are recently waxed and a bit slippery.”

“Oh, I’m just clumsy.” He blows out a breath that ruffles the hair on his forehead. “I used to think it was dyspraxia, because I definitely fit the definition of my motor skills being off kilter sometimes, and of course I’m neurodivergent. That’s probably obvious anyway, but it’s not that. I’m just clumsy.”

I tilt my head, listening to his torrent of words.

“I talk too much sometimes too.” He smiles. “Anyway, should we continue?”

“By all means.” I extend my hand to the left and he peeks in that direction, as if expecting a surprise.

As he enters the sitting room, his face lights up. “Gosh, Elias.” His voice is breathy, his smile wide. “You have so much to see. I could spend days here.”

I think I might like that. “It’s nice to be appreciated.”

He turns his gaze to me, his smile slipping into what I think is supposed to be a serious expression. “I have a million questions, so if I ask anything off limits, just correct me.”

“You’ll find there’s very little I consider off limits.”

He clears his throat as his cheeks pink. Delightful. “Right. Should I sit?”

“Please. I have a selection of drinks for you.”

Geordi glances at the tray. “That’s really nice. Thank you.” He takes a lemonade and opens the bottle, taking a sip before setting it down again.

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