Page 22 of Furry Equations

“I do not have a smile in my voice!”

“And from what Lillian tells me, the chemistry between you two is quite remarkable. Though I suppose that’s appropriate, given your profession.”

“That was terrible,” Natalie groaned. “You’re as bad as Chelsea with the science puns.”

“Speaking of Chelsea, she mentioned something about Spring Break photos?”

“And on that note, I’m hanging up,” Natalie announced. “Some of us have work tomorrow.”

“With tall, dark, and handsome shifters who rent out entire restaurants?”

“Good-bye, Mom.”

“Use protection, dear!”

“Oh my God.” Natalie ended the call, her face burning. But something about the conversation nagged at her. Her mother’s unusual restraint, the lack of pushing about other potential suitors... it was suspicious.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Marcus:Home safe?

Yes,she typed back.Though my mother just called to ask about you.

Three dots appeared as he typed.Should I be worried?

Normally, yes. But she’s acting weird. She’s NOT trying to set me up with anyone.

Is that unusual?

For my mother? It’s like the sun rising in the west.

Another pause.Perhaps she simply approves of your current... situation.

Natalie’s heart skipped.And what situation would that be?

Get some sleep, Natalie. Sweet dreams.

She stared at her phone, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. Whatever game her mother was playing, whatever was developing between her and Marcus... it could wait until tomorrow. For now, she had the memory of his lips on her forehead, the solid warmth of his presence, and the promise of seeing him again in the morning.

Though she really was going to kill Lillian for telling their mother about the growling thing.

Natalie tossed her phone aside and padded to the kitchen, her mind spinning with the events of the day. The countertops gleamed in the soft lighting, and she found herself absently touching her forehead where Marcus’s lips had been. Even that brief contact had sent electricity through her entire body.

Her phone buzzed again. Another text from Marcus:Your heart rate is elevated again.

She nearly dropped the glass of water she’d been pouring.Are you seriously monitoring me from outside my building?

Security protocols.

That’s still disturbing.

Would it help if I said I can’t stop thinking about you either?

Heat bloomed in her chest. Before she could respond, another message came through:

The way you smell when you’re flustered. How your pulse jumps when I’m near. The little sighs you try to hide when I’m close.

Natalie’s fingers trembled as she typed:That’s not helping with the creepy factor.

No?She could practically hear his amused tone.What about how badly I wanted to kiss you tonight?

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