Page 17 of Starfall

“I don’t want you shopping with me.”

“Tough. One of our cousins works at a dress shop with a specialty in tall ladies, but it’s booking only unless you are family. So, I am your key.”

“Fine, but keep your key out of my lock. I will snap it off.”

Meg snorted and started to clear the table. Rowen put some money down, and Meg laughed. “Thanks for the tip.”

Emery scooted out of the booth and stood up. Rowen got up behind her, wrapped his arm around her, and guided her through the tables and chairs. When someone started pushing their chair into the aisle and glanced at them, they quickly pulled it back in.

Rowen didn’t relax his grip on her until they were past the crowd.

“Holy smokes. That place is hopping.”

“Fifteen years and counting. The family all does shifts there. I did mine between fifteen and twenty-five. I got paid minimum plus tips and managed to save enough to start the gym.”

He kept his hand on her back as they walked through the parking lot.

“So, you have sketches of me?”

“A few.”

“Are we from the eighteenth century?”

He grinned. “I could offer to show you my etchings.”

“Wow. That’s hot.”

They giggled together, food drunk and relaxed.

“So, where is this mythical shop that caters to tall women?”

“North end of town, near Hunter’s place.”

“Oh. I never get out there. Well, not until recently.”

“You walked right through that area last night.”

“Did I?”

“Well, you were very tired and bloody.”

“I thought I burned it all off.”

“Not all. No.”

“Sorry. I must have been a mess.”

“An adorable mess.”

“Dude, have you been injured at work? Taken a weight to the head? Have the horns grown through your brain? I am never adorable. Statuesque, imposing, striking even, but never adorable.”

He grinned and opened her car door. “No, I can’t say any injury has occurred. When it comes to adorable, look up.”

She turned to face him; she was staring at his neck. She tilted her head. “Oh. Right. Fine, I will consider the eye of the beholder.”

He inclined his head. “Thank you.”

She reached up and stroked his cheek. “You have a bit of sauce right here.”

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