Page 15 of Hold my Reins

We can meet at Beastly and then walk down to the beach?

Which is what he’d wanted to do today, but it was probably a good thing Lynck hadn’t replied as instead Rox had gotten his food sorted, and started checking out room and rental listings.

For a second, he considered being petty and leaving replying until morning, but he wasn’t good at playing those kinds of games.

Sure.

He hit send, not wanting to sound too keen after being ignored all day. But he did need to confirm a time. He finished work at five, and he’d want a shower before meeting up.

Does six work?

Lynck sent him a heart.

Rox smiled. Maybe now, he’d be able to go to sleep.

nine

Lynck arrived a few minutes early and sat at an empty table. He would’ve gone into wait, but he didn’t want Rox to be standing outside looking for him. As if the thought of the human summoned him, Rox walked around the corner wearing a pair of faded and ripped blue jeans, a black undershirt, and a red checked shirt over the top. His hair was loose, and his hands were shoved in his pockets. He glanced up and looked around, scanning the shop fronts.

Lynck stood, the movement catching Rox’s attention.

The intense look of concentration faded and was replaced with a smile as he walked over. “Hey.”

His hands were still in his pockets, and Lynck wasn’t sure if he should give him a hug or a nod. It was not appropriate to rub their cheeks together or nuzzle at his neck. They weren’t human-style greetings. “How’s the new job going?”

Rox nodded and gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Job-like.”

That could mean anything. “He didn’t hate you?”

He laughed. “No. Or at least not enough to tell me to fuck off. Is it closed?”

“Almost. Want to go in and order?”

Rox licked his lower lip, and Lynck wanted to lean in and kiss him. “I’m fine.”

No, he wasn’t. Rox had come to town for work and was staying in the cheap motel. Lynck guessed he didn’t have much money to spare.

“I’ll buy. Staff discount.”

He winced. “Really?—”

“You can check out the piano in the corner while I order.” Lynck put his hand on Rox’s lower back and ushered him inside. There were two older women sitting at one table. They had cake and coffee and a deck of cards laid out on their table. They came in for the last hour every Thursday. Otherwise, the cafe was empty.

Thursten had started the cleanup process based on the looks of things. His gaze flicked between Lynck and Rox.

Lynck tilted his head and gave him a look that hopefully conveyed, ‘Don’t say a thing’. Thursten didn’t know Lynck’s past and how well he made people disappear. The troll smiled. “What can I get you?”

“Same as always. A regular mocha,” Lynck said. He glanced at Rox, who was studying the menu on the wall behind Thursten.

“Is that the specialty?” Rox asked.

Thursten put his hand over his heart. “No, that is an abomination that he insists we keep making.”

Rox’s gaze settled on the troll, who was about the same height as Lynck. “Then what do you recommend?”

“For you, the midnight blend. Full of flavor and mystery, and perfect for staying up all night.” Thursten added a wink at the end.

Lynck rolled his eyes and flicked his ears, which only made Thursten’s smile bigger.

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