Page 57 of Soul

I repeated my words

“Holy cow. You work with dead people? Aren’t you afraid they’ll come back as zombies?” Ham demanded.

“No. They’re dead.” I chuckled.

“Do you handle the bodies?” Ham questioned around a mouthful of noodles.

“No. I have staff who do that. I run things and get involved if there’s a problem.”

“Do you put makeup on them? Someone told me that dead people wear makeup. Or do you drive the big black car? Do you have horses and a carriage?” Ham spat questions at me as I glanced at Bryony, a little shocked.

Bryony laughed. “Ham loves his zombies.”

“So I see!”

???

It was a good night, and once Bryony had put Ham to bed, we sat out on the porch swing watching the stars.

“Thanks for the last few days. Why did you come?” Bryony inquired.

“Lindy texted me as she knew I’d want to be there.”

“Why?”

“Because if you’re in trouble or need me, then I’m your support,” I replied.

“But why?” Bryony pushed, and I could tell she was confused.

“Babe.” I didn’t know how Bryony would take this next bit, so I watched her closely. “I like you a lot. You are the entire package, kind, caring, smart, beautiful, and a great mom. I want to start something with you.”

“Because I’m your anchor.”

“No. That has nothing to do with us. Our bond has formed, according to Aura and Maci, and you’re already easing my pain. No offence, I don’t need to be romantically involved with you for you to be my anchor. I want you for you, Bryony. Is that hard to understand?”

“Soul, I’m twenty-seven years old and have two children and an ex-husband. How old are you?”

“Twenty-two. Age doesn’t—”

“Yes, it does matter. Why would a twenty-two-year-old man want to be saddled with kids? Or are you thinking of a quick fling because I don’t do those either?”

“Bryony,” I said, cupping her face.

“Yeah?”

“Shut the fuck up.” I pulled her close and cupped the back of her neck and took her mouth. I felt Bryony’s shock as she stiffened, but gently, I nibbled her bottom lip and sucked on it until her lips opened. Without hesitation, I claimed her and teased her tongue.

Bryony was hesitant at first, and I got the inkling she’d not been kissed much. She appeared unsure of herself and what to do. Honestly, I’d not kissed many women like this either, but I was going with instinct. And mine seemed to be working just fine as Bryony let out a little moan.

Our tongues duelled, and I hauled her onto my lap as I banded an arm around her waist, and Bryony positioned herself over my cock.

The kiss deepened, and I’d never been so aroused. Everything about Bryony was perfect: her taste, her smell, her feel. Bryony had the power to drive me insane. A noise made us spring apart, and we stared into each other’s eyes. Bryony quickly shifted off my lap.

“I want you as more than an anchor or a cheap fling. If I have to prove that every day, then I will,” I said as Ham appeared at the door.

“Maci is awake, Mom.”

“I’m coming,” Bryony replied as she got up.

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