Page 21 of Cowboy Wolf's Kiss

My Angel

Are you suggesting I encourage you?I mean stalkers are dangerous, right?

Me

You have no idea.But you don’t ever have to be worried with me, Angel.I’ll protect you.

My Angel

That’s a pretty big promise from a man I don’t know.

Me

So, get to know me.I dare you.

She went quiet after that.It was a lot.I mean, I did come on kinda strong.

So, I gave her a day.

I knew sometimes people needed space, especially when emotions ran high.And after that kiss we shared, my emotions were running pretty damn high where she was concerned.

I gave her twenty-four hours, then I started with simple things—light, casual messages that wouldn’t feel overwhelming or intrusive.

Just a “good morning” or “what are you eating for lunch?”kind of texts.

It felt like tiptoeing into uncharted territory, but I was willing to do it if it meant she’d answer me.

Fuck.

It was scary how quickly she became necessary to me.I mean I wanted her, for sure.But it was more than that.

I needed her to answer me.

Demon needed her to answer me.

It got to the point where I was checking my phone a few times every hour, hoping for a word, a meme, anything.

Jezebel was funny.Thoughtful.Her charm was effortless.Just like her beauty.This woman was dangerous.I was becoming addicted and fast.

She sent me pictures of what she was working on for the drive-in.Her enthusiasm for old films and her creativity made me smile.I was proud of her and wasn’t that odd?I never felt that way about anyone before.

I didn’t want to jinx it or look too closely at it, so I didn’t.Our tentative texting friendship was sweet, but it wasn’t enough.

Toeing the line between being attentive and pushy, I asked her this morning to go to dinner with me.She had yet to reply, and I was on tenterhooks.

I knew she was busy.Apparently, she had one good weekend left to make bank.She told me about her plans for a Holiday Film Festival before closing for the season, and I had to admit I was psyched about it.

Who didn’t love holiday movies?

The thought of curling up in my car, warm blanket in hand, surrounded by the glow of flickering lights and the familiar comfort of classic films made me feel nostalgic.

Of course, when I thought of holiday movies my brain immediately went toGremlinsandDie Hard, which had Jezebel arguing over more traditional classics likeMiracle on 34thStreet,

When I brought upA Christmas Carol,I was admittedly confused by her vehement response that she did not like that story at all.

Not even the Muppets version.

But I warmed at the thought of all that precious enthusiasm she had just shining through her texts.Apparently, with the Holiday Film Festival came holiday themed goodies.

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