Page 39 of Love At First Roar
She set the glass down. “Nope. That’s what’s written all over your face.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re sulking.”
“I don’t sulk.”
“You brood. Grumble. Stare at walls like they insulted your mother.” Maeve poured two fingers of dark liquor and set the glass in front of him. “And you only come here before noon when you’re unraveling.”
Callum took the drink, let it burn down his throat. “She kissed me.”
Maeve blinked, leaned on her elbows. “Ah. So the enchantress made the first move.”
He didn’t answer. That was answer enough.
Maeve studied him. “Did you kiss her back?”
He nodded once.
“And?”
He drained the rest of the glass. “Then I told her she didn’t want what I am.”
Maeve’s brow lifted. “Real smooth, Casanova.”
“She deserves better.”
“Better than what? A loyal, hardheaded ranger who’d throw himself in front of a cursed relic if it meant keeping her breathing?”
He scoffed. “She doesn’t know the worst parts yet.”
“She told you her worst.”
He looked away. “She’ll leave. People like her always do. She’s already been running. Why should this town be any different?”
Maeve crossed her arms. “Because she’s still here.”
Callum ran a hand through his hair, shoulders tight. “I can’t lose someone again, Maeve. I don’t come back from it a second time. You want me to be honest? She’s gotten under my skin. Hell, I think she’s halfway in my bones. And that scares the shit outta me.”
Maeve’s expression softened. “You’re allowed to be scared, Cal. But don’t punish her for staying when everyone else didn’t.”
He stared down at the bar. “She makes me feel like something’s still alive in me.”
“That’s not a weakness.”
“It is when it makes me careless. She’s lightning in a jar, Maeve. And the Veil sings when she walks.”
“Maybe that’s not danger. Maybe it’s calling her home.”
He didn’t know what to say to that. He just knew the weight in his chest hadn’t budged.
Maeve leaned over and smacked his arm. “Get out of your own damn head.”
Callum grunted, pushing back from the bar. “Appreciate the therapy.”
“Come back when you stop being a coward.”
He paused at the door. “I’m not a coward.”
