Page 72 of Perfectly Petite Shorts
“It is a door to my home.”
Todrik’s wide eyes blinked. “Your home? Really? Why?”
“Because that is where you are going to stay. We will obtain the necessary containers, collect a good amount of dirt, and return to my home.”
Biting his lower lip, Todrik asked, “For how long?”
I wanted to sayforeverbut kept that word inside. Instead, I uttered, “For as long as it takes.” When Todrik hesitated again, I asked, “Do you trust me?”
“I’m not sure why, but yes.”
“Good. Then come with me.”
Squeezing my hand, Todrik nodded before taking a hesitant step toward me. His next was surer as we slipped through the doorway I’d created.
I’d never had a house guest before. I’d never even had a pet—be it Earthly or Fairy. Having Todrik in my space was…different. I was still trying to sort out if it was a good type of different or not. Having him close where I could keep an eye on him had certainly eased the pressure in my chest.
Todrik seemed surprised by the, as he termed it,simplicityof my home. He had assumed my tastes ran to the ostentatious, although he had also commented that he should have known better after seeing how sparse my office was. Considering how little time I spent in that space, I saw no need to embellish it.
My home was different than the office. Without permission, I could not bring Todrik to my home in Fairy, so I’d brought him to my earthly residence. My home had but one bedroom as there was no need for more. There was a single bath, a functional kitchen, and a small resting space with a wood-burning fireplace. A few fairies had visited now and again, typically when something was needed. They’d termed my home quaint. I had no idea if they were correct nor did I care. Their opinions meant next to nothing, and yet I found myself anxious regarding Todrik’s.
“Wow,” Todrik said, that word more whispered awe thanexcitement. “The grounds are stunning.” He was on the back patio, staring into the woods. “It’s so wild and…free.” He inhaled, pulling the clean air deep into his lungs, expanding his chest. “Jamila would have loved it here.” Sadness filled his words.
“My fairy affinity is reflected in my surroundings.” I was at my strongest when surrounded by plant life. It only made sense to make certain my home was situated where I was at my best.
“I get that, but this is next level. I think I could sit out here all day and never tire of the view.” Todrik walked farther onto the deck, sitting on its edge, legs dangling. “Can I put my dirt out here?” he asked, craning his neck to look up at me.
“You may place it wherever you like.”
His cheeks pinked. “Thank you. I appreciate that. I just… You’ll let me know if I’m fucking something up, right? I don’t want to be in your way or be an ungrateful houseguest.”
“Do not worry. I will inform you if I find your presence irritating.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but I wasn’t certain it was entirely truthful either. Typically, I would have no problem telling another exactly what I thought of their presence. I had a feeling that was not accurate when it came to Todrik. I had a nagging need to please and comfort him. It was foolish to believe his needs would always match my own wants and desires.
“Okay. But you better.” Todrik wagged a harmless finger my direction. Turning his head, Todrik stared out at the landscape. “I see some cherry trees out there. More than a few.”
“They bloomed earlier this season.”
“Hmm…I suppose so. It’s odd. Now that I’m a dryad, the seasons mean nothing to me.” Holding out his hand, Todrik’s fingers lengthened into woody branches, leaves and blossoms exploding from their length. “I can bloom anytime I wish. At first it was strange.”
“And now?”
Todrik shrugged. “Now it seems as natural as breathing.” Feet kicking back and forth, Todrik leaned back on his hands. “I should contact Lilibeth.”
“The brownie.” Todrik had explained who Lilibeth was when I accepted his case. “Why?”
“She visits sometimes, and I don’t want her to run into Sage or Jessup. I don’t want her to get hurt.”
“You are concerned about a brownie being unable to protect themselves against humans?” The very notion was absurd.
“No. I mean, maybe.” Todrik huffed. “I know brownies are tough, that they—”
“Brownies are a little more thantough.”
“I get that.”
I seriously doubted he did. Few understood just how dangerous a vengeful brownie could be. Queen Silvidia made certain every fairy realized the importance of keeping the peace.
“Lilibeth is nice, and I…I don’t want her to have to listen to the same kind of bullshit I had to last night. I mean, they can say crap about me, but Jamila… That was uncalled for. She’s their mom, for Gaia’s sake. You’d think that would mean something.”
