Page 71 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Quen’s heart lurched. “You’re scared?”
She slowly nodded. “Whenever I’m alone, I think about how many people I’m inconveniencing. And then I remember how much I don’t know, and I’m sure that I’ll embarrass you or hurt you or offend you or disappoint you.”
He couldn’t help smiling. “So youdocare.”
“I’m sorry for what I said last time.” Kimiko pressed her lips to the underside of his jaw in a very proper apology. “I care, but not in the way I think Ishouldcare.”
“Then we must be patient with each other.” He kissed her forehead. “What has begun in haste can be completed at leisure.”
“My parents will know by now.” She curled against him. “I haven’t dared turn on my phone.”
“If Hisoka Twineshaft makes a pronouncement, the whole world finds it wise.” He petted her hair. “And you will not face them alone. Trust Suuzu, Isla, and Akira.”
“That’s true.” She wrapped the end of his braid around her finger. “What’s next, then?”
“Next week, you’ll make a formal declaration in front of both our families. They will approve of our betrothal once you let us know the shape it will take.”
Kimiko stilled. “I don’t know what that means.”
“Am I not your guide in such things?” When she relaxed against him again, he explained, “Every clan has its own traditions where courtship is concerned. Some are showy, others secretive. Most are carried out over the course of months, even years, usually with some combination of gifts and vows. For instance, wolves must be courted according to the phases of the moon. Two of my brothers courted wolves, so they honored the traditions of their bondmates’ packs.”
“Will I be expected to court you like a dog?”
“I don’t think that’s possible. Since the majority of our traditions involve our truest form, too much would be lost in translation.”
“Maybe I could adapt traditions from other clans? The ones that make sense for Amaranthine in speaking form.”
He nuzzled her hair. “A solid strategy. And as a bonus, you’ll drive Dad wild with curiosity over what you’ll do next.”
“Is that good?”
“Catching interest is the first step to keeping it.”
Kimiko was quiet for a long time, lost in her own thoughts, but he hardly minded since he could hold her. Eventually, she stirred. “I’m not even sure where to start.”
“I suggest confiding in Isla. She is a voracious researcher.”
“I will. Thanks.” She pulled away, clearly ready to leave. But she paused to ask, “What kinds of things count as courting behavior for dogs? Basic, pre-brushing stuff. For beginners like us.”
To Eloquence’s embarrassment, both Edge’s and Flay’s heads came up, and their tails beat the straw so fast, they raised dust.
Kimiko laughed softly. “I take it they’re full of suggestions.”
“Quite a few. Although most only make sense for those with four paws and a tail.”
“Like what?”
“They’re not anything humans would consider romantic.” But since she seemed genuinely interested, he chose a few of the tamest pursuits. “Edge wants you to hunt for me, then feed me your prey morsel by morsel. Flay suggests the weaving of fur into a vest so that I will always have your scent upon my skin. And … they both agree that the affectionate fondling of ears is the beginning of true love.”
“Really?” Kimiko’s eyes were sparkling, and her hands were reaching. “You do have pretty ears.”
Quen was aware of the human fascination with Amaranthine ears. But it hadn’t occurred to him that Kimiko might want to touch his.
Her fingers trailed along the upper edge to the tip, then the lower sweep to his earlobe. And again, slower, firmer. Pausing on her third circuit to knead the point.
He tilted his head to encourage her exploration. “You like my ears?” he asked huskily.
“Yes.” She dropped a light kiss upon the tingling tip. “You like them touched?”
