Page 90 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Quen’s courteous response died on his lips.
Some part of his subconscious had been taking notice, ramping up his heartrate, adding a tremor to his soul. Even so, when Michael Ward stepped inside, Quen teetered inwardly.
Decades had passed and the adolescent he remembered was a grown man—settled, confident, and in his prime. Yet Michael was still Michael. Relief washed over Quen at finding the essence of his friend unchanged, quickly followed by a sudden bout of shyness.
It took him several moments to realize that Ever was tugging furiously at his pant leg. Bending to gather up his baby brother, Quen hid his burning face against Ever’s hair.
“Who dis?” Ever asked.
Quen’s voice broke on his answer. “Michael.”
“Stars, so bright,” his baby brother whispered.
He needed to rein in his rampaging emotions, or Ever would get the wrong impression entirely. With a smile that may have wobbled a little, Quen said, “Michael Ward is my friend. He is First of Wards, a very starry soul.”
At least his voice was steady. If a bit high. Oh, this was mortifying.
“Hello, Eloquence.” Michael’s voice had deepened, but his smile was the same. “Would you introduce me to your newest brother?”
Quen managed a nod and gestured him closer. Palms were presented, courtesies exchanged, peace assured. Genial. Gentle. And not at all what Eloquence wanted.
Ever asked, “Should I sniffen him?”
He began to nod, then shook his head. “Me, first.”
Michael expression brightened, and he enfolded them both in an embrace that granted the closeness and connection every dog craved.
THIRTY-SEVEN
Papka
Kimiko woke to a soft tap coming from the wrong end of the room. Predawn gray showed at the edges of closed curtains, but her alarm hadn’t gone off. “Too early,” she mumbled.
The tap came again, and this time, she oriented on the sound. Someone was at the second-floor window. Well, that certainly narrowed the possibilities.
A soft chime sent Isla fumbling for her phone, and she squinted at the display. Her scowl vanished, and she bolted from her covers.
“What is it?” Kimiko asked.
“They need me!”
“Who …?” But the girl was already out the door with a bundle of clothing. A second later, Kimiko heard the bathroom door shut.
Another patient tap, and this time, Kimiko answered. Pulling aside the drape, she couldn’t help laughing. Opening the slider, she signaled her delight. “Good morning, Sensei.”
A formidable feline took up most of the lawn below, easily as tall as the house, despite his lazy slouch. Even in the dimness, she could detect the subtle sheen of pewter fur. Long whiskers swept outward, and intelligence gleamed in orange eyes.
Cold!
Hisoka’s breath was steaming in chill air, and Kimiko stole a blanket from her bed to wrap around her shoulders. “I’ve never been this close to anyone in true form before,” she eagerly confessed.
He blinked placidly.
It would have been easy to feel like prey trapped in a mouse hole, but fear was the farthest thing from Kimiko’s mind. She had to wonder how often someone so respected was told the simple truth. “You’rebeautiful.”
Hisoka loomed nearer, and his nose bumped her forehead.
Every feline seemed to understand that compliments were their due. Strange to think that Hisoka Twineshaft was no different. Tucking her hands behind her back to resist temptation, Kimiko risked rudeness. “May I touch?”
