Page 37 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Very slowly, her gaze lifted to his.
Eye contact achieved!
Melissa asked, “What would?”
“It’s hard to explain,” he hedged. “Much easier todemonstrate.”
She hesitated, clearly torn. And in her anxious expression,Jiminy saw how much his offer meant to her. This wasn’t the time or place forteasing.
“A simple thing,” he promised. “I’ll only touch your arm.”
With a nod, Melissa gave him the chance he needed.
“Have you noticed he does this?” Jiminy asked, lightlypressing the flat of his hand to her upper arm, then sliding downward to giveher elbow a squeeze.
Her gaze turned inward, and she nodded again.
“There’s a way to answer in kind.” Jiminy edged as close ashe dared. “You first this time.”
She mirrored the contact.
“Just right,” he encouraged. “This means something like,‘I’m here. Stay near. Aren’t you glad we’re together?’ It makes sense. Rook’sbeyond thrilled to have you here, and it shows.”
“Oh.” Her expression softened and brightened, and she cast ashy glance in the wolf’s direction.
As she drew back, Jiminy caught her wrist and slid his handdown to tweak her little finger. “Do that.”
Melissa seemed surprised. “That’s all?”
Jiminy shrugged. “There are dozens of ways to respond, butthat’s the most appropriate for Rook. It means something like, ‘This is where Iwant to be. I’m glad you’re by my side.’ It’s used for close kin or trustedfriends.”
“Let me try?”
He cheerfully obliged, initiating the exchange. Her handswere warm, her touch firm, her gaze locked. She was as serious about this aseverything else she did. Jiminy offered a low hum, his version of the customarywolvish rumble.
“Now him,” he whispered.
She nodded and went back to sweeping.
Not wanting to miss out, Jiminy grabbed an apron and startedwork early. Rook patted his cheek in passing, mingling affection and approval.
Nearly an hour passed before any chance came. Jiminy sawRook’s familiar touch and the way Melissa reached back. She managed to come offbashful and bold, and the look on Rook’s face was priceless. Without evenchecking first, the wolf scooped her up and twirled her around.
Good thing Jiminy had been ready to deflect notice.
It made him happy to see Rook happy, but Melissa’s reaction,while subtler, buoyed Jiminy. The next look she gave him didn’t qualify asstern. Maybe it was just the afterglow of the delight she took in Rook, but itstill knocked Jiminy off-balance. For the first time in ever, he wasn’t surewhat to say.
Melissa stepped right into his personal space and asked,“Teach me more?”
Settling into a receptive stance, Jiminy answered, “Gladto.”
SIXTEEN
Air of Importance
“Melissa, your phone.”
She shook her head. “I left it in the back.”
