Page 29 of Thorn Evermore

I laugh, settling back in my seat beside Kyson as Henry leaves us. Kyson, however, isn’t smiling.

“Did you date him?”

I pull my head back in surprise. “What? Henry Chow? No. He’s been married for forty years to the elegant Mrs. Chow. Why do you ask?”

“The way he said you’re a handful.” Kyson’s cheeks turn bright pink. “Sorry. None of my business.”

“Hey.” I grip his hand. “I told you I would answer your questions, so you can ask what you want. Henry Chow only knows me in a professional capacity.”

“Right. Okay.”

“I told you I’m the wild one.”

“You seem so calm right now.”

“Because I’m engaged in something captivating. When I’m working or bored, well, it’s a different story.”

“Maybe I’d like to see that side.”

“Maybe I’ll show you.” I give his hand a light squeeze before releasing it. “You asked me about my romantic history.”

“Yes.”

“Casual. Nothing serious or memorable.”

“Ever?”

“Ever.” Leaning back in my chair, my gaze is caught on the plushness of his lips. I’m craving another taste. “I never wanted more. I’m an untethered spirit. The only bond I have is with my brothers and sisters.”

“What about your parents?”

“They are long dead.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, pretty Kyson. Are you close to your parents?”

He shakes his head. “They died too. When I was young. It was a house fire, and thankfully I was staying over at my grandma’s house, or I would’ve died too.”

“That’s so tragic. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. It was their fault. They liked to party. Drugs and stuff. That’s why I was with my grandma. It’s also why they didn’t wake up in time to get out.” He laughs softly, which seems at odds with the sad tale. “It’s really bad to say this, but my life was way better after they died. My grandma had this neighbor who was a teacher. I wasn’t at her school, but she took an interest in my schoolwork and led me down the path of exploring history.” His cheeks turn pink. “And her husband was my first crush.”

“Aww. How old were you?”

“I was eight when my parents died, but probably around twelve when I realized I liked boys.”

“Was that hard for you?”

“No. My grandma told me that love makes the world go around, so when you feel it, grab it. She didn’t care that I was gay. The kids at school didn’t care either. They already thought I was weird.”

“Was school difficult for you?”

“No. The only hard part of my life has been…” He pauses, glancing down at his hands for a second. “Two things, Iguess. After my grandma passed away, I had no more family left, so holidays suck.” He pushes his glasses up his nose. “The other thing is my lack of ambition. Because I’m academically smart, I was pushed a lot to go to a big school and pursue something prestigious.”

“But that’s not what you wanted?”

“No. I want to be happy, but wealth and prestige don’t light me up. I work at Onyx Treasures because I get to surround myself with history, help people find things they love, and work with people who like the same stuff I do.”

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