“Perhaps you’re right. Too much TV. But I lived and trained with Theo. He may not look like he’s doing it, but I assure you, every time he walks into an unfamiliar place, he notes the exits, the possible alternate exits, and everyone in the building as a potential threat. It’s a lesson that has saved both of us a few times and is not easily forgotten.” I glanced atHunter’s disbelieving expression. “You must have seen this from me before? Is it terribly off-putting?”
“Actually, double-oh-seven, I find it really damn sexy.”
I flushed. “Excellent.”
Marjorie arrived home shortly after Hunter had cleaned up the breakfast dishes in the kitchen. After we ate the delicious sandwiches and potato salad, she showed me her tiny backyard, discussing all the plants in her raised-bed garden.
The garden shed needed some repair, and at my suggestion, Hunter and I replaced a few boards and rehung the door that kept sticking.
After a late evening supper, she found the old board games. Of course, it was all new to me. And I could blame my unfamiliarity with Monopoly on being British.
We retired early, claiming exhaustion from our hectic day. Marjorie’s smile said she knew better as she bid us good night. Enclosed in the darkness of Hunter’s room, I reveled in his inventiveness when it came to sex. I really was a novice but an apt student. He was both aggressive and patient, making me feel safe yet very, very, desired. Sleeping in his arms was another pleasure. I decided I liked being what he called the little spoon.
It was still dark when I woke, suddenly alert. No nightmares this time but more a restlessness. I listened to Hunter’s soft snores. Knowing I wouldn’t get back to sleep, I rose and dressed.
Downstairs, I helped myself to an apple and some chips before going outside on the small porch. The city wasn’t quiet, always a background noise of traffic or music, but the neighborhood was calm. My thoughts wandered to my previous life, my new life, and how I’d gotten here—on this sweet little porch, with a lover upstairs. For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I truly belonged.
Theo had done this for me, making sure I had a place to stay, answering questions about banks or workplaces or general modern-day life. But Theo was also in a brand-new relationship and much of his attention was drawn to Isabelle. Rightly so. I was a full-grown man. I could adapt well enough.
A crow’s cry overhead made me look up. Wings flapped against the night as Archie landed on the fence ten feet away. The second caw rebuked me like a schoolchild.
“I’m sorry. Theo put me on a train. What do you want me to do? Stick you in a carrier like some pet?”
Stay.Archie’s command hollowed through me.Feed Archie.
“Okay. I’ll see what Marjorie has in her kitchen.” I stood up. “But there will be times when I have to travel. Like this time. I had to see him. I had to come. He’s my… my person. You understand?”
Sap.Archie hopped around before repeating the word. I rolled my eyes. He flew toward me, shifting into the ginger cat and landing light on his feet.
I opened the door and let him in. Finding a tin of tuna in Marjorie’s pantry, I fed my loyal, sassy friend.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Hunter on feeding familiars and family
Iwoke up early in my old bed, feeling content and only a little concerned about the man snoring softly next to me. Regge snuffled into his pillow as I left the bed, and I let him sleep.
Downstairs, Mom stood at the kitchen window, a coffee mug in her hand. She spoke without turning. “The Clarkson’s cat just got chased off by this huge blackbird. You should have seen it. Is Regge still sleeping? I thought we could go to breakfast this morning.”
I let out a long sigh and stretch. “It’s early, Ma. And he doesn’t sleep well sometimes.”
“There he is. Honey, you’ve got to come see this.”
I joined her, looking out into the backyard. Archimedes took two hops and landed on the birdbath. He squawked at the door. “Oh. Here, Mom. Let him in.”
“What?”
I opened the door and Archie flew in, landing on the back of a kitchen chair. He flitted and flapped and squawked.Trouble. Trouble.
“Oh my stars, he talks.” She’d picked up her egg pan from the dish rack.
“It’s okay. He won’t hurt you.”
“Does he know that?”
Kid?Kid. Kid. Archie’s golden eye focused on her for a moment.
“This is Archie. He’s Regge’s cat, bird, I mean, pet.” Trying not to freak out my mom, I turned to the bird. “Regge’s sleeping. Is everything okay?”
