“That is not true,” Razorjaw says. “What about his pheromones?”
“Pheromones shmeromones,” I mutter.
“What are shmeromones?” Razorjaw asks.
Karlo clears his throat. “Hey, babe, can you, uh, go downstairs and check to see if each window is clean?”
Razorjaw hesitates, then says, “Ah. You wish for privacy. Very well.” He pecks Karlo on the mouth, then disappears. Now, it’s just me and my two best friends in the office.
“Not to sound dramatic, but this is the worst thing to happen in the history of the galaxy,” I mutter.
My friends titter. “Not dramatic at all,” Ardsley says.
I sit up and say, “I just don’t get why he wouldn’t want to take a chance on dating.” Frowning, I tap my hands on the desk. “I really like Reed. We have a connection. And I know he likes me, the shark man smelled it all over him.”
“Just because you turn his crank doesn’t mean he has the emotional capacity or time to devote himself to dating you,” Karlo says gently.
I sigh. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I know it’s disappointing, Skyler. I’m sorry,” Ardsley says. “Are you gonna start ignoring the kid?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I’m a professional. Aisen needs the help. I suspect their family life is more complex than Reed is letting on.” I exchange looks with my friends. “Just because Reed doesn’t like me doesn’t mean I’m not going to help a maritime monster family in need.”
“There’s my guy,” Karlo says, punching my arm.
“You’re great, Skyler. And friends is fine too, right?” Ardsley adds.
“I guess. It’s just that Reed is the first guy who’s made me feel…” I don’t want to mention that the two of them don’t get it. Ardsley is a shifter with a hot, bulky himbo of a boyfriend, and Karlo is dating a literal shark man who worships him.
They don’t realize how lonely I’ve been.
I clear my throat. “Anyway. If he’s sworn off dating, I can respect that.”
“Good. Maybe you two can grow as friends. You can be someone to help him out.” Ardsley taps my shoulder and walks away.
I chuckle. “Maybe.”
“And eventually, Reed might find out he has a little time to get freaky with a stud like you.” Karlo lightly punches my arm, and we laugh.
I love my friends for trying to get me out of my sad slump. Life continues to disappoint me, but anything can happen. Reed might change his mind down the line. Still, I won’t hold my breath. I’ll just continue to help the Sung family and tone down my flirting. Marginally.
CHAPTER 7- REED
IT’S A FRIDAYnight, and I’m dead on my feet. It was meeting after meeting at work. With the health commission coming to our hospital, I need to run through the place with a fine-toothed comb to make sure we’re up to code. Now I just want to relax, have a beer, and let my tentacles out. But when I get home, the scent of fried food is calling me.
Walking into the kitchen, my smile falls immediately; yes, there’s a fresh pizza in a box. But also, napkins and dishes are strewn about all over the table and sink.
“Aisen!” I say with what I hope isn’t too much of a whine. I need to be a grown-up.
“What?” he asks, padding into the kitchen.
“Reply with ‘Yes,’ please. And what about the kitchen?”
“What about it?” he asks with an eye-roll.
I try to school my irritation as I sit down by the food. “I don’t appreciate the attitude. I thought I asked you to clean the dishes.”
“You said I could do it after you picked me up from school, but you never did, so….”
