The lion pushed up to all four paws.
And proceeded to strut in a circle, his tail flicking.
I snickered. “You are so damn vain.”
His tail twitched.
I wasn’t frightened at all. I trusted my man.
I moved forward, placed my hands on his tawny fur, and stroked down his massive mane. “It’s coarse but still soft. Like your normal hair.”
Large golden eyes closed as I scratched my fingers down into his fur, rubbing all over him. He huffed an odd purr, it starting and stopping in spurts. It was completely adorable.
The lion ducked and moved far back.
Then he started a low creep, almost on his belly, the muscles working under his fur. He hunted me, his eyes watching my every move, while he came closer.
I started backing up, grinning from ear to ear.
I turned…and tripped.
But I shoved myself up quickly enough and raced down the shoreline. I laughed and glanced over my shoulder, watching as the lion galloped at a slow pace behind me.
Then he raced past me and turned.
He started his slow creep again, low to the ground.
I pivoted and raced back the way I’d come.
The lion galloped around me in circles.
Again and again.
I held up my hand, breathless. “You’re making me dizzy.” I pointed to the sand. “Let’s take a break.”
The lion instantly rolled to his side.
The sand was cool beneath my touch as I sat down in front of him, and then I leaned back to rest my head on his shoulder. The water rippled, and the sky was a brilliant shade of purple on the horizon.
Content with my life, I whispered, “The sunset is beautiful.”
His tail flicked twice, whacking onto the sand. We watched the sunset, as we were, peaceful in ourselves together. The warmth of his body was enough to keep me toasty warm against the chill.
* * *
Dinner was surprisingly nice with his father. I couldn’t understand now why everyone acted like it was such a hindrance. His father had been quiet, but everyone else had talked and enjoyed themselves.
And damn, his father could cook.
Godric took off his dinner jacket and dropped in on the back of his father’s couch, getting comfortable for drinks afterward. He untucked his shirt and unbuttoned the top button, and as an afterthought, he removed his weapon from the back of his pants and stuffed it in his jacket.
He kissed my cheek. “What would you like to drink?”
“Just a beer.” My stomach was so full I didn’t want anything hard on it.
The muscles under his shirt flexed as he walked with Finn to the long sidebar on the far side of the room. The rest of the gang already had their drinks and were now sitting down.
Curiosity overtook me.
