I chuckled. Little did he know, but I had princess-themed nightgowns, too. One is never too old to want to be a princess.
“Was there something that you wanted to tell me earlier?”
I sighed and my back softened. It seemed like a good idea to drape myself over the bed, so I did, stretching out like Rufus.
“There was, but it can wait.”
“You’ll tell me when I take you spell hunting?” he teased.
“You’re determined to whittle away my resolve, aren’t you?”
“It would be good for you.” His lips tipped into a sly smile. “You’d get better at using your magic.”
“Oh, how you tempt me,” I said sarcastically.
“Just think of it.” His fingers lightly stroked Lady’s back, and I wondered what they would feel like caressing my arm. “You could potentially use magic to help speed along the renovation process.”
“I could, but I like Liam and his crew. I also like working with my hands. There’s no substitute for that.”
“I understand; I’m just offering.”
“Hmmm.”
He gazed down to Lady. His lashes were long and dark, thick. Stubble dusted his cheeks and jawline. Well, if I was better at using my magic, the least I could do was whip up a razor for him.
“Malene is different,” he said.
I laughed. “Isn’t she? Do you need a grandmother? Want one?”
“I’m afraid that she’s all yours.”
I tucked my arm under a pillow and rested my head on it. Suddenly I was very tired. I’d close my eyes for just a moment.
“I’m sorry about your memory,” I murmured.
His fingers brushed my cheek. My eyes snapped open. “You’re tired,” he mumbled. “You should rest.”
I should have gotten up, gone to my own room. But the sofa bed was actually comfortable, and it had been a long day. As Rufus stroked my hair and cheeks, I found myself drifting away. My last thought was whether or not my eyes would be crusty in the morning.
Chapter 9
Iawoke on the sofa and found Rufus gone. My hands immediately flew to my face. Was I crusty?
Only minor flakes could be found in the corners of my eyes, and the pillow beneath my head was dry. No drool had escaped my mouth, so I considered that a total win.
A note lay on Rufus’s pillow.
I had some hunting to do early this morning. Didn’t want to wake you. I’ll check in this afternoon. Maybe dinner? This time minus the arson?
I smelled the note to see if it carried his scent.
“What are you doing?” Lady asked, padding into the room.
I quickly hid the note. “Nothing. Just nothing. What about you?”
“I’ve been eyeing this cat across the street who likes to show me its butt through the window.”
“Sounds like quite the show.”
