“I mean, my dick is always on the menu, but that’s not what I had planned for tonight.”
“Ooooh, there’s a menu?” Raya’s eyebrows waggle and I shake my head.
“Of course there’s a menu. You think I’d ask you to give me your Friday night without feeding you?”
Her little happy dance should be illegal with the way it draws my eyes straight to her breasts.
She chatters nonstop as I guide her to my car and drive us out to my place in a quieter neighborhood outside the main city. I’m surprised to find, not for the first time, that I genuinely enjoy listening to her and don’t have any inclination to tune her out like I would every single other person on this planet.
When we arrive, she bounces out of the car. It’s the first time I’ve invited her here, and I’m a little bit nervous.
Attempting to discreetly wipe my hands on my dark slacks as I lead her up to the door, I place one hand on her lower back. I tell myself it’s so I can touch her, but there’s also a part of me that wants anyone who may see us to know she’s mine. Raya smiles up at me, oblivious to my possessive thoughts.
“Oh, this place is so cute!” she says, looking around at the quaint front porch.
Unlocking the door and opening it with a flourish, I invite her inside as a few butterflies dart sideways in my stomach.
I look around, wondering what about my bachelor pad gives her the impression of cute. Meanwhile, Milton lets out a strangled sounding “mrow” from his usual place next to the key-bowl. Raya lets out an equally strangled sounding “ohstarshesocute!” as I give Milton the ‘be nice or else’ look. He knows there’s no ‘or else’ though, so I’m not sure how much good it does.
To my utmost surprise, he stands with his paws on the edge of the console table and leans toward Raya. She squeezesher hands to her chest, then holds one out for him to sniff. He nuzzles his head under it and purrs, rubbing against her fingers as she holds perfectly still. I sense her pulse skyrocket as she bites her lip, wide eyes sparkling.
“He’s perfect,” she whispers, and Milton turns his smug green eyes on me. I should have known they’d get along, her family are feline shifters, after all. He probably likes her better than me already.
Milton drops off the table and winds between our legs.
“Can I have a tour?” Her irresistible doe eyes turn my brain to jelly and I agree before I even realize what she’s asking.
A tour, right.
“Well, it’s not much, but it’s comfortable," I say, slipping off her raincoat and hanging it on the coat rack by the door before placing mine next to it. I like how they look hanging side by side.
“Living room.” I gesture forward as the space opens around us. “Kitchen is there, as you can see.”
Raya’s eyes roam around, taking in the details I rarely let others see.
“Bathroom is through there.” More gesturing and pointing, before I lead her down a hallway past the open kitchen and living areas.
“Bedroom is this way.” I take her hand, opening the door to my bedroom, and for some reason, holding my breath.
“Did someone design this for you? It’s not what I’d expect of a bachelor in his late twenties.” Raya pokes at my arm with a long, delicate finger and I snatch it before bringing it to my mouth for a playful nibble. She giggles as she turns and walks further into the room. It does something to me, seeing her in my space like this. She glows, her yellow dress and cheer bringing a new light to my bedroom.
“No, I did look into some design ideas though. I didn’t know where to start so I kind of copied other designs I liked.”
She nods, opening the door to the adjoining bathroom. Her eyes go wide as she freezes in place, and I hear her heart skip a beat. I panic for a moment, wondering what danger could possibly be lurking in my shower or toilet.
“This tub is incredible!” Raya’s eyes are sparkling as she turns back to me. “How do you not live in it all the time?”
I choke out a laugh, shoulders slumping in relief that there isn’t an axe murderer or wild boar in the bathroom. Then I add “sexy bath time” to my mental list of future plans with Raya.
I lean against the wall as she explores further, opening my nightstand drawers and perusing my bookshelf. When she gets to the dresser and starts pulling those drawers open too, I realize we could be here all night if I don’t put a stop to it.
“Oooookay, I think that’s enough snooping for now. You can do more later.” I snag her waist and pull her back to my chest, curling around her and burying my nose in her hair. “I didn’t know you were such a nosy little shifter.”
Raya’s tinkling laugh loosens my muscles and she wiggles, turning in my hold to sling her arms over my shoulders.
“I just want to know everything about you," she says.
I can’t blame her for that. I’ve had the exact same thought more than once, though it sounds much more innocent coming from her lips than it does when crossing my mind.
