I stand and catch him before he makes it to the kitchen counter to grab his backpack cooler.
“Don’t go?”
“I really should. I fell asleep and?—”
“It’s okay. We were planning on all of us sleeping over. Kicking it teen crush style with blankets all over the floor. It’ll be fun.”
“I don’t think my back would think it’s fun.” There’s just the smallest hint of a smile on Talon’s face.
“Well, since you’re a shifter, I know you don’t exactly have back problems, so that’s a bad excuse.”
“It does sound like fun. I never had a sleep over as a kid. Never got invited to one. People always thought I was too weird.”
I take his hands in mine. “You’re not too weird and I doubt you ever were. Kids are mean. Let’s heal your inner child.” I squeeze his hands.
“Why though? You have a bunch of friends. Why include me?”
“Because you deserve friends that cherish you. We all have big hearts and enough room for more.”
Talon swallows. “Wick says I have more friends than I realize, but I have no idea how to be a friend.”
“Then let us show you. You’ll be an excellent addition to the group.”
“Plus, you always have the best treats ever,” Beau says. There’s no way the bat shifter can’t hear us.
I shuffle Talon into my room and shut the door. Of course, there’s a bunch of silly kissy noises from our friends and Talon goes red.
“Why did you bring me in here?” he asks.
“For privacy. I’m done dancing around this. I like you Talon. I want to see you every day and I want to date. Ever since the first time I laid eyes on you, I’ve wanted to get to know you and over the years, I’ve seen a few facets of you. But I want to get to know the Talon no one else gets to see. I want to help you out of your shell, but only if you want that, too. I want you.”
As always, Talon goes red. He’s silent for so long, refusing to look me in the eye that I start to fidget.
“Say something, please.”
“No one ever wants me.”
“Iwant you.” I’ve laid my heart on the line. If he doesn’t want me back, it’ll sting, but I’ll move on. There are more people in Hex, but my heart wants the sweet and grumpy Talon.
“Let me talk to Lord Yelling for you.” Talon finally looks me in the eye. “Please. It can’t hurt.”
“Okay,” I whisper. “But if he starts getting radical, you get the fuck out of there, okay?”
He nods. “Is there anything I should know? Which court is he in? What?—”
I press a finger to his lips. “Tomorrow, we can discuss all that tomorrow. But now, let’s finish the movie and pass out.”
I grab my pillows from my bed and hand him one.
“I didn’t bring any night clothes.”
“That’s fine. You’re welcome to sleep in your underwear.” I wink and he surprises me by unbuttoning his shirt.
“Might take you up on that.” His glorious hairy chest comes into sight as he unbuttons more.
“Wait. Maybe don’t start undressing yet. You’ll get Sparkle all hot and bothered.”
Talon looks away. “I know he’s had a crush on me, but it’s always been you. Since the first time I heard you laugh. I couldn’t get it out of my head.”
