Chapter 16
Eleanor
Before I even open my eyes, a wonderfully blissful smile stretches across my face. I turn over and reach for Shinsu, ready to cuddle and maybe even start the day off by returning last night’s favor, only to find his spot empty and cold to the touch. My eyes fly open as my hand connects with a note, and I quickly scan over Shinsu’s neat handwriting.
Good morning, my muse
I ran out for a couple of errands early this morning, but I hope to be back before you even open yourbeautiful eyes.
If I’m delayed for some reason, please feel free to use the shower, or stay in bed as long as you’d like. Do anything you want.
My home is your home.
-Your Shinsu
I press the letter to my heart as I gaze around Shinsu’s bedroom, then indulge myself with the urge to squeal and kick my feet out of pure giddiness.
MyShinsu. That’s who he is, who he was, and who will always be. It’s like I’m living the dream my young self secretly wished for, but this is so much better. And Shinsu is so much hotter than I could’ve predicted. Nicer too. And sexier. And that voice of his… yum.
I reread the note again, allowing an unrestrained smile to spread across my face. Perhaps past me would’ve taken the sentence about the shower as Shinsu telling me I stink, but based on how many times he sniffed me last night and all the comments he’s made about my scent, I know that’s not the case. Part of me almost considers not even washing. However, it’s book club day and there’s no way I’d do that to any of the other creatures with sensitive noses.
I wonder if they’d be able to tell something more has happened. Lucille totally would if I showed up in my work clothes as opposed to my usual Starry Hill-only dresses. Would anyone ask me about it? Would they be curious?
Who am I kidding? There aren’t any real secrets in this small town. All the Starry Hill creatures know everything about each other.
The thought motivates me to get out of bed and I quickly tidy the room before I head over to the bathroom to clean up. I debate with myself whether I should wash my hair or not, counting the days since my last everything shower versus the risk of walking around with untamed curls without my straightener here. Perhaps it wouldn’t be as noticeable if I put my wet hair in a bun after?
Decision made once I spot Shinsu’s range of products, I grab the lavender shampoo and pat myself on the back for stepping out of my comfort zone yet again. If this keeps going I might even consider myself adventurous soon.
With freshly washed hair still dripping down my back, I stand in my towel and stare down at my work bra, mentally cursing the underwire that’s going to be stabbing me all day once I wrestle my breasts into the torture device.
“Nori?” Shinsu calls, and I automatically check that all my bits are covered even though he’s literally had his hands all over me, andinme, last night.
A thrill races down my spine and goose bumps tingle along my skin as I replay some of Shinsu’s words followed by that look of complete devotion while he made me come.
“I’m in here,” I splutter, trying to clear my mind so I don’t stink up the place again, then open the door a crack.
Shinsu stops outside the bathroom and his eyes take a moment to scan every visible inch of me before he breathes out, “Good morning.”
I bite my lip and my cheeks burn as I grin back at him, opening the door further so he can see all of me. “Hi.” In the back of my mind a sliver of insecurity niggles at me, wonderingif Shinsu thinks I look like a drowned rat, but I squish that unwelcome thought like the pest it is as a flurry of scales erupts along Shinsu’s arms and he reaches down to adjust himself.
A couple of seconds pass where Shinsu simply stares at me as if he doesn’t believe I’m really here, then he holds out a paper bag. “I brought you something to wear,” he says after clearing his throat. “And a toothbrush. And a hairbrush. And lotion. I don’t know if this is all you need, but we can get more stuff from The Winged Apple later.”
Taking the bag from him, I glance at the contents, my heart inexplicably full at the thought and effort he put into this. Yesterday, Shinsu asked me to trust him. He told me we’d figure something out. And he totally delivered.
Never before have I felt so taken care of as I do with Shinsu, and I can only hope he feels the same from me too. No matter what, I’ll do everything in my power to protect him and make things work between us. I want Shinsu to be my happy ending.
I put the bag down and move forward to fling my arms around his waist. “Thank you. Thank you so much. For everything.”
Shinsu holds me to him. “It’s my pleasure. I’d do anything for you.”
Looking up at him, I whisper back, “And I for you.”
I duck away before Shinsu can lean down to kiss me, needing to at least brush my teeth first. “Sorry. Let me get dressed quickly and get rid of this morning breath, then I’m all yours.”
“Is that a promise?” Shinsu asks, propping one arm against the doorjamb.
“If you want it to be.”
