Page 40 of Maneater

After Rex brings everything to the table and we start going through the selection of sandwiches, salads, and scones, I jump as something taps my leg. I peer down and am met with Winston’s pleading, shoe button eyes. His whiskers twitch and he gives me another tap with his paw.

Rex sets down the second half of the sandwich he’s already been working on and leans forward.

“Winston, no! That’s not polite. Wait over there until it’s your turn.”

Rex points to a tall structure made from thick carved branches, reaching the stone ceiling. The beautiful piece must be Winston’s treehouse. I note the artistry, how the faux leaves and moss-covered limbs have turned it into something beyond a pet accessory.

“Wow.” I watch as Winston scurries toward the pet tree and climbs to the platform at the top in a flash. “Is that one of your creations?”

Rex is already back to eating, but he nods while he finishes off his second sandwich.

“So that’s the type of thing you’ll be taking to sell at the solstice?”

Rex wipes his mouth then crumples up the paper napkin. “Yeah. But not everything is that big. I do a lot of leather collars, toys, slings to carry smaller animals, and so on.”

He’s been telling me bits and pieces about the big bash coming up, and I really wish I could go. Not only because I’ll miss him while he’s gone, but I’m so curious. It sounds as if humans can go if they’re personally invited. Maybe Rex thinks I’m too scared to go. He did say he’s been holding back.

“The solstice sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun.” I’m racking my brain for something to say that might finagle an invitation without being too obvious. “I bet your booth is very popular.”

Rex rubs his chin. “I usually do pretty well. I have more preorders this year than ever before. I even had to rent a bigger space.”

Damn. I really want to go. “That’s awesome, congrats.” Think, doofus. “I know you have to be careful and everything, but are you allowed to take pictures? That way I can see what it’s like.”

Rex stares at me, his eyes sort of glazed over. Oh man, I went too far. I bet he’s thinking I’m using him to get proof of cryptids, that I’m trying to make money or be famous. Why couldn’t I keep my big mouth shut?

Rex licks his lips. “Is that something you’d want to do?”

“See pictures?” I should dial it back, so he doesn’t get the wrong idea about my interest. But he must know how I feel about him. Doesn’t he? “I’d love to, but only if it’s okay. I don’t want you to get into trouble or anything. You can always just tell me all about it when you get back.”

Rex shifts in his seat. “Wouldn’t you rather see everything firsthand?” He coughs into his fist. “I mean, pictures don’t really do the event justice.”

No way. I’m much better at finagling than I realized.

“You mean you really want me to go with you?”

Rex lets out a long sigh. “You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted to invite you. I was planning on asking you tonight, but I’ll be honest, I was on the verge of chickening out.”

“Then, yes.” I’m grinning so hard, my cheeks ache. “I’d love to.” A thread of doubt interrupts my excitement. “Your friends won’t mind, will they?”

“Are you kidding?” Rex scoots his chair closer to mine, gathering my hand between his palms. “They’ll be so thrilled that I’m not solo for the first time in forever. Plus, I know they’ll love you.”

“And you said there are monsters who have humans as their partners, too, right?”

“Absolutely.” He smiles. “I’m so excited. I wish we could leave tonight.”

I laugh, but I feel the same way. “Yeah, but we get to be alone tonight, so that’s even better.”

Rex and I lock gazes, and for a moment, I think he’s going to pounce on me. Instead, he abruptly rises.

“I’d better clean all this up so Winston doesn’t get into it.” He’s closing containers and piling up sandwich wrappers.

“Let me help, Rex.”

I rise as well, and when he turns to respond, we bump into each other. My chin hits his clavicle, and I stumble back. He grabs me by my waist to keep me from falling and brings me flush to his body.

We both freeze, gazes locked, the only sound being our rapid breathing.

I don’t know who moves first, but it doesn’t matter. Our kiss holds more need and intent than any we’ve shared before.