Page 10 of Beast of the Bayou

We chuckle together. Reaching out, I nuzzle behind his ear. He purrs in satisfaction. "Thank you," I say. He nips my finger softly in response.

Getting out of bed, I prepare for the day. Just as I'm sliding into my shoes, her scent becomes stronger. Her heartbeat pounds as she makes her way down the hallway to my room. She's nervous. I hear her mumbling to herself:

"Relax, Lila. Just give him his breakfast and try not to stare too hard. So what if he's fine?"

I smile, looking over at Edgar, grooming himself. "She thinks I'm attractive."

He pauses. "Was there ever any doubt?" he drawls before resuming.

Smoothing my shirt down, I take a seat at the table. Her footsteps slow. She's right outside the door now. I swallow down my saliva and inhale.

"Mr. Mourne?" She knocks softly. "It's Lila. I have your breakfast. Should I leave it out here?"

I shoot a glance over at Edgar. He waves his paw at me. Taking a deep breath, I walk to the door. I open it just as her hand is poised to knock again. She looks even more beautiful today.

"Hi! Good morning," she chirps with a smile dropping her hand. "I hope it's okay that I knocked instead of just leaving it out here again. Didn't want it to get cold."

She has the most beautiful eyes. Somehow she smells even better than she did when I first met her.

Lila squints. "Mr. Mourne?"

Not realizing that I'm staring, I clear my throat. "Yes. Knocking is fine. Thank you." I take the tray from her.

"Okay then." She rubs her palms down her dress nervously. "I hope you enjoy it."

I grunt a response that makes me sound like a caveman, and nod. She gives me a small smile and turns to walk away. She's a few feet away when she turns back. Her heart skips. Her breath quickens.

Coming back over, she looks up at me. "I—I was wondering if later…maybe you'd like to have lunch with me. It just doesn’t seem right that you have to eat alone all the time," she says softly.

A warm feeling settles over me as I stare into her eyes. Just a simple request for anyone else, but it seems monumental to me. "I'm used to being alone," I respond low.

"I know."

Then she lifts her hand and rests it gently on my forearm. I can feel that gentle touch radiating through my entire body.

"But wouldn't it be nice to eat with a friend?"

"A friend?" I murmur.

She laughs lightly and it’s the prettiest sound I've ever heard.

"Yes. A friend. I don't know 'bout you, but I sure could use one."

Edgar meows behind me. I glance back and he's looking at me with narrowed eyes. I turn back towards her. "Yeah. I'd like that."

Her smile deepens. "Really?"

The expression is so infectious, I can't help but to smile back. "Lunch sounds good, Lila. Thank you."

She gives my arm a quick squeeze. "No. Thank you. For everything."

I shake my head in confusion. "I haven’t done anything yet."

"You've offered your home to me and given me safety. That means more than you'll ever know, Mr. Mourne."

Safety? Me?

She thinks I'm safe for her.