9. Zander

Chapter nine

Zander

L unch was fun. I’d been inside the shield when it was set so the house would let me in when I showed up for supper. Axl wanted the pool inside so he could swim all year long. He also wanted to play outside. Killy loved the separate spaces, and we talked about doing something like the pavilion in the front, just with a bathroom, a hearth, and a way to close it for winter gatherings.

We bounced around ideas for possible entertainment, and Gio suggested soccer. There was enough space in the front to play on the other side of the gravel drive, adding a little more fun to Pride meetings.

Killy liked the idea after he asked me if I thought MacLaden Pride would like it. Sophie showed up, and Killy invited her in again. She joined us, and I was there long enough to meet her and leave again to make my appointment.

I couldn’t stop thinking about all the little touches between Killy and me. His skin was warm, and his hands were calloused. What would they feel like on other places?

When I had to leave, he walked me to the work truck and hugged me again. “We’re having steak on the grill. The kids will play, and we’ll possibly swim, so bring your trunks?”

“I’ll do that.” I smiled, and he stepped back, taking my hat.

“Cool,” he said, fingering a lock of my hair. “It’s gold.”

I shrugged. “A little of Fate, and a lot of Thesis.”

“I like it,” he murmured, putting the squatchee on backwards. Damn, he looked good in a hat. “I’ll see you later.”

“You will.” I climbed in the truck, and he waited until I turned onto the road.

That was good, Crow thought.

It was. I couldn’t wait for tonight. It would be my first date.