Chapter 10

TEN

F ia turned to him, surprise evident on her face. She couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes seemed to linger on her, a warmth in their golden depths that made her heart skip a beat. “Are you sure? I don’t want to burden you...”

Sayer’s expression softened, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “It’s not a burden, Fia. You deserve a night out.” He stepped closer, and Fia caught a whiff of his clean, spicy scent. “Besides, it’ll be good for Vienna and me to have some bonding time. I was thinking of introducing her to the finer points of lion cuisine. How do you feel about antelope puree?”

The room erupted in laughter, and Fia found herself joining in, the tension in her shoulders easing. The sincerity in Sayer’s voice, coupled with his playful joke, touched her deeply.

“Well, as long as you promise not to turn my niece into a carnivore overnight,” Fia teased back, surprised by her own boldness.

Sayer’s grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eye. “No promises. She might develop a taste for the wild side.”

Celeste cleared her throat loudly, reminding Fia and Sayer that they weren’t alone. “So, it’s settled then? Fia’s coming to ladies’ night, and Sayer’s on baby duty?”

Fia glanced around at the expectant faces of her new friends, then back at Sayer. His encouraging nod was all she needed. “Okay, then. I guess I’m in for ladies’ night.”

The women cheered, while Sayer’s smile softened into something that made Fia’s heart flutter.

“Great!” Tabitha clapped her hands excitedly. “Now, let’s talk outfits. Fia, darling, please tell me you have something that shows off those curves. Our lion friend here might need a little reminder of what he’s missing while he’s on diaper duty.”

Fia about fainted as Sayer’s gaze traveled appreciatively over her form. “I, uh... I’m sure I can find something,” she managed to stammer.

As the women launched into a lively discussion about fashion and the best places in town for a girls’ night out, Fia couldn’t help but steal glances at Sayer. He lingered in the doorway, his presence both comforting and exhilarating.

For the first time since arriving in Whispering Pines, Fia felt a spark of excitement for something beyond her responsibilities to Vienna. Maybe, just maybe, she could have it all – a loving home for her niece, new friendships, and the possibility of something magical with Sayer.

After the women left, promising to meet up later at the community center, Fia retreated to her room to get ready. As she rifled through her closet, her mind kept drifting back to Sayer. The memory of their kiss lingered, sending shivers down her spine.

She shook her head, trying to focus. They needed to keep things professional for Vienna’s sake. But every time she closed her eyes, she saw Sayer’s intense gaze, felt the ghost of his lips on hers...

Fia’s phone rang, the cheerful tone cutting through her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, smiling when she saw the caller ID.

“It’s Posey,” she called out to Sayer in the living room with Vienna.

“Ah, my sister,” Sayer replied, his voice warm with affection. “Tell her I said hello.”

Fia answered the call, settling onto her bed. “Posey! How are you?”

Sayer’s sister’s vibrant voice filled the line. “Fia, hey! I’m fantastic. Just checking in on my favorite soon-to-be sister-in-law and that adorable niece of mine. How’s everything going?”

Fia chuckled at Posey’s teasing tone even as her heart fluttered at the implication. “What are you talking about? Soon-to-be-sister-in-law?”

“Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?”

Fia laughed. “Sure, just don’t get angry if it stays just a dream. As for how everything is, all’s good. Vienna’s growing so fast, you won’t believe it when you see her.”

As they chatted about Vienna and Posey’s upcoming visit, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

“So,” Posey said, her tone casual but laced with curiosity, “how are things with my brother? He’s treating you well, I hope? No unexpected roars in the middle of the night or shedding all over the furniture?”

Fia pictured Sayer in his lion form. “Oh, um, yes. Sayer’s been very... supportive. And surprisingly neat for a big cat.”

Posey’s laugh tinkled through the phone. “That’s good to hear. You know, Fia, I hope you won’t let fear of the unknown keep you from exploring something special with Sayer. Even if that unknown involves the occasional hairball.”

Fia’s breath caught. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on,” Posey teased. “Don’t play coy with me. I’ve known my brother his entire life, and I’ve never heard him purr the way he does when he talks about you. So, tell me. On a scale of ‘meh’ to ‘meow,’ how attractive do you find my dear brother?”

Fia sputtered, nearly choking on her own saliva. “Posey! I... that’s not... we’re just co-parenting!”

“Uh-huh,” Posey drawled, clearly unconvinced. “And I’m the Queen of Sheba. Come on, Fia. I’ve seen the pictures he’s sent. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed those arms. Or that jawline. Or the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles...”

“All right, all right,” Fia conceded, her face burning. “He’s... not unattractive.”

“‘Not unattractive’?” Posey repeated incredulously. “Honey, that’s like saying chocolate is ‘not unappetizing.’ Give me a little more here. Has there been any... tension? Lingering glances? Accidental touches that sent sparks flying?”

Fia’s mind flashed to the countless moments she and Sayer had shared – the brush of his hand as he passed her a cup of coffee, the intensity in his eyes when he looked at her across the room, the warmth of his body when they stood close.

“Maybe... a little,” Fia admitted reluctantly.

“I knew it!” Posey crowed triumphantly. “Look, I know my brother can seem like a workaholic with a mane, but he’s really a kind, caring guy. Women have been trying to get him to commit for as long as I can remember. But you... there’s something different about the way he talks about you. It’s like he’s finally found his pride, you know?”

Fia’s heart raced at Posey’s words. “I... I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Posey replied gently. “Just... keep an open mind, okay? And maybe invest in some catnip. You know, just in case.”

Fia couldn’t help but laugh. “Posey!”

“What? I’m just saying, a little catnip goes a long way with shifters. Now, about that baby products store... any chance you’re considering a line of shifter-friendly teething toys? I’m thinking maybe a squeaky antelope or a plush gazelle...”

As Posey launched into her ideas for the store, Fia’s mind whirled with the possibilities she had hinted at. Could there really be something more between her and Sayer? And more importantly, was she ready to take that leap?

After hanging up, Fia resumed getting ready for ladies’ night. She chose a cute red dress that hugged her curves and made her feel sexy.

As she applied a touch of mascara, her gaze drifted to a photo of Vienna on her dresser. The little girl’s bright smile reminded her of why she was here and the responsibility she’d taken on.

But Posey’s words echoed in her mind. Why couldn’t she be a good guardian to Vienna and explore her feelings for Sayer? The two weren’t mutually exclusive.

Fia made her way downstairs, her heart skipping a beat as she caught sight of Sayer in the living room. He was sprawled on the couch, Vienna curled up on his chest as they watched a colorful animated movie.

The sight of them together, so comfortable and content, filled Fia with emotion she couldn’t quite name. Sayer looked up, his eyes widening as he took in her appearance.

“Wow,” he said softly. “You look beautiful, Fia.”

Fia felt a blush creep up her neck. “Thank you,” she murmured. She crossed the room, bending to place a gentle kiss on Vienna’s forehead. “Be good for Uncle Sayer, okay, sweetie?”

As she straightened, she found herself mere inches from Sayer’s face. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

“I should go.”

Sayer nodded, his gaze still intense. “Have fun. Don’t worry about us.”

As Fia headed out the door, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. The memory of Sayer’s eyes, dark with passion, lingered in her mind.

She climbed into her car but before taking off, Fia allowed herself one last glance back.

In the warm glow of the living room window, she saw Sayer stand, Vienna cradled in his arms. He raised a hand in farewell, a small smile playing on his lips. Goddess, he was so handsome.

Fia smiled and waved back, her heart squeezing at the image of them there. It looked so perfect. A family. Could they make it a reality? A real family for Vienna? A real family for…her?