Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
Liesje has a deck of cards that she made for herself out of some stiff plas, and we teach Sinath how to play gin rummy and go fish.
That’s when I learn a few things.
One is that Sinath is constantly watching me. Whenever I look up from my cards, his gaze is focused on my mouth or my eyes. When I smile, he looks entranced. I’ve never been the target of so much intense scrutiny and it makes me blush, which I suspect only draws his attention even more.
The other thing I learn is that Sinath has zero poker face. None. Whenever he gets a good card, he lights up like he’s won a prize. His tail thumps with excitement. He’s obvious about everything.
And he’s being really, really obvious that he’s into me.
At first I dismissed it as him being nice. That we’re friendly with a common task—making Liesje smile again. But seeing all the gifts he bought me changed things. Or maybe it was when he wrapped me up in a blanket and carried me like I was precious. At some point, he’s stopped being a pain in my ass and started being…fascinating. Exciting. Fun to be around.
No wonder Liesje thinks we’re together. He’s constantly watching me as if I’m the greatest thing he’s ever seen.
It makes me wish I’d done more than knit him a stupid sock and a couple of horn tassels.
It definitely makes me wish I’d kissed him more. Because now Christmas is over, and there’s no reason for him to swing by and talk to me. No reason for us to meet up. He might continue to be friends with Liesje, but unless I constantly show up on her doorstep in the hopes that he’s there, I won’t see him. I could go into town and hunt him down, but that feels…uncomfortably forward. Like I’m putting myself out there when I could be reading him wrong.
After all, I’m not sure I can take a man who calls himself “Sin” too seriously. He might be just goofing around. Being friendly to ease the situation. After all, it’s easier to get along with women that are flattered by you instead of angry ones.
Hmm. I toss down another card, not even paying attention to the game.
“I lose,” Liesje says with a yawn. She gets to her feet and stretches, then heads over to the window and the “Christmas” tree. I watch as she touches the leaves, a little smile on her face. Sinath was so right to suggest getting her a real tree. I’m annoyed I didn’t think of it myself.
A warm, callused finger brushes mine and I gasp, looking up.
“Your turn,” Sinath says, and I could swear his touch lingers on mine for just a fraction longer than it needs to.
My face gets hot again. I have no idea why I’m acting like a nervous virgin. Just because some alien guy paid a bit of attention to me? Sad. I toss down another card and make a face when he immediately trumps mine. Well, whatever. “We should be wrapping up anyhow,” I point out. “We’ve overstayed our welcome.”
“Nonsense,” Liesje says, turning to us. “And have you seen the weather? It’s terrible. You two should stay the night. I can’t have you sledding around in this kind of storm. You’ll crash into something.”
I get to my feet and move to the window, so I can get a better look at the storm myself. Much to my chagrin, the storm has turned into an absolute blizzard. Instead of clearing up, it’s pouring more snow than ever, and the skies are dark with ominous clouds. Outside the window, the snow is piled high on the ground, blanketing everything. Biting my lip, I debate how bad the short flight home will be.
“You two should stay here tonight,” Liesje announces again. “I know it’s a bit crowded in here, but it’s warm and safe. Sin can send a message to his co-workers to tell him that he’s staying here to be safe, and I can lay out a bed for the two of you near the heater.”
I look over at Sinath.
I should say something. Point out that we’re not really lovers. Tell Liesje she’s mistaken and we can barely get along. He watches me with hooded eyes, his tail swaying in a hypnotic fashion. He’s not speaking up. He’s waiting for me to say something.
“That’d be lovely,” I manage. “Thank you.”
Chapter
Twelve
DEVIN
It isn’t until a short time later, when Liesje is handing me a pair of pajamas, that I realize what I’ve gotten into. Of course I’ll need to change into pajamas if I’m going to be sleeping next to my supposed boyfriend. My tunic and pants are comfortable enough but it’ll seem weird if I refuse to change.
And what the heck is Sinath going to wear?