Page 85 of Not Looking
“Black, two sugars,” she responded, eyes narrow.
“I’m going to turn my back,” I said. “Please don’t attack me.”
She nodded slowly. “Michelle? Marco?”
“Yes?” the girl replied.
“Take Russy and go collect eggs. Then play outside until I call you back in.”
“Ok!”
The sound of scrambling, then both kids chanting, “Butt-nuggets! Butt-nuggets!”
She relaxed slightly as the kids exited.
I turned, strode to the kitchen, grabbed a mug, and prepared her coffee. Even with my back turned, I felt her eyes on me.
Coffee done, I carried it over and set it on the table. It felt like the safer option, rather than getting into her space enough to hand it to her.
Pounding as Randy rushed downstairs. “Sorry,” he mumbled as he stopped between his sister and me.
She reached out and set her hand on his shoulder, which made my alpha side want to protect him again.
“Are you ok?” she asked.
His cheeks turned pink as he nodded. “I… we’re fine.”
“We’re?”
“This… this is Craig. He’s… courting me.”
She scowled and glared at me. “You. Stay here.”
I nodded and took a seat at the table.
She studied me for several seconds, then guided Randy to the living room.
I couldn’t hear their conversation, but I didn’t need to. She was animated, expressing herself with her hands.
Randy—sweet Randy—didn’t look pleased. But he also stood up for himself. I could see it in the way he set his jaw or crossed his arms.
They spoke for a few minutes before returning.
“Craig,” Randy started. “This is my sister, Jessie. Jessie, this is Craig.”
“Nice to meet you,” I tried.
She nodded at me. “Same.”
I racked my brain, trying to figure out a way to break the tension. “Have you and the kids eaten?”
She blinked. “Umm… not yet?”
“I was going to make biscuits and gravy,” I replied. “I think there should be enough for everybody if I also make eggs.”
She glanced over at Randy, who shrugged.
“He’s a good cook,” my sweet omega said.
