Page 26 of Sobek’s Joy

A low, rumbling growl cut through the air. Rudy’s head whipped around. Sobek stood in the doorway, filling the frame with his considerable presence. His jaw was clenched, his shoulders were rigid, and his dark eyes were locked on the delivery driver with an intensity that made Rudy’s pulse jump.

The driver took a step back. “Uh. sir? Is everything all right?”

Another growl, deeper this time. Audible and unmistakable.

Did Sobek just growl?

“I’ll just...get the rest of the boxes.” The driver practically jogged back to the truck.

Sobek remained motionless, watching the man as if he were ready to jump on him and not in a sexy way. His hands were curled into fists at his sides.

Rudy bit down on a laugh. “Sobek.” No response. Just that unwavering stare tracking the driver’s every movement.

“Sobek, he’s just delivering packages.”

“He was touching you.”

“He was leaning on my porch railing.”

“He was flirting with you.”

“Okay, yes, maybe a little.” Rudy couldn’t hold back his grin anymore. “But I don’t think threatening him with your scary face is…”

“I did not threaten him.”

“You growled at him. Twice.”

Sobek’s jaw ticked. “I did not.”

“You absolutely did. I heard it. I’m pretty sure the neighbors three miles away heard it.”

The driver returned with the last stack of boxes, practically sprinting up the walkway. He dropped them, shoved a tablet at Rudy for a signature, and retreated without making eye contact. The truck’s engine roared to life seconds later.

Rudy watched the vehicle disappear down the drive in a cloud of dust, then turned to Sobek with his hands on his hips. “You scared him.”

“Good.”

“Sobek.”

“He should not have been speaking to you that way.” Sobek’s expression remained granite-hard. “You are not available.”

Something warm unfurled in Rudy’s chest. “I’m not?”

“No.”

“And why’s that?”

Sobek opened his mouth, then closed it. His fists unclenched slightly. “Because I...”

“Because you what?”

“Because you have three children and no time for delivery drivers who think they can…” Sobek made a sharp gesture. “Who think they can just smile and touch your railing and…”

Rudy laughed, completely thrilled. “You’re jealous.”

“I am not jealous.”

“You’re absolutely jealous. You went all territorial and growly, like the men in those stories I love to read.”