Page 65 of First Kiss with a Mothman

“It’s…it’s not like that.” Reginald flies inside, and Selena follows me as I walk to the stairs.

“You’re right. I’m sure he doesn’t see you as some project to help.” My cheeks burn hot, but she continues, “Still, even if you weren’t blind, all relationships need some breathing room.”

“We’ve only been dating for like a couple of weeks.”

“It doesn’t take that much to grow resentful of someone I assume you’ve already fucked,” she murmurs. “I’m sorry, that was rude. What I meant was, one night apart from him might strengthen your relationship. You can show him you’re not dependent on him.”

We go up the stairs and reach my door. I fish out my keys and touch the knob. My cousin might actually raise a valid point; Mort will never say I’m a burden, or that I’m smothering him. Other than today, we’ve spent most of our free time together. Absence makes the relationship grow hotter, or whatever the saying is.

“Um…”

“Mall food court,” Selena sings.

I snicker. “Let me get dressed, then I’ll call Mort.”

“Oh, yay!” Selena hugs me, and I pat her back.

A minute later, I’m on the phone, alone in my room. I lean against the window as I explain to Mort details of my plans with my cousin. “And you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all,” Mort says.

“I promise we can hang out tomorrow.”

“No worries. You deserve to spend time with your family.”

I don’t hear an ounce of resentment or offense. “Cool.”

“And tomorrow we can do all the laundry you need.” He laughs, but my smile falls.

“We don’t have to. We can go down to the river, or just chill.”

“But we haven’t done laundry together in over a week.”

“I’ll be okay.”

“But you need―”

“I know what I need!” I say quickly. That was a tad louder than I needed it to be. Rubbing my eyebrows, I continue, “Mort, I promise I’m good with errands.”

“Um, okay.”

“I like hanging out with you doing nothing. Listening to music. Getting naked…” He chuckles over the phone, and I smile. “If I need your help, I’ll ask you.”

After a long pause, he replies, “I understand.”

If I had to guess, I’d bet his wings have stopped buzzing, but I power through. “I’m very much looking forward to our next date night.”

“Me too,” he replies happily. “But I don’t want to monopolize your leisure time.”

“You’re the best kind of leisure time.” I grin. “I’m the one who’s upended the solitude of your attic.”

“You didn’t upend anything,” he says with sincerity. Even over the phone, he sounds so sexy. “You two have fun. Goodnight, Arie.”

I love you, Mort Rain. The words almost escape my lips, but instead I say, “Goodnight, babe.” With that, I hang up and get ready for a night out with my cousin.

Chapter

Twenty