Page 43 of Entangled
“You know what? Get over it.” I wave my finger at him. “I’m still angry with you. We don’t attack nice men who have dinner with Mommy. It’s not cool. Totally uncalled for. In fact, you’re not getting any catnip for a week, mister.”
Unfazed, he squints and settles on my pillow like he’s claiming me.
“Good thing you’re cute.”
I cross the room and plop into my desk chair, then log on to my computer. It’s too late to order something for delivery today, but I’m going to make damn sure Henry shows up on my doorstep tomorrow. I bring up my grocery app and add coffee to my cart. Does he like French roast or Columbian? Since I have no clue about his coffee preferences, I order both. And a light roast too.
My laptop pings with a notification on Myst, so I sign-in to the network and check my new messages. There’s one from Mr. Maximus. My stomach hits the floor when I remember how I ended our session last night. It’s crazy how much can happen in less than twenty-four hours. I take a deep breath and open the message.
Mr. Maximus: How are the birds?
What birds?Shit. He’s talking about the non-existent kamikaze window birds. I chew my lip and try to formulate a logical response.
Lady Lionessa: They died.
Mr. Maximus: Sorry to hear that. Did you bury them?
No, I gave them a Viking funeral.
Lady Lionessa: Yes. It took a long time because it was freezing out and the snow was deep.
Mr. Maximus: Couldn’t you ask someone to help you dig?
Maybe if there was someone to ask.
Lady Lionessa No. I live alone.
Mr. Maximus: What about a neighbor?
“Stop being so fucking logical,” I mutter, trying to remember how much I’ve told him about my personal life.
Lady Lionessa: They weren’t home, so I had to deal with it myself.
Mr. Maximus: That sucks. Sorry. You should invest in some bird tape.
Lady Lionessa: I’m sorry, what?
Mr. Maximus: It’s translucent reflective tape that you stick on the outside of your windows, so birds know there’s a barrier.
Lady Lionessa: I’ll get right on that. Thanks for the suggestion.
Mr. Maximus: I have another suggestion.
Lady Lionessa: And that is?
Mr. Maximus: Let’s pick up where we left off last night.
Twelve hours ago, I would’ve jumped at the opportunity to distract myself. Right now? Guilt floods my system with the thought of undressing for him after everything that happened with Henry. While I don’t know exactly where we stand, judging by his reaction to my excitement over meeting Austin, I’m sure Henry wouldn’t appreciate it.
What does that mean for my Myst side hustle? I’m not dumb enough to quit a job for a guy I just met, but my whole reason for being a cam girl is companionship. If I can get that with Henry, do I still need to strip naked for strangers? No. I don’t. But it’s still too early to tell if what we share is sustainable, so it’s in my best interest to hang on to my position for the time being.
Mr. Maximus: Hello?
Lady Lionessa: Today isn’t good for me. I have some appointments.
Mr. Maximus: No problem. You let me know what works for you, and I’ll make myself available.
Must be nice to have such a flexible schedule. Although, I don’t exactly have bosses breathing down my neck either.
