Read All's Fair in Love and Lion for Free Online Page B

either side of me. Leaning against the edge of the counter, I will my heart to slow down.
    “I won’t hurt you.”
    I lick my lips. “I don’t have much experience with men.”
    He moves closer. My heart rams against my chest. “Let me see if I can reassure you.”
    “Um . . .” I search for something to say.
    “Shhh. Just relax.”
    He lowers his head and presses his lips on mine. I lose track of time, where I am, and everything except the thundering in my ears and the feel of Monroe’s strong arms. When he draws me closer, the scent of spring grass and sunshine fills my senses. His groan makes my heart flutter. A soft moan escapes me. His hands plunge through my hair. My legs feel like melted butter. I lean into his arms. His grip tightens and more tingles shoot down my arms and legs.
    A high-pitched whistle from the kettle causes us to break apart.
    “Noisy thing,” Monroe addresses the kettle. Hazily I take kettle off the burner. He stands behind me, his arms around my waist. Burying his face in my hair, he lets out an appreciative murmur. “Mmm, your hair smells of sunflowers.”
    “Do you want tea?” Popping a teabag into the cup, I pour the water and hand it to him.
    “I hardly ever drink tea.”
    “It’s got a calming effect on me.”
    “Shall we find a more comfortable setting, or do you prefer to stand?”
    “We can sit in the living room.” I lead the way and plop down on my old tan suede couch. He sits beside me and takes a sip from his cup.
    “Well?”
    “Not bad, but I still prefer wine or beer.” He winks at me. “No matter.” He sets our mugs aside. “Are you all right?”
    I clasp and unclasp my hands. “I’m not used to you being real.”
    His gaze holds mine. “I told you I was.”
    “It never seemed possible.”
    “Dreams can come true,” he says. “Despite how silly that sounds.”
    I bite my lip. “Like a fairy-tale?”
    “Unlike the fairy-tales, though, I’m as real as you.”
    “I’m realizing that,” I whisper.
    Monroe asks what books are my favorites, the things he saw in my mind, and my dreams for the future.
    “I want a family,” I confess, as he strokes his thumb over my hand. I meet his gaze. “You know, children. My family life was so distant after my parents died. I reminded my aunt too much of her brother, my dad. Plus, she has her own children.” I swallow. “Can we talk about something else?”
    “Having a family with you would be a gift.”
    “What if you’re wrong about us?”
    He brings my hand to his lips. “I have faith we’re meant to be, or I wouldn’t pursue you.” He winks again. “Besides, I don’t want anyone else. You’re stuck with me.”
    “I barely know you.”
    “Get to know me. Ask me anything you want. Besides, I’m hoping you’ll marry me one day.”
    “Marry you?”
    He cocks his head to one side, his eyebrows knit together. “Don’t you Firstlings have marriage?”
    “Well . . . yes. But, don’t you think it’s rather soon?”
    “Nonsense!”
    For a minute I’m speechless. “I’m serious. We hardly know each other.”
    When he answers, his voice has a note of impatience. “Sasha, you’ve dreamt of me for many nights. Haven’t you learned anything about me during that time?”
    “I know you’re good, kind, and honorable. How is that enough?”
    “Let’s get to know each other and revisit this topic another time, all right?”
    “But . . .”
    “Trust me.”
    “I told you in my dreams I wasn’t looking for a husband. I mean, I want one someday . . . but, you know how shy I am!”
    Ever since Monroe entered my life I’ve felt a little different. Especially since the thought of being Monroe’s wife has crossed my mind. But, how do I tell him? I don’t know what’s come over me. I’ve always felt my only place was my job. Now it’s changing. If my friend Mel knew, would she wonder what’s come over me? And what would I say, when I can’t figure it out?
    “All the more reason for me to