Read Mythe: A Fairy Tale for Free Online

the squirrels. She smiled when one chastised her from the branch of a nearby tree, vociferously chattering his displeasure.
    “I think you’re in his spot,” an amused voice informed her. Startled, she jumped, spilling tea on her leg.
    “Oh!” she exclaimed, blotting her leg with a napkin. She turned to find Richard looking down at her.
    “I’m sorry, Manda. I didn’t mean to startle you. Are you scalded?”
    “No, it wasn’t that hot,” she assured him, much too pleased to see him to be concerned about her leg anyway. He looked even more disconcertingly handsome than she remembered. His thick, dark brown hair was still damp from his morning shower. It curled up slightly at his collar, with one unruly lock falling across his eye and brushing his cheekbone “You’re certainly here early.”
    “We’re staying in the hotel there,” Richard informed her, gesturing to the building that contained the Aronson offices. The bottom floors housed a luxury hotel, while the upper floors were devoted to office space. “This is the only time of day I can enjoy some fresh air and peace downtown. What’s your excuse?” He sat down on the wall beside Manda, sipping from the paper cup he carried. Manda detected the aroma of fresh coffee.
    “I couldn’t sleep, so I just came on in. It’s nice to beat the rush hour crowds. It’ll be convenient for you guys, staying just downstairs from the office. You won’t even have to come outside and brave the crazed fans,” Manda teased.
    “Exactly,” he agreed, grinning. “It’s always such a shame to have to break out the tear gas just to get to a meeting.”
    “Yeah, the squirrels really hate that,” she confided. “So, are you guys in town for a while this time?”
    “Yes, actually. We’re going to make Denver our home-base for the foreseeable future. We’ll have to be in and out a little, but we’re pretty much going to be calling this home for the time being.”
    Manda was inordinately pleased by this news but she suppressed the thrilled smile that threatened to make her look like a giddy girl with a crush. “That’ll be nice. Better than flying in and out all the time.”
    “Definitely,” Richard agreed. “Commuting can get old. You said you liked missing the rush hour crowds. Do you commute far or do you live nearby?”
    “Well, that’s a matter of opinion. David lives nearby and according to him, I live in the southern annex of Wyoming. But it’s not that bad. I live in the northern suburbs. It takes me about half an hour by train. I like it though. It’s nice and quiet. Not so many people.”
    “Not a big fan of the crowds then?” Richard asked, amused.
    Manda’s lips quirked into a lopsided grin. “I prefer the humans in small doses.”
    Richard’s answering grin quickly turned into a frown. “Well, I suggest we go inside then, because here comes a whole pack of humans, and I for one don’t want to deal with them this early in the morning.” Richard sighed. As he spoke, the first wave of early commuters descended on the plaza from the train station across the street. Manda wrinkled her nose in disappointment. She’d been enjoying their impromptu conversation.
    “Shall we head up to your office, or will I be in the way? I know it’s not time for our meeting yet, but I’m at loose ends right now. Maybe you could show me around?” Richard’s request was tentative, allowing her latitude to refuse him if she wished. As if she wasn’t thrilled to have his company. It’s business, she reminded herself sternly.
    “Is Josh around? Won’t he wonder where you’ve gone?” Manda asked as they walked quickly toward the building entrance. Richard kept his face carefully turned away from the approaching crowd.
    “No. He’s not really a morning person. He’s probably still trying to wake up. I told him to meet me upstairs for the meeting. I can go entertain myself if you have things to do though.” Richard held the door open for Manda. She glanced