page23 (1/2)

There’s a twist of jealousy and guilt down inthe conflict that sneaks into the sweet moment

“I hope it’s a better Valentine’s gift than then candy and flowers?” he asks, his eyes twinkling as the mess of roses and empty chocolate boxes still decorate the counter

“It’s so pretty!” Linnie exclaims “And it doesn’t have any thorns”

I interpret a few es between Roan and Linnie, thankful for the moment of pause We went from zero to sixty upstairs and I can’t speak for hi like that and I’m shocked that I would accept such affection and physical connection with someone I barely know

Looking at Linnie’s sweet little face, I try to push away the thought of Roan’s tongue as it lapped and gave asm with anyone other than myself

I see how Roan looks at Linnie, desperate to give her what she needs, even as I can see she’s trying to keep him at a distance

“Linnie?” Roan starts, co his hands on her shoulders “I told you I proe, but for today, can you just use your voice and talk to me? Please?”

Her pouty little lips tighten, and she narrows her eyes I can see she trusts hi your parents will make any little kid twisted up I know

“Fine,” she answers, crossing her arms over her chest “For today”

“Thank you” He leans down and kisses the side of her head, even as she bends away at the touch “Okay, well” Roan looks around the kitchen like he’s in a foreign country “Where’s the cereal?”

I can’t even count how many cabinets there are, as well as three or four doors that could be pantries off the massive space

“I don’t like cereal,” Linnie replies, sitting up straight

“Since when?” Roan’s voice is tight but kind “The only thing I can get you to eat is Lucky Charms or Fruity Pebbles”

“Cereal is so last week” She licks her lips and I can see in her eyes she’s , but the frustration I see in Roan’s face is genuine