Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 51003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 255(@200wpm)___ 204(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 255(@200wpm)___ 204(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Having no fucking idea how parents named kids, I shrugged. “I think it’s fun that you guys get to pick human names.”
The ones I’d seen on TV and even Nano had picked interesting ones to say the least.
“It has been an educational experience as you call it to become knowledgeable in enough human subjects to pick a monicker.” Looking proud of himself, he puffed up again. “I am well cultured in human subjects. Never fear.”
Oh.
He had to basically take a master’s level course on being a human before he could pick a name. Duh. Yeah, that would make him smart enough to brag about.
“I was never worried. You came across as smart right away.” And happy. And sexy. “But I’m glad you found one that you like.”
I couldn’t speak the high school French I’d tried to learn without making my teacher wince. There was no way I could’ve said anything in his original language.
“I did.” He was very proud of it too, that was obvious, so I mentally prepared myself for anything that came out of his mouth.
Based on the gossip I’d heard, one of the guys who worked in the coffee shop down the street was dating a guy named Toaster.
Yep, big smile.
“I am Saint.”
Chapter 3
Colby
He was a motorcycle club character?
No.
Santa.
Saint Nick.
Either way, it was a good one.
“That’s a great name.” And so much better than what it could’ve been. “Do you like Christmas or just the holidays in general?”
I wasn’t going to assume he’d been reading motorcycle books until he brought that up.
“All human holidays provide insight and joy. However, I find Christmas to be highly entertaining.” He gave me another pat on the head as we made our way to the front of the office. “Humans have a plethora of cultural and religious holidays this time of year. You become happier by giving to others.”
As Saint held the door open, he shrugged. “Although the vibrant lights and colors this time of year may act to manipulate your brains. They are curiously designed.”
We might be fucking with our brains with the flashing lights?
Nope. I wasn’t even going to worry about that.
I liked the flashy lights.
“There’s a lot to like this time of year.” There were worse things for someone to get wrapped up in. “You picked a great name.”
“Thank you, my human.” Saint’s larger limb tightened around me and inched me closer as we headed out into the night. “Do you have any cravings? Humans desire specific foods for a variety of physical and psychological reasons.”
Something had Saint nearly tripping over his tentacles and giving me a wide-eyed look. “Please pick based on happy memories. I do not understand the human act of crying well enough to handle that emotional response in a public setting.”
Oh, poor guy.
“I don’t have any sad food memories.” What kind of guy picked a restaurant he knew would make him upset? “I have happy memories of making Christmas cookies with my mother. We can do that on our next date if you’d like.”
Probably shouldn’t have assumed I’d get a second date, but Saint didn’t mind. I got a hug that brought me right up against him and the way he was petting my head somehow felt more erotic, even though there was nothing inappropriate about it. “You wish to provide me with entertainment and holiday food? That sounds like a wonderful date, my human.”
Hoping I hadn’t somehow asked him to marry me because I’d offered to feed him, I nodded. “I think it’ll be fun.”
When wedding bells didn’t start to play and he didn’t say anything about owning me, I relaxed and let his possessive cuddling continue. He was definitely a give an inch take a mile kind of guy, because he’d caressed nearly every inch of me before I’d remembered he’d asked about food.
“There’s a good seafood place down that way and an Italian place the other direction. I like them both.” The best thing about working downtown was that nice restaurants weren’t hard to find. “Which sounds good to you? I like them both.”
And there was nothing truly filling about holiday-shaped cookies and cupcakes.
His choice didn’t surprise me. “Seafood, thank you.”
Saint steered us in that direction and we’d made it halfway across the plaza in front of the building before I realized something important. “Your coat. Did you bring one?”
“Our temperature regulation is different than for a human.” He seemed pleased that I’d noticed, though. “You are good at caretaking as well.”
“Thank you.” It seemed like the right response, but I felt awkward until I got his head pat.
“You are welcome, my human.” He frowned and reached over to pat the coat I was holding. “I will endeavor to caretake just as well for you.”
He was worried I was cold…right.
“I’m not cold yet. It’s not that windy. I brought it just in case but I promise to put it on if I get cold…or even chilly.” Based on his nod, he seemed to understand cold was worse than chilly. “I won’t be stubborn about that.”