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I keep a watchful eye on his back, waiting for those muscles to tense. That’s when I know I’m getting closer to a strike. Hopefully a spanking too, but I doubt those threats are real. He probably thinks he’s just making me uncomfortable.

“Bananas come from a flower with only one ovary, while strawberries are classified as aggregate fruits because they form from a flower with multiple. That’s interesting, right?”

I pick up my speed until I’m walking next to him. Reed doesn’t bother glancing my way. Smiling to myself, I take that as my mission to get so far under his skin he really does bend me over.

CHAPTER13

Reed

Iknow what he’s doing. The moment I told him I was going to bend him over and basically shove my dick into him, I knew he was going to get on my nerves. Noah likes to be a little brat when he’s upset. I may not have known him for long, but it’s one thing that’s clear as day. He wants attention on him all the time. And I find myself wanting to give him that craving. Even if he’s a blabbermouth.

“Wanna hear a joke?”

I don’t say anything, knowing he’s going to tell me anyways.

“How many paws does a white cat have?”

Peering over at Noah, I find him already staring at me. His lips spread into a smile, waiting for me to answer.

“Four,” I mutter. I play along; it's better to put him out of his misery than make him throw a fit.

“Great, okay, now how many tails does a white cat have?”

I sigh, regret slipping in, “One.”

“Now, how many eyes does a cat have?”

“Are you getting to the point of this joke?” I ask.

“Come on, just answer the question.” Noah sticks his bottom lip out. My steps falter to a stop, a flash of light shining into his captivating green eyes. The color reminded me of the forest back at the cabin. The flick of gold and brown adding just enough intensity to his gaze, I begin to lose myself in what secrets and stories he holds. He’s drawing me in, and he has no idea. The space around us seems to become a little brighter. I’m suddenly not worried about the dangers that could pop out at us. Standing here in his presence feels like a pleasure I had no idea I had. The world almost feels too harsh for Noah to be in it. Like he doesn’t understand how dangerous it is to be standing next to me.

“Reed?” Noah's brows furrow together, tilting his head as he studies me. For maybe the first time, I don’t mind him wanting to understand me. Right now if he were to ask anything, I find myself wanting to answer. I might not know much about Noah, but at this moment, he’s making it difficult to restrain myself. I want to shove my worries away and claim him. I always thought people were crazy when they said love at first sight. Not that I’m saying I love him, but for maybe the first time in my life, I’m not afraid of the word. I want to know what it would be like for someone to love me, for someone to want me because of me. Not because I’m someone or something else.

Just because I’m me.

“Are you okay?” He asks. Noah breaks eye contact with me, glancing around. Shaking my head, I snap out of whatever trance he put me in. Quick to start walking again, I refuse to acknowledge whatever was going on inside my head. Noah is just a means to an end. I’m going to Georgia, to the cabin, and then he’s off on his own.

“You didn’t answer me. How many eyes does a white cat have?” He asks me again.

“Two,” I mumble.

“Correct. Now, how many feathers does a chicken have?”

This has to be a trick question, but nonetheless, my brain still thinks it can come up with a number.

“I don’t know.”

“Hmmm, you sure know more about pussy than cock.”

I lose my footing for a moment, nearly face planting to the ground. My jaw just about hits my chest. The things that Noah thinks about make me wonder if he’s fully sane.

“Admit it, it was pretty funny.”

I shake my head,refusingto admit to anything. Even if under my muzzle I’m smiling, just a small one.

“You’re no fun.” Noah grumbles under his breath. If only he knew the thoughts running through my head, he wouldn’t have said that.

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