Page 19 of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection (Amaranthine Interludes #3)

The following morning, Kip was still right there, sitting beside the bed, gazing up at two softly glowing, slowly twirling crystals, lost in thought.

When Joe mumbled a good morning, his bondmate quirked a rueful smile and shifted his blanketing tail.

Joe eased away from Jarrah, swung his feet to the floor, and reached for Kip, letting his fingertips glide over the curve of his cheek.

Kip tensed, and a new sense of expectancy fizzed between them.

So Joe whispered, “C’mere.”

Rolling into a crouch, Kip curved his tail into a question mark.

It was still way too dim to really see his freckles, let alone count them, but Joe wanted to make a beginning. So he wrapped his arms around Kip’s shoulders and pressed their cheeks together.

After a startled moment, Kip’s arms came around Joe’s waist, and he chirred.

So Joe added a nuzzle. Then a careful peck to capture several freckles.

Kip’s hold tightened.

He nuzzled again. “Hey, Alder?”

“Uhh … mmm?”

“C’mere.”

Kip eased back, eyes wide. He looked sort of worried, which was unexpected. Joe was supposed to be the shy one. But it was so nice to finally press his lips to Kip’s.

Though he missed a beat, Kip tentatively kissed him back.

Joe responded with a burst of satisfaction.

Maybe it was tending. Maybe it was flirting. Maybe it was the same as how they’d begun, with Joe giving his bondmate a reason to linger, to stay.

Any which way, Kip’s eyes crossed, then closed, and when they parted, he whispered, “Cheese and crackers.”

Not long after Boniface turned onto the highway toward Fletching, he ventured, “Do you always wear that sort of thing? Away from home, I mean? I assumed it was a uniform.”

Joe could tell the man was trying to be polite. He glanced down at his overalls and ventured, “These are … clean.”

“But do you have other things?”

“Sure. But you wanted me to carry stuff. That’s work.” Joe wished the man didn’t look quite so confused. “So … umm … work clothes.”

“Right. Fine.” And changing the subject entirely, he asked, “Is Jarrah making a nuisance of himself?”

“He’s still sleeping. Kip thinks for another day, at least. Biddie is with him. And Kyrie knows how to get in.”

“Good of you to take him in hand.” Boniface side-eyed him. “For the record, I don’t think Argent means for Kip to keep him. He’s just humoring Jackie. As always.”

“I can’t wait to show Jarrah the oak glen.”

“That so? He’ll probably run amok.”

“That’s fine. We have squirrel Kith who can keep up, and Biddie can intervene if there’s any real trouble.”

“True enough. Never underestimate trees.”

They pulled into a parking spot, and Boniface squinted at his phone. “It should be around here somewhere. Do you know it? A boutique called Find Me.”

“Oh. Yes, I know it. I’ll show you.” He retrieved a large case from the back and hefted it carefully, leading the way to the shop’s front entrance.

Boniface held the door for him, then stepped through, peering around with an eager expression. “This is apparently one of my brother’s favorites. I can see why.”

“You’re too kind,” said the gentleman who stepped forward. “Boniface Smythe, you are expected. And Joe! You’re a nice surprise. Here, let me take that.”

“I’m quite sure my brother wants you to fill that bag to brimming, but … lord. I want a few things for myself before Jackie scoops them. But first things first. You are?”

“Tyrone Sunfletch, at your service.”

Boniface blinked. “Good lord. Yes, of course. I see the resemblance.”

There really was a strong family resemblance. Tyrone had the same coloring as his illustrious father.

“And here is my brother Giuseppe.”

A slender male with white hair tiptoed to Joe’s side and kissed his cheek before presenting himself to Boniface.

“Avians!” the man said warmly.

“They’re Ash’s brothers,” said Joe. “Family.”

“ Mon dieu . I’m a nitwit for not putting two and two together sooner. But really, I’m quite diverted. May I ask after the shop’s name? Is it a reference to dun nippets?”

Giuseppe practically cooed in delight. “You know our courting lore?”

“A bit. Hardly worth … mentioning.” There had been a soft click of fastenings before Boniface trailed off. Then a startled, “Wh-what? What have you …? Oh, bloody hell. Is that what he meant? Are you all right, sweetheart?”

Joe turned in time to see a little girl push free of the case and … well, she slithered. Thin arms wrapped around Boniface’s neck, and glittering turquoise scales wrapped his waist.

With impressive calm, the man found his phone and placed a call.

He pressed a kiss to the girl’s forehead, then stiffly said, “Nonny? Would you pass along a message to Argent, please? I’ve just found a stowaway.”