Page 170 of Taming the Beasts

“Okay, where can we go to try that?”

“Actually, I think they might have some here.” Where there were milkshakes, there was ice cream. I waved the waiter over. They only had the basic flavors for milkshakes. But I ordered him a banana split so he could try vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

Watching Callum’s eyes light up from eating different foods was one of my new favorite things. I was excited to take him to all the different restaurants back at Crooked Point. It would be fun to see him eat something garlicky now that it was safe.

For so long I’d been worried I’d never see him again. And once we found our way back to each other, I’d been worried about not getting to be with him forever. I’d wanted him to change me.

But seeing him here right now tonight? I was so glad he hadn’t. This was how he wanted to be. Human, with me. Our forevers were finally aligned. Our wedding night hadn’t gone as planned. Not even a little. But I wouldn’t change a single thing about this moment with him.

The waiter dropped off the banana split and for some reason Callum picked up his fork.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Eating.” He put his fork into the ice cream.

“I feel like you’re just messing with me now.” I slid out of the booth and joined him on his side. “You need a spoon.” I grabbed two, handing one to him and keeping one for myself. “I know they had spoons in the 1700s.”

He smiled. “Fine, maybe I’ve been messing with you a little. But you look so cute when you’re explaining new fandangled things to me.”

I laughed and took a bite of the chocolate ice cream.

He did the same and his eyes lit up.

“You’re the cute one,” I said. “You look adorable trying all these foods for the first time. Like a little baby.”

“Excuse me? I am not cute like a baby.” He lightly tapped his spoon against the tip of my nose, smearing ice cream on me.

I squealed and tried to slide out of the booth, but he caught me around the waist, pulling me back in close.

He lowered his face to mine. I thought he was about to kiss me, but then he licked the tip of my nose. I was used to him biting my flesh. There was something about the action that was reminiscent of that. And I felt myself melting in his arms.

“Okay, you’re not cute,” I said. “You’re ridiculously intoxicatingly handsome.”

“You’re the one that’s ridiculously intoxicatingly beautiful.” He kissed the side of my jawline and then my neck. “And I think maybe it’s time I tasted something else. My wife.”

Before I never knew if he was talking about me or the blood pumping through my veins. But now I knew. I’d never have to wonder again.

I smiled up at him. “Then maybe we should go home.”

“Home. I love the sound of that.” His hand slid to my ass and he lightly slapped it so I’d climb out of the booth.

I laughed and slid out as he left some money on the table. Before he followed me, he quickly tried the vanilla and strawberry flavors too.

“What’s the verdict?” I asked as we made our way outside.

“Definitely chocolate.”

“That’s my favorite too! Wait until you try dark chocolate though. It’s so so good.”

He opened up the car door for me.

I still wasn’t used to his chivalry. The small gestures always seemed to hit me the hardest.

“Oh and in the morning, I’m going to make you all my favorite breakfast foods.” Pancakes, waffles, omelets. I’d have to invite Zoey’s boyfriends over too because I was going to make the biggest feast so Callum could try a bit of everything. “What was your favorite breakfast food before you changed?”

“I mostly ate porridge. But it wasn’t my favorite.”

“Is that like oatmeal?”