Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
I clear my throat, forcing a laugh that sounds way more nervous than I intended. “Yeah, yeah. Totally. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Orion’s smile widens, and for a second, I swear he knows exactly what’s running through my mind. It’s like he’s perfectly aware of how close I am to hoping, wishing, that he’ll kiss me. But instead, he steps back, the intensity between us dissipating just as quickly as it had built.
“Good,” he says, his tone back to that easy, teasing warmth. “Because I still have to teach you how to make a proper grilled cheese, and you look like you’re about to pass out.”
I laugh, my face burning as I snap out of whatever romantic daze I’d been in. “Grilled cheese it is,” I say, relieved and disappointed all at once.
As we go back to the simple task of making lunch, I can’t help but wonder—was I imagining things, or was there something real in that almost-kiss? Either way, one thing’s for sure: this is going to be a lot more complicated than just chicken nuggets and macaroni.
“I’m so sorry,” I say, darting after Jeb as he swoops into the living room like he owns the place, his wings flapping dramatically. He’s stolen Orion’s keys that were hanging by the front door, laughing in pure Jeb fashion as he bobs his head. I swear this bird is trying to give me a heart attack.
Orion watches Jeb with narrowed eyes, arms crossed, clearly less amused than I am. “How often is he out of the cage?” he asks, his voice laced with mild irritation.
I wince, feeling a bit guilty. “Not usually this much, but... I feel bad because he’s off his routine.” I glance over at Jeb, who’s now perched triumphantly on the back of the couch, squawking something that sounds like ‘Hotch!’ I blush. “He’s a Criminal Minds fanatic, just like me.”
Orion raises an eyebrow, clearly trying to piece together how a bird has a TV-watching routine. “What do you two normally do when you’re at home?” His tone is half-curious, half-exasperated.
I shrug, offering him a sheepish smile. “We watch Criminal Minds. It’s kind of our thing.”
Orion stares at me for a beat, like he’s trying to decide if I’m serious or messing with him. Finally, he sighs, shaking his head, but there’s a hint of a smile there. “Seriously?”
He grabs the remote, walks over to the TV, and flips it on. Within seconds, he’s scrolling through the streaming service, finds Criminal Minds, and presses play. The familiar intro music fills the room, and Jeb immediately perks up, bobbing his head like he’s about to start reciting the script.
Orion turns to me with a mock flourish. “Ta-da. Ask and you shall receive.”
“Jeb eat popcorn.”
Orion stares at the bird like he’s nuts. “Seriously?”
“It’s a good snack. I’ll just pop some in the microwave for him. You won’t even notice we’re here,” I say, rushing into the kitchen to look for the popcorn I bought for Jeb.
Jeb squawks from the living room and I smile at Orion who’s followed me into the kitchen.
“That bird’s got you wrapped around his little claw,” he says, and I blush.
“Yeah well…” I can’t help but laugh, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. “Thank you for making us feel at home here,” I say, meaning it. For all Orion’s gruffness, he’s going out of his way to make me—and my feathered drama queen—comfortable.
Orion stuffs his hands into his pockets, his earlier annoyance replaced with something more relaxed. “Sure, no problem.” He gestures vaguely toward the hallway. “I’m going to get a little work done in my office down the hall. Let me know if you need anything.”
I give him a playful salute—again, for reasons I still can’t explain. It’s like every time I’m around this man, I lose the ability to act normal. “Sure thing, boss.”
He chuckles, shaking his head as he walks away, and I place the bag of popcorn into the microwave, my heart doing that stupid little flutter it’s been doing ever since Orion came into my life. I glance at Jeb, who’s still staring intently at the screen, like he’s fully invested in catching the unsub.
“Don’t get too comfortable, buddy,” I mutter under my breath. But honestly, I’m not sure if I’m talking to Jeb or myself.
“Briar,” a voice calls, distant but familiar, pulling me from the depths of a nightmare. “Briar, are you awake?” It sounds like Jason. My heart pounds in my chest, the panic rising as I’m pulled into a tunnel of darkness. Everything feels heavy, like I’m trying to swim through thick tar.
I try to scream, but nothing comes out. My mouth opens, but the sound is trapped inside me. I run, but Jason’s right behind me, getting closer with every step. My legs feel like lead, and I trip, falling again and again, the ground swallowing me whole.