And tonight, he’d know it.
By the time I pulled into his apartment complex later that evening, I should’ve been exhausted. But instead, my thoughts were buzzing with nervous energy. All day, between tasks at work, I’d been sneaking peeks at articles about blue tangs. Apparently, they weren’t the easiest fish to keep alive. They needed space, the right kind of saltwater, balanced pH levels—it was more like managing a mini ocean than owning a pet. Still, when the shelter worker had called back to say Fur-Ever Homes had one available, I’d felt something click in my chest.
I wasn’t sure what it was about the idea of getting Talon a fish, especially one that reminded me of a quirky animated character. Maybe because we’d talked about it at the café and he’d seemed to resonate with it when I’d used Dory’s famous line to ‘Just keep swimming’ to help encourage him with the things he was going through.
And maybe, if I was honest with myself, it was also because every time I thought of Talon lately, something warm and unsteady bloomed inside me. Something I didn’t even know how to explain.
I stopped in front of his building, cradling the small box in both hands, having taken the lid off so he could see what I had brought him. Inside, the blue tang darted around, its bright blue body catching the light from the street lamps, looking just like Dory from the movie. The sight of it made me smile, even though feelings twistedwith nerves. Was this too much? Too weird? Who just … showed up at someone’s door with a fish?
But the thought of turning around didn’t even feel like an option. Somehow, this felt important.
I climbed the steps, my heartbeat picking up with each one, and stopped in front of his door. For a moment, I stood there frozen, the wordsthis is crazyflashing through my head. Then I drew in a deep breath, balanced the box carefully in one arm, and knocked.
A second later, the door swung open. And there he was. His hair was damp, like he’d just gotten out of the shower, and he wore nothing more than a pair of gray sweats and a fitted black T-shirt that clung to his broad chest and sculpted shoulders, showing off the lean, muscular build swimming had carved into him.
For a split second, my breath caught, and I had to remind myself not to openly stare. I wasn’t here to ogle him. I was here to give him a fish.
Which, honestly, didn’t sound any less ridiculous. I hoped I could pull it off without him thinking I’d completely lost my mind.
CHAPTER 15
TALON
The last thing I expected tonight was Livvi showing up on my doorstep.
Holding a fish.
Not a cute stuffed animal or even a bag of Goldfish crackers. No—an actual fish.
For a second, I just blinked at her, brain scrambling to catch up. Because of all the scenarios I’d pictured involving Livvi showing up at my door, none of them involved raw seafood.
But then my gaze slid up from the fish offering to her face—and I forgot how to breathe. Her hair was wind-tossed, her cheeks pink, and dang if she didn’t look like every temptation I’d been trying to ignore. The kind that had my pulse picking up before she even said a word.
And that was the problem. With Livvi, it was always instant. Physical. A craving in my chest and gut that never seemed to let up.
But withReadToLiv… it was different. Deeper. Safer. Real in a way I’d never had before.
So why did the sight of Livvi on my doorstep feel like the most dangerous thing in the world?
“Uh,” I finally managed, still staring like an idiot. “Are you … bringing me dinner?”
Her mouth quirked, like she’d been waiting for me to take the bait. “Funny.”
I leaned a shoulder against the doorframe, doing my best to smother a grin. “Usually I prefer my seafood dead and not … looking at me.”
She rolled her eyes, shifting the box in her hands like she realized how absurd it was. “Okay, so this isn’t exactly a normal housewarming gift.”
“No kidding. Most people go with a plant.” I arched a brow.
Her laugh slipped out—light, warm, and completely unfair to my self-control.
“Yeah, well, I figured you’d kill a plant in a week.” She lifted the fish slightly. “This girl? At least she comes pre-dead.”
I huffed out a laugh, finally stepping back and gesturing inside. “You’re really selling me on it. Come on, bring your … friend in before the neighbors start asking questions.”
She brushed past me, the scent of her shampoo hitting my senses like some kind of ambush. I tried not to notice. And then tried harder not to notice how good she looked in those jeans.
She turned to me, still holding the box in her hands. “I know it’s a little odd for me to be showing up at your place with a fish, but hear me out.”