“First, you like it when I call you that,” he begins.
Then, his smile softens.
“Second, I’m just telling the truth. Green is definitely your color. Makes your eyes sparkle.”
Oh.
He means it.
And that's somehow worse than if he were just playing a part.
Much worse.
Before I can think of a response, Sister Agnes appears.
Thank God.
“Mr. Montego!”
Kai straightens.
“Sister.”
The older nun beams.
“I hear you're our caller tonight.”
Kai points at me.
“Her idea.”
“It was not.”
“It absolutely was.”
“You volunteered,” I practically bark.
“Because you needed help, Pumpkin.”
Pumpkin? Oh, hell no.
I frown.
“I didn’t know I needed help until after you volunteered, Sweetie Pie.”
He frowns for a full three seconds at the “Sweetie Pie” bit, then his grin returns.
“Technicality.”
Sister Agnes watches the exchange.
Then smiles.
Uh-oh.
I know that smile.
That's the smile of a woman who thinks she's witnessing something adorable.