The Complete Crimson Forest series

Bryxx: Chapter 6

I wake up feeling groggy, my head slightly pounding. I glance to the small amount of light seeping in through the blinds. It must be nearly eight in the morning, but I can't know for sure since my alarm clock has yet to be set up, and I left my phone in the kitchen last night.

Feeling gross, I jump in the shower in the bathroom adjoined to my room, an extra about my apartment that I love. I shower and brush my teeth before changing into fresh clothes, doing my hair, and applying makeup. I don't have many plans today besides finishing up a few odds and ends from the move yesterday.

By the time I exit my bedroom, I've nearly forgotten that I have a guest. I find Kade fast asleep on the pull-out bed of my couch without blankets. I forgot to get him blankets. You must be joking, May. Get it together. I suddenly feel bad and race back into the bedroom to grab some. I return with a fresh comforter and drape it over him carefully, so I don't wake him. I then quietly prepare myself a slice of toast. I drop the bread into the toaster and then slide the lever down slowly until it clicks, and the bread stays put.

"He couldn't care less about who you are," Kade mutters, surprising me.

I turn to face him but realize that he's still asleep. He's talking in his sleep.

"Tell him to screw off," Kade continues, sounding downright pissed off.

What kind of dream is the man having? It doesn't sound so pleasant.

My toast pops. I grab it and slather some butter on it. A rustle behind me causes me to turn in the sound's direction. I look at the couch. It's empty. What the hell?

"Good morning," a masculine voice mutters in my ear, startling me so bad that I drop my toast onto the floor and gasp. Kade stands right beside me, mere inches away.

His expression switches from content to apologetic. "I'm not used to being around humans. My apologies, May. I didn't mean to startle you."

I reach down to get my toast but before I can reach it, it's no longer on the floor. I glimpse up at Kade who tosses it into the trash. He then appears very guilty.

"I'm sorry...again. I'm not used to being around humans. Last night I was more with it I guess I've just become too comfortable around you," he only jokes but it makes me smile.

I want him to be himself around me. It's only fair. "No, it's okay. You just surprised me is all. I'm not used to being around immortals."

"Let me make you some new toast," he offers and makes sure his movements are slow on my scale as he grabs the bread.

"What are you doing for fun today?" I ask him and grab the broom to sweep up some of the crumbs.

Kade stares intently at the toaster. He is either studying himself in the reflection or he's deep in thought. The former is confirmed when I watch him fix his hair. I hold back a giggle.

"I'm not sure yet. I'm not used to having nothing to do to be honest. What are you doing today?"

"I was going to finish a few things around here and then I'm not sure," I admit. "I don't have anything planned."

"I was hoping I could find a hotel nearby here. I like this part of town," he tells me. "Do you have any suggestions? I don't know the area."

My toasts pop and I quickly pluck it from the toaster and drop it on the counter before it can burn me. Then I slather it in butter and take a bite before answering him. "What's your budget?"

He shrugs. "Whatever. I have the means."

"You really can stay here. I'd like it if you did. I'd like to hear about Daniel. I know you said you're not really friends but you probably at least know a little about him, don't you?" The hope in my voice is very apparent.