Celtic Rose Read Online Free PDF Page B

she could definitely be up for getting to know him better. She just knew he’d make a fierce and loyal friend. He must be; that was the only explanation for Kalan allowing his advances on her.
    Talus was someone Kallisto could see herself with as more than a friend. He was reserved, and definitely not as flamboyant as Kalan and William, but there was something about him. He was mysterious and intriguing, and Kallisto hoped she could unlock the mystery so she could see the real Talus before she left for home. She thought it would be interesting to see how he’d fare against William then.
    Since she was clean, calm, and more than ready to see Talus and William, she got out of the shower and proceeded to get ready for her reunion with her newly acquired suitors. Looking in the mirror, she critiqued her look. She wore a pair of tight hip hugger jeans that fit her small curves well. The shirt she just happened to grab up was a baby blue silky shirt that only had one long sleeve that covered her right arm. The left side was sleeveless. It had cuts across the chest area instead of a v-neck, making it fairly open. It was the most provocatively she’d ever dressed in her life, and she thought it was the best she’d ever looked.
    Kallisto decided to put her hair up in an octopus clip and let the ends flair out the top and sides. Again, she assessed her look in the mirror and was, to her surprise, pleased with the results. After a few deep breaths, she made her way to the kitchen. She’d been in the bathroom for about fifteen minutes, so when she got to the door, everyone was sitting at the table chatting and eating. Her plate was already made, and sat strategically in front of the chair between Talus and William. Taking another deep breath, she walked around the corner and through the door without hesitation, walking straight to her chair as if it was what she’d expected. Talus had his arm propped on the back of it. He saw her first, and froze in mid-bite. Everyone saw his response and looked at Kallisto.
    “What? Did I forget something?” She looked down pointedly, checking for missing pants.
    “You finally decided to wear the clothes I bought you, I see.” Ramina smirked and took a hinted glance at William and then Talus.
    “Yeah, I decided it was time to break out the new stuff; out with the old, in with the new and all that.” Kallisto tried to sound flippant and unconcerned, but she blushed. She felt someone touch the back of her leg, just under her left cheek, a little too high for comfort. She jumped and looked just as Talus pulled the size sticker off.
    “Sorry, it was bugging me. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He didn’t look the least bit sorry as he grinned up at her.
    “You didn’t scare me–it just surprised me. I thought William was copping a feel.” She winked at Talus and playfully shoved William’s shoulder. He moved with the push, his cheeks reddening.
    “If I hadn’t promised to be a good boy, I might’ve tried.” He clasped his fingers together on the table, showing his restraint. Talus pulled Kallisto’s chair out for her.
    “Here, sit, eat.” He gestured at the chair and food. His voice was commanding yet light. Kallisto thought about saying ‘me no cave girl,’ but she was too much of a coward. She hoped she could do something like that when she knew him better, but for now, she sat and ate.
    Talus leaned forward and propped his chin on his hand. He watched Kallisto eat, judging her reaction to his cooking. Kallisto thought it was even better than what she would’ve made, which made her a little leery about cooking for him. She grimaced and immediately hurt touched his eyes.
    “Do you not like it? I could get you something else.” He gestured to the fridge. Kallisto swallowed, shaking her head quickly.
    “No! No it’s okay. I didn’t look that way because of your cooking, it’s delicious. I’m just worried about cooking for you now. Yours is way better.” She took another