The Red Means I Love You

she’d meant to look for Red, but the commotion of the festival had given her pause, attention snagged by the voices rising joyfully through the air, the smell of food and drink intermingling in a tempting combination. besides, it seems she needn’t expend too much energy searching; Red seems to have an uncanny ability to find her no matter where she is. turning in place, El brightens as brisk footsteps fill the clearing well, a happy flush filling her freckled cheeks. ”well, you’ve found me!” she trills, crossing the remaining distance between them. now that they’re so close, she has to crane her neck just to meet his eyes, practically dwarfed by his muscled form.

”my, do you ever stop growing?” she teases, her laugh tinkling and bell-bright. another burst of warmth crawls up her neck, but this has less to do with joy and more to do with his earthy scent and the heat radiating from his body. oddly, her heart has also started to speed up, pounding against her chest like it wants to escape. “i’m glad i was able to come tonight,” she manages finally, a glancing up from beneath dark lashes. ”i wanted to see you.”