"Really? That would definitely make me like you a little more."
I stand up and smile down at her while shoving my phone back in my pocket. "I might just get two swings, then, jelly bean." I reach my hand out to her. "Can we be friends again? I don't like you and the princess sitting out here plotting against me."
She takes my hand and I pull her up to her feet. "I guess if you're getting me the porch and swing, I can forgive you."
I put my arms around her before she can walk away again. "You kinda take off and pout a lot, don't you?"
Embarrassment heats her face and she looks down at her feet. "Sometimes."
"I think this might be the third time, and we've been together less than two days. I see a pattern starting."
"I'm sorry… I don't cope well sometimes." The cat jumps from her arms that were squashed between us, and Asia quickly tries to squirm away too, but I tighten my embrace so she can't.
"Not so fast. The cat can go but not you."
She peers up at me with those big, pastel eyes. "It's not fair that you're so much stronger and bigger, ya know."
"I'm going to refrain from making a sexual comment for once."
"Impressive."
"I'm trying to be serious. Isn't that what you asked for?"
"Yes…"
"Then stop it."
"Geez—"
"Shh." Damn, sometimes she doesn't shut up. "You can't just throw a tantrum and stomp off to pout every time you get upset. Okay? Talk to me when something's bugging you."
"What was I supposed to say? 'Hey, Talon, I eavesdropped on you and heard you say I was too cute to fuck'?"
"Yeah, that works. Don't just go hide and then I gotta come find you. Or find out you're gone, like you tried to do at the hotel. I don't like that at all."
"I'm sorry. I don't think I realized I was doing it that much."
I lift my hand and push her long hair away from her face so I can see her better. "I'm a little worried that if I'm gone on tour, and you get some kind of bug up your ass about something, you're either gonna move out of the house while I'm gone, or not answer the phone when I call…things like that. That will seriously drive me crazy. I'd rather you just confronted me with whatever's bothering you."