DAZE

“Whose scent is that? And whose name is that?” I asked suddenly.

She jumped, startled, and spun around, her eyes wide like she’d just seen a ghost. Her hand flew behind her back, hiding something.

“Ma-mate?” she stammered.

I couldn’t help the small laugh that slipped out. “I’m sorry for startling you,” I said softly, raising both hands. “You didn’t even hear me come in. I just wanted to know what caught your attention so deep you didn’t notice me.”

“Oh-oh ...