The Lion’s Mate

Annie’s grin was huge as they climbed into the jeep and Leah started it. “This is so exciting. You haven’t been on a date in forever!”

“It’s not a date, Annie. We’re just going swimming,” Leah assured her.

“Whatever. You invited him over. You like him.”

“Oh good lord. I’m not feeding him or anything. I’m just going swimming with him,” Leah said.

Annie sat back in her seat, giggling quietly. “How lucky for you.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, I’ll be gone all night. You’ll have the whole house to yourself. You know,” Annie smirked, “just in case.”

“Whatever.”

Annie was quiet for a few minutes, then piped up, “So what are you going to wear?”

“A bathing suit.”

“Which one?”

“Does it matter?”

Annie gasped. “Of course it does! It’s your first date with him!”

“It’s not a damn date!”

“Ok, my apologies for assuming this was a date,” Annie sarcastically replied. “Now, which bathing suit?”

“I don’t know,” Leah huffed as she took the turn that led to their home. “Probably the black one.”

“Ew no!” Annie actually shuddered in disgust.

“What? Why? It’s the only one I have.”

“You are going to wear one of my bikinis. And no arguments!” Annie exclaimed as they drove down the long driveway. She pointed a finger at Leah. “This might not be a date, as you claim, but you need to look good.”

“Fine. But I get to pick which one,” Leah argued. She wouldn’t admit it, but the idea of the bikini was appealing. She had decided that she did want to look sexy for the lion shifter. But she wasn’t going to tell Annie that.

“What time is he coming?” Annie asked.

“Around sunset.”

“Perfect. You’ll have plenty of time to groom. You can’t wear a bikini without grooming, which I bet you never do.” Annie chuckled at Leah’s offended look.

“Annie! My grooming habits are none of your business!” Leah jerked the jeep to a stop. “And I do groom, for your information.”

“We’ll see.”

“What do you mean, we’ll see? You’re not looking at my . . . area!”

“I don’t want to look at your area! Gross!” Annie shook her head as they climbed out and headed for the steps. Jenny was barking gleefully. “I’m going to get the bikinis and you’re going to try them on. Then you’ll see what I mean by you have to groom.”

Leah rolled her eyes. She opened the door, greeted Jenny, and followed her back outside so she could do her business. “If your bikinis show too much, I’m not wearing one.”

Annie rolled her eyes and slapped Leah’s ass, making her jump. “Leah, you swim every day, walk Jenny all over the place, and occasionally go for runs. You’ve got a body to die for. Flaunt it for this very handsome man who wants to spend time with you.”

Leah stared at her friend, a smile slowly appearing on her face. “Ok. You’re right. I never flaunt anything. Go get them and meet me in my room in five.”

Annie ran off, yelling, “Woohoo!”