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Tammy Drabbles 55: Pet names

"Sweetheart?"

"No."

"Darling?"

"No."

"Sex kitten?"

"You have got to be kidding!" Kel was not amused.

"I was, really. But, you won't allow a single pet name at all?" Dom asked into her hair.

"No, I don't see a need. Kel is short enough." Kel's breath tickled his chest, where her head was resting.

"But it would be just between us."

"Nothing is ever just between us. Next thing you know I'd be hearing it on the wall."

"I can't show you any affection in public, can I?" he asked regretfully.

"It's really not a good idea. I have my career to consider," Kel answered.

He tried to see her expression, but she only snuggled into his shoulder. It probably wouldn't have helped anyway, Kel hid her emotions in the Yamani way. It was one of the few things about her that he found less than desirable. He supposed that marriage was out of the question too, and children. "But here, in private, can't I have my own special name for you?"

"I like the way you say my real name, Dom. Is that so hard to understand?"

"No, beautiful Keladry, it is not." She must not have minded that one, because she kissed him.