Mike + Indigo
Scoffing in mock surprise, Mike put a hand over his chest. “Wow, rude. Guess who’s off my Christmas list?” It was a fortunate thing that, even if Mike had taken her seriously, he couldn’t be too offended – Castle was, objectively, a better Handler than he was. Although he’d improved steadily since beginning, there was still a lot of room for growth.
“Oh, come on—,” he glanced at the tour guide as they walked by her to enter into the Lighthouse. Instantly struck by a wave of warm air, he inhaled deeply and dropped his shoulders. Much, much better. “Maybe she’s having a rough day? Can’t begrudge her having a little fun, even on the clock, on Valentine’s Day, right?”
He laughed outright. “I think you’ll be fine, but if you see anything that threatens your mental health, I’ll take you to the shrink, stat. But so far—,” he gestured around the front entrance, which was very much like a shack, with all kinds of seaside knick-knacks hung about for ambiance. “It looks like we’re in the clear.”