“No. I wanted to share a meal with you, and I’m more than happy to pay for that privilege.” If I have anything to say about it, she’ll never have to pay for her own dinner again.
“Oh, that’s, um. OK then. Thank you?”
I smirk. “That a question?”
“What? No. I just… You’re not what I’m used to.”
She’s adorable when she’s flustered. “Well, I’d like us to share a lot more meals, so you should consider getting used to it,” I tell her, hoping my honest approach doesn’t scare her away.
She smiles. “I think I can do that.”
There’s a chill in the air when we leave behind the happy glow of the diner for the softly lit town square. Selene shivers, and I immediately slide off my chocolate-brown leather jacket and offer it to her.
“Here.”
She reaches out but hesitates before actually taking it. “Aren’t you cold?”
“No.” I shrug. “Must be another one of my demon traits coming through.” Hux and Garrett explained that both demons and shifters run a little warmer. Witches and fae are the closest to humans, vampires and mer run slightly cooler.
She shivers again. “Take the jacket, Selene.”
“Thank you.” Her fingertips brush mine, sending sparks racing up my arm. Unaffected, Selene slips on the jacket.
I’ve never been the possessive sort, but something about Selene being wrapped in my scent fills me with a deep sense of satisfaction. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose are rosy with the cold, and she’s practically drowning in my jacket, the leather falling to mid-thigh on her short but perfectly curved form.
“It looks better on you anyway,” I croak. “Let me walk you home.”
She chuckles. “You know this is Crystal Lake, not London, right? I’ll be perfectly safe on my own.”
“Maybe. But what if I’m not ready for the evening to end? What if I’m looking for any excuse to spend more time with you?”
She slides her hand into mine, her striking blue eyes searching my face. Whatever she’s looking for, she must find itbecause she gives me a cheeky smile, stepping back, tugging me along by our joined hands. “Then I’d say you don’t need to waste your energy looking for excuses to be near me because I want that too. Now walk me home, Golden Boy. Play your cards right, and I might even let you come in.”
I practically trip over my feet to follow her lead.
“So…” Selene swings our linked hands between us as we walk. “How was your first week in town? Have we scared you off yet?” Her tone is teasing, but there’s an underlying seriousness in her expression that tells me my answer means more to her than she’s letting on. Happiness bubbles up in my chest. This is good. If she wants me to be happy here, it means she already wants me to stay.
“It’s been eventful, as you know,” I tease. “But I’m glad I moved here. Crystal Lake already feels like home.” Giving voice to the words makes me realise how true they are. It’s amazing how much can change in such a short time. This town was only ever meant to be a detour off the road to the future I wanted. Now when I imagine my future, I imagine it here in Crystal Lake with my friends. With Selene—if she’ll have me.
Her hand squeezes mine. “I’m glad.”
As I watch her battle with her rickety garden gate, I make a mental note to stop by and fix it for her. I’m not the handiest guy, but, just like the human internet, there are video tutorials for everything on the supe network—I’ll figure it out. She shouldn’t have to deal with this hassle every time she leaves the house.
Selene pauses at her front door, fiddling with her keys. “Thank you for today. Seriously, sorting through all the new stock would have taken way longer without your help.”
“Don’t mention it. I had fun.”
“You’re not what I expected.” Disappointment weighs on me like a heavy stone. I thought today went well, especially tonight. The laughter, the flirting. I thought I was in with a chance.
Don’t ask. Don’t do it to yourself. Don’t?—
“What did you expect?” Too late. Clearly I’m intent on torturing myself this evening.
“You’re more complicated.” Right. Of course she thinks I’ve got too much baggage—and that’s before knowing about my serial killer fuelled nightmares. “You’re better.”Wait, what? “I’m looking forward to getting to know all the different sides of you, Jared.”
“Oh. I mean—yes. I want that.” Taking a steadying breath, I reach up to cup her cheek. “I wantyou, Selene.”
Her hands grip the front of my cream henley, tugging me down to her level while she rises on her tiptoes to seal her mouth to mine.This. This is what I’ve been missing my whole life. Selene’s soft lips move against mine, rearranging my very soul until there’s a space carved out just for her. It’s unlike any first kiss I’ve ever had. There’s no tentative exploration, no hesitation. Selene’s laying claim to me, and I’m revelling in the feeling.
