I’m taken aback by the bluntness that Pinky is showing now. She seemed so shy and reserved, but she’s got this spunky side. It draws me even more to her.
Nodding, I let out a laugh. “I suppose you’d be right about that. I’m not a shit genie, though. Not all the time.”
“When aren’t you?” she presses.
Instead of answering her question, I give her a flirty smile and point out, “I thought you didn’t havethatmuch time.”
Her cheeks flush with color, and it makes my heart skip a beat. She’s blushing, which is a really good sign for me.
“You’re right, I better get going.” She hurries past me before I can even protest.
Wait, this is not good anymore. No good at all. I need to fix my mistake—again.
I spin on my heel, walking quickly until I’m in step with her. “Pinky, wait—I was enjoying our chat.”
“I never saidIwas.” She doesn’t turn her head to look at me as she heads toward the cash register.
“How about this…” I get a few steps ahead until I’m in front of her, walking backward and looking into her eyes. “Let me take you to dinner and finish explaining myself.”
She stops abruptly, and I have to pump the brakes so there’s not too much distance between us. Her lips smush together, and her shoulders are slightly scrunched.
She lets out a sigh before grudgingly agreeing. “When?”
Holy shit—when? That meansyes.
“Tomorrow night?” I answer before she has time to really think and change her mind.
Once again, she smushes her lips together. “Fine.”
I can’t hide my relief; my smile plastered on my face. By some miracle, she’s making this easier for me than expected.
“Brady’s Diner at six o’clock?” I want to lock things in as quickly as possible.
She nods. “Sounds like a plan.”
With that, she walks past me, heading toward the checkout. I don’t follow her—I already pushed my luck, and I’m happy with the result. I don’t want to ruin this.
When she reaches the counter, I see her pull out her phone, furiously typing something into it. That’s the last thing I see her do before I turn and make my way out of the farm market.
Now, I all I can do is wait—and go to her friend’s store to try to see what other help she’s willing to give me.
“What are you doing here?” The shadow demon woman groans as I enter her shop.
Rolling my eyes, I remind her, “I could be a customer, you know.”
She shakes her head. “No, you couldn’t. What do you want? Did you go to the market?”
“Yes, and I’m taking Raya to dinner tomorrow,” I inform her with a grin.
Her eyes light up, her posture straightening. “Really?”
I nod at her. “Why would I lie?”
“Well, youdidmake a man’s penis explode out of his pants, so…who knows what else you’ll do.” She crinkles her nose, crossing her arms in front of her. “Which reminds me—if you hurt Raya, I’ll hurt you. That’s a promise.”
A small lump forms in my throat. Definitely not interested in being on the receiving end of a shadow demon’s wrath—not again.
“I have no intention of hurting her.” I try to reassure her before I push my luck by asking, “Any tips to help me win her over on the date?”
