Much to Gabriel’s ire, I don’t take him on any more than I have to throughout the rest of Evie’s date. We continue to follow Philip and Evie discreetly for the rest of the day, until the afternoon sun is high in the sky.
It’s only three days left until Christmas, so Evie was able to rope Philip into late Christmas shopping, to spend more time together. The stores on the streets are all packed with people, which makes it easier for Gabriel and I to tail them without notice, and Christmas decorations are everywhere—streamers, bells, professionally decorated Christmas trees, wreaths—
The sights and sounds and festivity in the air feel different. As though I'm experiencing it for the first time, and the buzz in the air is… exciting. Warm.
I wish Reuben was here.
The thought surprises me so suddenly, I’m stuck in place, blinking like a fool at the side of the street.
I’d only spent one Christmas with the Adler Squad… and that was as apet. This year would be my first Christmas as people… yet the only thing I find myself wishing for… is spending it with Reuben.
What would our Christmas have been like without this mission?
My heart squeezes as I stare after Evie and Philip. She’s chatting with one of the street vendors, chuckling under her breath while looking over some trinkets on display and Philip is watching her intently.
If he wasn’t a monster, I might’ve been envious.
If we’d had the time… would Reuben and I have gone out together?
The thought creates a storm of warmth inside my chest and my throat tightens.
We could... get coffee together after this mission (my first date with Reuben)—
Maybe... go to a park. Or sightseeing. Or the zoo (I've never been to a zoo)—
Excitement is coursing through me so suddenly, I feel queasy. And it’s not just the idea of doing normal, people things—things I’ve always wanted to do and try andsee…
It's the possibility of doing it all with him that vibrates my insides.
Whatever it is between us right now can’t be serious, I know that. And I wouldn't want to take his time or distract him, or be distracted myself, but... I want him to be there. It has to be him.
Someone steps into my line of vision, blocking out my view of Evie and Philip and my lungs fail to work for a moment as I look into familiar dark eyes.
“What are you thinking about, baby?” Reuben’s voice is a purr that flushes through and heats my entire body. A fitted black turtleneck with long sleeves clings to his frame, and a cream long coat drapes effortlessly over his shoulders, thecontrast only deepening the allure of his raven-black hair and eyes. His mouth and nose are covered by a long scarf wrapped around his neck, a silver cross hangs from the piercing at the tip of his ear and my black ribbon is tied into his updo again, softening his features and making me even more queasy.
How has he always looked like this?
Anyone looking at him wouldn’t be able to tell what he’s thinking, but his sharp gaze is looking through me. Seeing everything, like they always do.
I should be upset that he’s here—he’s bound to draw attention to himself—but my mouth only opens and closes, soundlessly.
“You.”
I don’t know what drives the words from my lips, or what gives me the courage to say them.
“I’m thinking about you,” I say softly and I’m conscious of the heat on my cheeks—of the effort I must put in to hold his stare and not avert my eyes. I channel all my nervous energy into my hands instead as I rub my neck and Reuben’s eyes widen barely a fraction.
Maybe it’s my selfishness…
Maybe it’s because he showed up right when I wanted to see him…
I really shouldn’t dig a deeper pit for us both to get out of…
“After this mission is over…” I avert my eyes this time because it’s too much, “would you like to... go for coffee with me? Or maybe... a movie?”
Maybe he'll think those things are too childish? I make a quick note to go home and find some more movies or books for… couples? (Is that what we are? I don’t know. Maybe I should ask first? But I don’t want to be a couple—)
“I want to create a list of the things we can do together,” I make myself clearer.
