“Really?”
“Well, he’s decent. But honestly, how many other options is this tiny town gonna have? I should take what I can get.”
“It’s really not that small. I know you’re used to crazy big cities, but this is like a normal sized city. Well, a normal sized small city. Maybe a little smaller than average. Okay, it’s technically classified as a really big, small town…”
I laughed as she proved my point. “Like I said. Tiny town.”
“Um, excuse me?” Someone asked. We both turned at the new voice. It was the cashier. He’d followed us to the door. Ari excused herself and went outside. “I was wondering if you wanna exchange socials?” He was being awkward but it was kinda cute. Endearing, I guess. I mulled it over, inclined to reject him, before realizing keeping him as a possible hookup would probably get us free meals forever. “Unless you’re with that guy?”
“Nope. I’m not.” I smiled at his visible relief. “I don’t have any socials, though. I hate them all. I can give you my number instead?”
“Yeah, sure.” He nearly dropped his phone from yanking it out so fast. “I’m Connor, by the way.” He was fumbling to unlock and hand it over.
I saved my number as Mina before giving it back. “I’ll talk to you later?” I waited for him to nod before saying a cheerful goodbye.
I emerged from the restaurant to find the others waiting outside. Dennis was playing with his lighter, as always. He killed the fire and slipped it in a pocket as the four of us set off down the street.
“That didn’t take long,” Ari mused.
“We just talked for a second.”
“Not that. I meant finding someone to give you free stuff.” She laughed as I linked my arm through hers.
“What can I say? You’re welcome for getting us free meals ‘til I get bored with him. Hopefully he’s at least good in bed—”
“I’m thirsty,” Dennis said, running a hand through his hair.
“Go back for a drink.” I nodded toward the restaurant.
“Not that kind of drink.” He chuckled at Ari’s face of disgust.
“Are you gonna kill someone?” Her voice was meek.
“I’m not killing you, so don’t worry about it.”
She stared at him for a second before dropping my arm to catch up with Sean, who was slightly ahead. They fell into conversation and rounded the upcoming corner. I slowed down and grabbed Dennis’ arm before he could follow, stopping us just short of the building’s edge.
“Can you stop trying to freak Ari out? It’s really getting to her.” I kept my voice low so she couldn’t hear.“All that stuff you said about humans being useless weak things and needing to die.” I stepped back as his lips turned up in the trace of a smile.
“I was dead serious about everything I said.” He pressed a hand on the building, cornering me against it. He was so close, I could feel the coolness of his skin emanating to mix with my body heat. “You know, I could turn you right now,” he said softly. “Then you could protect her yourself.”
I furrowed my brows, trying to make sense of his words. “Into a vampire?” My eyes widened once it connected. I squirmed as he pushed my hair aside, and a familiar throbbing started between my thighs. “Wait.” I squeezed my eyes shut, tensing up at the feel of his lips on the crook of my neck. But he only kissed it. I waited a few seconds before opening my eyes. “That’s it?”
“That’s it.” He grinned and stepped back.
“You didn’t do anything.”
“Of course not.” He laughed and touched my cheek. “I’d never do anything you don’t want. Try not to worry so much.”
“There you guys are,” Ari’s relieved voice came as she rounded the corner. “I thought you got lost.”
“No,” I said, trying to hide how flustered I was.
“Do you still wanna go home now?”
“Yes, please.” I linked my arm through hers again so we could lead the way back to Tuffy. Dennis was acting like nothing had happened. Sean seemed slightly aware, judging by his mischievous grin. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. “That’s my car.” I pointed once we arrived. “Thanks for walking us back.”
“Yeah. Sure.” Dennis glanced at the sky. “We better go before the sun melts us.”
