“And I love it, because I’m thinking the exact same thing.”
Sammy shuddered. “This is only the second time we’ve met! We should be awkwardly trying to find out if our feelings are mutual, not discussing…matters of the bed. And Mavis said you’re dangerous!”
Dre grinned. “Oh, Iamdangerous, Sammy. I’m known to play meanHalomatches, and men romanced by me are spoiled for everybody else.”
“You playHalo? Great, we should have a match, because I’m quite notorious myself. Wait! What do you mean,men? As in plural?”
At least Dre had the decency to look a bit flustered. “Uh, what I wanted to say was… You see, I’m a bit older than you…and, well, I’m considered a grown-up by my people…”
Now it was Sammy who had to fight against laughing out loud, and just like Dre, he lost the battle. Between hysterical giggles, he managed to say something. “I…know you’re older. I don’t expect you to be…uh, untouched. It’s just…the idea of you being with somebody else. I don’t like it.” The last words came out with more emphasis than Sammy had intended, and his face heated up even more. He groaned.
Dre touched his forearm lightly with his big hand, seemingly not sure if the gesture was welcome. Sammy wasn’t sure either, but his body operated on automatic and he buried his face in the crook of Dre’s elbow. A heavenly scent like ripe strawberries in the sun with a hint of dark chocolate wafted into his nose and Sammy calmed. He was almost sure he’d caught the same scent from Dre night before, but then again, his own body had had a rather ripe aroma and the abandoned building had reeked of all kinds of decay and rubbish. Dre landed his other hand on Sammy’s back, rubbing soothing circles between his shoulder blades.
“If it’s any consolation, I think we can now say our feelings are mutual, and I don’t think it could have been any more awkward. So how about we consider this part of the dating script dealt with and you tell me your favorite city.”
Sammy looked up, still unsure what he should think but too enraptured by Dre’s scent and the pleasant warmth that was spreading through his body from the places where the demon touched him to try and pull away.
“My favorite city?”
“Yes, honey. For our first date, I want to take you somewhere special.”
“We’re having a date?” Sammy had problems keeping up with Dre.
“We are. Unless you don’t want to go on a date?” The hint of insecurity in Dre’s voice melted Sammy’s heart.
“Oh, Isowant to go! I just can’t believe this is really happening. I mean, you’re beyond gorgeous and I’m just…me.”
“Which is all I want.” Dre traveled his fingers down his spine, and for a moment, Sammy thought he would melt under the touch.
“Rome. I like Rome.”
Dre smiled encouragingly. “Have you ever been there?”
Sammy shook his head. “No, but I’ve seenLa Dolce Vitaat least twenty times.” He gulped. “It was my father’s favorite.”
Dre suddenly pressed Sammy flush against his hard, broad chest. “Then Rome it is. I’m sure you’re going to like it. I know some cool places there.”
“We’re going to travel demon-style?” Sammy couldn’t keep the excitement out of his voice. Dre chuckled.
“Of course. I promised you. Remember?”
“You did.”
They were silent for a few moments, staring into each other’s eyes. Sammy noted that the crimson in Dre’s gaze had faded and been replaced by black. It took all his willpower to stop staring into the depths in which he could easily lose himself.
“So, you were looking for a manga?”
Dre shook his head like a kitten that had just gotten wet. He clearly had been lost in his own world as well. When he started to smile, Sammy had butterflies fluttering in his belly.
“Yes. I was told you’re the man to talk to.”
With some difficulty, they let go of each other. Sammy straightened and gestured toward the desk where his computer sat.
“Then let’s go over there and see what I can do for you.”
Chapter Four
Dre was nervous. He didn’t want to admit it, but there was no other explanation. Why else would he have changed his outfit three times already, still not satisfied with how he looked? He wanted to impress Sammy so badly that he almost didn’t recognize himself.
