“Your silence is almost as gratifying as the scent of acquiescence.” His sharp features pull into what, for a demon, is a good-natured grin. “The question is, what are you going to do about it, aside from buying pastries three times a day, which is not achieving the result you desire.”
“Nothing,” I say, fiddling with supplies which don’t require further organization. Since we have a few minutes before our next appointment, and because it’s pointless to deny anything around my annoying and equally well-meaning boss, I sigh and meet his waiting gaze. “I made a comment yesterday that wasn’t meant to be a personal compliment, but then followed up by saying it could be taken as one, and Amazra’s response was to zone out of the conversation. He’s clearly not interested in me the way I’m interested in him.”
Daemon’s distinct brow line rises. “If that is how ‘clearly’ you communicated your desire to Amazra, it is unsurprising hedid not return your sentiment. Demons are pragmatic creatures. If you truly wish to engage in an intimate relationship with a demon, be direct.”
“And have himdirectlyreject me? I’d never live it down.”
“If he were to decline your invitation, it would not be meant as a slight. Demons are not cursed with the depth and intensity of emotions that cause humans so much inner turmoil. Any rejection would simply be a lack of physical attraction. He would not dwell on the interaction, nor should you.”
Easier said than done. As much as I’ve fantasized about being naked and thoroughly, physically, entangled with Amazra, I want more. Ifeelmore.
Since demons don’t experience love the way humans do, I’d only be making things worse for myself down the road by initiating a strictly sexual relationship with Amazra. That’sifhe were interested.
Holly’s foxtail-like ponytail swings into view as she pops her head around the wall that leads to the outer office area. Without acknowledging our mutual employer, she gives me a sympathetic smile. “That’s a pretty long face on your pretty face, hon. Still down in the dumps about bingo night?”
“Trying not to think about that.”
Daemon’s eyes flicker. “You did not mention bingo night, Lilah. Only your failed attempt at seduction in the bakery.”
“Wait, you did what? Why are you holding out on me?” Holly says, her eyes blinking wide open. “Are you still upset with me about the bingo stuff?”
I let my head fall back as I groan. “I’m not upset with you, I’m not holding out, and I didn’t attempt a seduction in the bakery. Daemon is just being his ‘helpful’ self, using his super sniffer to pry into my personal business, then doling out opinions I didn’t ask for,” I say, righting my head and giving him the stink eye.
Which goes unnoticed. Or, since it’s Daemon, probably just unheeded. “Not opinions. Facts. Along with a course of action that would result in a conclusive answer.”
“Okay then, moving along,” Holly says when I stare darts at our demon boss. “Your next appointment is here. They’re waiting in exam two.”
“Thank you, Holly.” After dismissing her, Daemon tilts his horns toward the closed door on our side of the exam rooms. “Let us go see what ails Mr. Jenkin’s chihuahua this morning. Perhaps it will distract you from pining for the hot baker for a short time.”
The comment startles me where I stand. I know my boss’s heightened senses make him intuitive, but he’s not a mind reader. “Why did you describe him as hot?”
“Because he is. As I am, and Razbunare, Hellmuth, and the other hell-born demons inhabiting this realm. The hellfire from which we originate gives us a higher physiological temperature than most creatures.” Before I can assemble a response, Daemon rumbles with laughter. “Is that the compliment you inadvertently and unclearly issued? That Amazra is hot?”
“We have a client waiting,” is my nonanswer, which I’m aware is totally an affirmation.
“You will have to be far more direct when flirting with a demon,” Daemon says, making no attempt to hide his amusement. “Amazra would have taken such a comment as a matter of fact regarding his body temperature, not as an indication that you find him sexually appealing.”
Daemon is probably right, but I’m not going to admit it. Nor do I need to because he just did his take-a-whiff thing again, so he already knows how I feel because “human emotional states produce distinct odors.”
If only Amazra had Daemon’s heightened sense of smell,he’dknow how I feel. Wanting to be sniffed by the demon baker. Mylife has become a rom-com. I could live with that, but it’d sure be nice to increase theromaspect. Oh, and make it spicy. Red-hot demon spicy.
Next day
LILAH
Since it’s been a slow day, I cashed in some of the personal time that’s part of Daemon’s generous compensation package. I don’t know how he can afford to pay as well as he does with a limited clientele base and very reasonable fees, but I make significantly more money here than I did as a veterinary technician in a hopping-busy clinic back in North Vancouver.
Everyone in town believes that fate brings people—nonhuman and human alike—to Fate’s Falls. All I know is that I’ve never been happier than the months I’ve lived here.
The only thing that could make my life better would be having a specific, tall, sexy demon in it on a personal level. The man I’ve strategically been avoiding contact with since making a fool of myself.
My multiple daily visits to Just Baked follow a schedule that’s nearly to the minute. I’ve intentionally mixed it up to prevent additional embarrassment. Arriving late or early. Hovering in the town square and watching the bakery’s storefront like a stalker, then swooping in to make purchases while Amazra is either not in the shop area or occupied.
Since I arranged to take this afternoon off, I skipped lunch at work, swinging by the bakery for my midday muffin an hour later than usual. Dauphine tried to stall when I entered, sighingand grudgingly ringing up my order when I gave her the hand gesture for hurry-the-hell up. Amazra was entering from the kitchen when I made my hasty exit.
Even though I’m avoiding interacting with him, I can’t stay away. As much as I don’t want to see him, I want to see him. He has the hot physiology, but I’m the hot mess.
Has he noticed me ducking him? Does he care?
