“My cousin, the oversharer.” Natalie shakes her head, but there’s a smile on her face. “And I know we just met, Lilah, so I really have no place telling you what to do or not do, but don’t letRo harass you into finding a relationship. She gets it in her head to do a thing, and she’s like a dog with a bone.”
“Just trying to make sure all my friends experience themonsterbone,” Ro says, making hubba-hubba eyes. “Seriously, though. Nobody of interest, Lilah? What about the vet? He’s hot. A charmer, too, and that’s saying something for a demon. Most of them are a little on the stiff side. And I’m not talking about thegoodstiff, though I’m sure they all have that going for them, based on their size.”
I scrunch up my face. “I’m not interested in my boss.”
Rosetta might be hyper-focused on her own relationship, but she’s sharp. Tack sharp. Doesn’t miss much, including the wording I used for my answer. “All right, who is it? Tell us now or tell us later, but you know I’m going to get it out of you.”
I turn my attention to her cousin. “Has she always been like this?”
“Literally since birth.” Natalie shrugs. “And I know I should jump in and try to save you, but honestly, it’s nice to have her pointing that interrogation light in another direction for a few minutes. She who used to openly loathe commitment and monogamy is now the ultimate believer in romantic happily ever afters.”
“How are you ladies doing over here?” Terra asks, joining us after finishing up with another customer. “Lilah, is there anything special you’re shopping for today that I can help with?” Terra is always nice. Always helpful. Today, she seems extra so, probably because the plan she was part of during bingo night didn’t go the way my friends intended.
Which isn’t her fault, or anyone’s. Even Amazra’s.
“Nothing specific. Just something pretty.” Letting my gaze drift to the nearest display of panties is like dangling bait in front of Rosetta.
“Youareseeing someone.”
“Sadly, no. I just need a pick-me-up.”
“Or to bepicked up.” Ro gives me another ginger-eyebrow wiggle. “And what better place for that than my wedding? Let’s find you a hot new dress to go with whatever sexy skivvies caught your eye. Make all those hunky single monsters go wild for you at the reception. Then you can take your pick and not go home alone.”
“Unless youwantto go home alone.” Natalie is obviously the I’ve-got-your-back type.
“I don’t think she wants to.” Terra’s comment has all three of our heads turning. “I know I’m probably overstepping with what I’m about to say, Lilah, and I hope you won’t be upset with me, but…” Terra meets my gaze and smiles. “I have a clear view of Just Baked from my front window here. I’ve watched you go there multiple times a day since you came to town. And the baked goodsareexcellent, but I know they’re not the reason for your daily visits. All of your friends know. Heck, anyone who’s ever seen you around Amazra probably knows.”
“You’re into the baker?” Rosetta says. “The very large, very strong, very silent type. I approve.”
Of course she does. Her orc fiancé is in the same category.
“I only came in here for a pick-me-up, but now that my secret crush isn’t a secret, I might as well get another opinion on what to do about it.”
“Anotheropinion?” Terra says.
Nodding, I sigh. “It wasn’t voluntary advice-seeking, but there’s no hiding anything from my boss. He says his super sniffer can detect human emotions because they all have distinctodors. He’s such a delight.”
“He’s a character,” Terra says. “It’s not just him, though. All hell demons have a heightened sense of smell. A lot of the cryptid species do, too.”
“Can confirm.” Again, Natalie’s cheeks flame with a deep blush. “Constantine is very, um, scent-motivated.”
Beside her, Rosetta whoops, giving a fist bump to her red-in-the-face cousin.
This is premium girl talk. But all I can think about is Terra’s comment. “Alldemons have a heightened sense of smell?”
Terra nods. “As far as I know, yes.”
All the times I’ve been in his bakery, in that small, confined space with its somewhat-lacking air flow… Could hesmellmy interest in him? My arousal at the sight of his hulking body and horns? And if he could, and he didn’t act on it, that’s an answer in itself. Unfortunately, not the one I’ve spent months hoping for.
Groaning, I cover my face with both hands.
“If you’re worried that Amazra is aware of how you feel but doesn’t return the sentiment, I think you’re mistaken.” Terra’s voice is as soft as her fingers, gently peeling my hands free. “He watches you, Lilah. First, he watchesforyou. I’ve seen it, the way he stares at the door when he’s expecting you to walk through it. Then, while you’re in his presence, he never takes his eyes off you. And when you leave, his gaze follows you until you’re out of sight. Most times, he moves to the front window to watch you.”
“He does all that?” The desperation in my voice is as clear as the glass Terra has been observing us through. And I don’t care even a bit. I just need to know. Any little thing she can tell me.
“He does.” Terra gives my arm a light squeeze. “I know hell demons can be hard to read because they’re not emotionally motivated, but I really believe Amazra is interested in you. Like, obsession-level interested, but in a good way. Maybe in a respectful way? In all the years he’s lived in town, I’ve never seen him respond this way to anyone. Ever. I’ve never seen him respond to anyone inanyway, actually. He’s different with you.”
As hopeful as that sounds, it’s thethey’re not emotionally motivatedpart that my brain sticks on. Not as straightforward as Daemon’s statement that demons do not fall in love, but definitely in the same vein. If Amazra is interested in me in a physical way, would that be enough for me? Could I really accept it if that’s all he’s capable of giving? If I don’t take a chance, I might never find out.
