He made a face. "If you want me to survive a couple more years, the last thing I need is to acknowledge any emotions that might exist."
"You could show up just to talk about everyone else's."
"I'm going to pass."
"Just think about it. Maybe we'll give you some more ideas for your plan to worm your way into your mate's life."
"My plan is plenty detailed. I've had a lot of time to think about it. Too much time, actually. Way,waytoo much time."
"I don't know how I haven't heard it yet."
"Because usually, you don't catch me right after a hookup."
"Fair. Go on. Tell me the plan." I waved him on.
He set his hands on the table and cleared his throat, making me roll my eyes.
We tossed ideas and jokes back and forth as he went over his extremely detailed and unrealistic plan. We both knew it was never going to happen the way he was hoping, but I did understand the point he was making about forcing his way into his mate's life instead of trying to drag her into his.
It wasn't a bad idea, even if it wasn't something I'd ever go through with myself.
When the conversation ended, we played the silly little farming game that I could only handle when my magic was at peak easiness, until late into the night.
At some point during the day, I was forced to accept that I couldn't realistically handle life without any of Grayson's shadows anymore.
Which meant I'd have to go back to him.
So, I started making a plan.
seven
MERRILY
Dariusand I ended up falling asleep on opposite sides of his couch with a bunch of empty coffee cups sitting on the floor at our feet.
We'd been out for an hour or two when someone opened his front door and strode right in.
Thanks to my overstimulation, I was an extremely light sleeper, and lifted my head immediately at the sound.
Daremumbled something in his sleep, but otherwise didn't wake up. He needed the rest, since he was working in the coffee shop early the next morning.
I peered over the edge of the couch, expecting to see Liv and Niall or Callum and Kat come walking in.
It wasn't them.
I blinked a few times and rubbed my eyes when I found Grayson Darke glowering at me from the kitchen.
"What are you doing here?" I mumbled. "You said you'd let me leave."
"I told you I was going to track you down." He stalked across the room. "We're going home."
"I can't. Dare can't be alone. Especially not at night."
"That's an excuse if I've ever fucking heard one."
"It's not. Just... come here." I waved him toward me.
He was already on his way to me, so that wasn't a stretch.
