Sagitta’s first reaction was to go rigid, but over the next few seconds, he relaxed under my touch.
His shoulders were firm with subtle muscle. His body felt pleasantly warm beneath my palm.
My mouth went dry.
We were friends. This was normal.
So why did it stir heat deep in my gut?
After a moment, Sagitta cleared his throat. “I have to sear the chicken now.”
Although I didn’t really want to, I pulled my hand away. He seized the chicken thighs with tongs and dropped them into the sizzling pan, then looked directly at me.
“Thank you,” he said.
It was the first time we’d made eye contact in hours. I’d forgotten how dark and intense his gaze could be. And how good it felt to be pinned by it.
Shit. I recognized this feeling.
I had a fucking crush on my exorcist roommate.
After an hour of doing my damnedest to act normal, dinner was finally ready.
Sagitta wiped the sweat off his brow with his forearm. “Done,” he announced. “Come and grab a bowl, Chase.”
He didn’t need to tell me twice. I took a bowl, loaded it with rice, and waited for Sagitta to scoop a hearty portion on top. Seared chicken and chunks of potato floated in a vivid red liquid. A single inhale filled my nose with the rich scent of a dozen spices I couldn’t name, but which made my mouth water.
“Massaman curry,” Sagitta explained. “It may be out of your comfort zone, but I hope you like it.”
“Are you kidding? This looks fucking amazing. I’d rather eat this than crappy dry pasta any day, and I haven’t even tasted it yet.”
His brows arched in surprise. Glancing around, he asked, “You don’t have a dining table, do you?”
“Nope. I usually eat on the couch in front of the TV.” I paused, remembering the peaceful meal I’d eaten at the temple. The silence had forced me to appreciate each bite on a deeper level. “But we can eat without it, too.”
Sagitta offered me a loose smile. “It’s fine. I’m a guest in your home, after all. Live your life as you normally would.”
Seriously? Nothing about this was normal. A hot, talented guy was in my apartment and I was supposed to act like he wasn’t there?
I hesitated for so long that Sagitta grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. The familiar sounds of a sports channel filledthe room. Except now, I didn’t even care who or what was playing.
Sagitta perched on the couch. I measured a safe distance and sat next to him. A single couch cushion divided us.
I wished I had a smaller couch.
“Enough with the pining,” Faust groaned. “Eat already before I take control of your body and do it for you.”
I withheld a snort. Even Faust thought Sagitta’s food looked incredible.
And then I took a bite.
As the rich taste hit my tongue, my eyes snapped wide open. The creamy texture combined with the toasted spices blew my mind. Spicy yet velvety, it was everything I never knew I wanted.
“Holy fuck,” I exclaimed with a mouth full of curry.
Sagitta failed to hold back a grin. “Don’t speak with your mouth open.”
I swallowed. “Sorry. Oh my god. It’s just so fucking good.”
