“And about how sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we actually need,” I add.
“Most people just focus on the feet thing and miss the deeper meaning.”
“I might need to add that story to my next comic series,” I say, already imagining how I’d illustrate it.
“What’s your current story about?” Jasper asks.
“About an Omega overpowering Loki,” I explain, smiling wildly. “Like, completely turning the tables on the trickster god. He’s used to being the smartest person in any room, manipulating everyone around him. But she outsmarts him at every turn. She’s three steps ahead, and it drives him absolutely crazy because he’s never met anyone who could match him so easily.”
“I’d read that,” Jasper says quietly, and I believe him.
“Draw something for me,” Slater says suddenly, pulling a pen from his shirt pocket and sliding a paper napkin toward me.
I stare at the blank paper, then up at him. “What do you want to see?”
He leans back, a small smile playing at his lips. “Surprise me.”
I consider for a moment, then pick up the pen.
Quick, loose lines take shape on the napkin. A scene from Norse mythology, but with my style… my Omega heroine front and center, powerful and commanding. And the male figure alongside her, tall and broad-shouldered with messy hair and a strong jaw.
I make him look like Slater.
Muscular, powerful, but completely captivated by the Omega standing near him. His expression is one of desire.
“Wow,” Dylan says, leaning over to look. “He has a huge package there.”
They’re all staring now at my quick sketch, and I feel my face heating.
“That’s just a line indicating the?—”
“Oh, no, that’s definitely intentional,” Jasper adds.
“Very accurate,” Slater teases, breaking his serious expression with a grin.
I go to scrunch up the napkin, embarrassed, but Slater is faster. He snatches it from me and folds it carefully, tucking it into his pocket.
“Mine,” he states.
The possessiveness in that one word sends a delicious shiver down my spine.
“So, Anita,” Mason begins. “How long are you planning to stay in Mistberry?”
I take a sip of my beer, using the time to think. “I’m not sure yet. Depends on how things go. I’m pretty flexible with my schedule since most of my work is remote.”
“What kind of work do you do?” Dylan asks. “Besides the comics?”
“Graphic design, some freelance illustration. Boring corporate stuff mostly.” I’m dancing around the truth again, giving just enough information to be believable. “Nothing as exciting as running charter boats.”
“You’d be surprised how boring boats can be some days,” Slater says dryly.
“Don’t listen to him,” Jasper interjects. “Boats are never boring. Slater’s just grumpy because life didn’t come with a mute button for the rest of us.”
“That would be a useful feature,” Slater admits.
We keep eating and talking, and I’m aware of everything. The way Slater’s sleeve brushes against my arm when he reaches for food. Dylan’s laugh is loud and genuine and has me joining him. Jasper watches me with those intense eyes. Mason keeps glancing at me from across the table. And his feet keep bumping mine under the table.
Their scents are everywhere, wrapping around me, and I find myself leaning slightly toward them without meaning to. Wanting to be closer. Wanting?—
