“That’s… really thoughtful," I say. “Thank you.”
“Plus, it seemed easier than real food.” He lifts one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug like he’s trying to play it off as no big deal, but I’m not fooled. This supposedly monstrous vampire is an honest to goodness softie on the inside. I’m ninety percent sure of it at this point.
Patting my food baby, I lean back and find his arm already around me.
“That was seriously so good.”
He nuzzles his nose into my hair before kissing my temple.
“I’m glad you liked it, sunshine.”
“Asher.” I groan as I go to lay down on the couch. “I know you probably wanted to do more than just hang out tonight, but I ate so much. I don’t think I can move for a while. I’m sorry.”
“If you’re apologizing for not wanting to have sex, please don’t," he replies, almost seeming offended. “That’s not why Iinvited you over.”
“It’s not?”
“I mean, I’d never say no to you if you wanted to, but no. I wanted to take care of you, spend time together relaxing, and it seems I’ve accomplished that goal. The rest of the night can be whatever you want.”
“Oh, you definitely did," I say. “I haven’t been so stuffed in ages.”
“Okay, well…” His eyes have a spark of mischief as he holds in a sly grin. “Maybe take it easy on the innuendos, this poor old man can’t handle your teasing.”
I snort a laugh, then slap my hand over my mouth because that was possibly the most unattractive noise I’ve ever made. Also, I can’t believe Asher is casually joking around with me. When he grins in delight, I let my laugh ring out again, extending my leg to poke a toe at his biceps.
Asher snatches my foot in response, pulling it onto his lap and digging his strong fingers into my calf muscle with slow circles and deep strokes. I sink back into his couch and close my eyes, reveling in the feel of his hands on me as the warm crackle of the fire lulls me into a peaceful nap.
24
EVERYBODY JUST CHILL
RAYA
After spendinga blissful weekend wrapped up in each other, I’m not ready to re-enter the real world on Monday morning. Zuri keeps sending me skeptical looks and treating me to passive aggressive comments about safety and vampires and taking care of myself and “whatever you think is best” or “as long as you’re sure” types of remarks.
I am 110% over it.
“Okay, how about I bring him around sometime?” I say with a huff. “That way you can see for yourself that Asher isn’t some big, bad, evil vampire lord set on taking advantage of me and slowly sucking me dry or whatever.”
Reverie shrieks with glee. “Can you take me shopping? I need to buy a new outfit to meet him! It has to be perfect.”
Meanwhile, Zuri begrudgingly mumbles something that sounds as close to agreement as I’m likely to get, so I nod once at them both and grab a muffin, heading out the door for work seventeen minutes early. I opt to wait in line at the local coffee shop around the corner so I can avoid interacting with others for a little longer. I’m already people’ed out and this day has barely even started.
When I slump into the office with what I’m sure is an unconvincing smile plastered on my face, Alex immediately notices.
“What’s with you?” they ask, and I shrug.
“Mondays, am I right?” I say, hoping the deflection will get them to leave me alone.
“You got that right," Kendall is the one who grumbles a reply.
I glance at Asher’s empty desk as I open my laptop.
“I heard he won’t be in this morning, not sure why though," Alex says, apparently noticing my question before I voice it.
I simply nod in reply, figuring that sounds about right. Of course the only good thing in my day wouldn’t work out. When it rains, it pours, or whatever.
Feeling a tingle, I close my eyes and focus my breathing. Unfortunately, when I open my eyes, my eyesight has changed. Similarly to how it did on the plane when headed to San Diego, my sight seems to have sharpened with the colors all slightly warped.
