The server was trying hard not to laugh. Evie stood and swayed. “Hey! Come over here and talk to us!”
The male pushed away from the wall and sauntered over. Good gracious. He was stunning. Tall, dangerous, and moved like a predator.
Ari blinked like an owl before her expression turned into a scowl. “Thank you for covering our check,” she grumbled.
Evie cackled. “Don’t sound so grateful about it.”
I tried to cover my mouth with my hand, but I’d had so much to drink I merely waved it in front of my face because the thing had a life of its own.
The handsome fae grinned, showcasing straight white teeth and the gods forbid, a perfect dimple at the lower right edge of his mouth. “Ari and I have a thing where she scowls at me all the time and tells me to fuck off. It’s really quite adorable.”
“Fuck off, Locke,” Ari snarled.
His eyes glimmered with amusement. “See! Adorable, really. Even when she’s snockered, she’s still angry at me.”
Evie glanced back and forth between them. “Your food and service are amazing. I meant to get here sooner, but things have been heating up in the fae lands.”
Locke touched his heart and inclined his head. “Any visit from the fae queen is an honor.”
“Kiss ass,” Ari muttered.
Evie nudged her with an elbow. “Ari, this nice man just wrote off our entire check, and we ate our body weight in nachos. Can you be at least a little nice to him?”
Locke’s grin widened.
“I’d rather drown myself in a vat of pig guts.”
I blinked. “That’s awfully specific.”
“I’m afraid Ari and I got off on the wrong foot. I’ve been trying to redeem myself, but she’s been a hard nut to crack.”
Ari rolled her eyes but stayed silent.
“We’ll definitely be back very soon,” Evie said.
He gave us a little bow. “Locke’s the name. As you heard Ari growl, I’m sure. Later, she’ll probably take it in vain, but at least I’ll be out of earshot.”
Locke reached over and tugged on one of Ari’s dark curls. “See you around, Pixie.”
With a wink reserved just for her, he turned and walked away.
I was not ashamed to admit all of us ogled him until he turned the corner and we couldn’t see his blue-jeans-clad rear end anymore.
Evie fanned herself. “Ari, are you insane? You do not have to be in love with that man for him to show you a real good time.”
I laughed. “Listen to you, Evie. Giving advice you never would have taken a year ago.”
Evie shot me a dark look but then laughed. “True. I had some issues. But Ari here is stunningly beautiful and single. I’d consider taking that man for a spin around the block.”
Ari crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. “He’s an asshole.”
I tossed a chip at her. “Most paranormal males are assholes, at least initially.” I pointed at Evie. “Caelan?”
She rolled her eyes. “Huge asshole.”
I snorted, then pointed to myself. “Soren. Massive wanker.”
“You can’t use wanker if you aren’t English,” Ari said.
