“We’re not dating!” I protest weakly. “We just… spent the night together. And the morning. And he made me breakfast. And told me I was his…” I trail off, realizing I’m not helping my case.
“Uh-huh.” Maggie’s grin is unbearable. “And did he do that thing where his tail wraps around you possessively? Because according to Mrs. B, that’s basically naga for ‘put a ring on it.’”
I cover my face to hide my blushing cheeks. Because yes, his tail had been doing exactly that all morning, and I’d be perfectly content to have him do that to me for the rest of my life. I’m just about to attempt to deny everything when my phone buzzes. I quickly glance at the screen, seeing it’s a text from Sundar:
I hope you are having a lovely and restful afternoon. Miss you.
My heart does a little flip. Maggie, who’s obviously craning her neck to read it, lets out a squeal that could shatter glass.
“This is perfect timing! Text him about dinner!”
“Now?!” Panic rises in my throat. “Shouldn’t I wait? Play it cool?”
And there it is—that familiar anxiety creeping in. Why am I so nervous? We’ve literally been as intimate as two beings can be,and yet the thought of asking him on a proper date has my stomach in knots.
Then it hits me: the last time I tried to pursue anything real, anything beyond the physical, was with Derek. And look how that turned out—with him slowly chipping away at my confidence, making me second-guess my every decision, every feeling, until I barely recognized myself.
But… when was the last time I even thought about Derek? I realize with a start that I can’t remember. Somewhere between Sundar’s quiet strength and gentle protection, between his fierce passion and tender care, thoughts of my ex had just… faded away. Like old photographs left too long in the sunlight.
Because this is different. Sundar doesn’t try to change me or control me. He wants me exactly as I am. Maybe that’s why the thought of asking him out terrifies me so much. Because this could be real. This could be everything.
“Aubrey.” Maggie’s voice breaks through my spiral. “I can’t handle the anticipation. And I’m sure he can’t either. So type something!”
She has a point. Still, my fingers shake slightly as I type out a response:
Miss you too. Hey, random question: Would you maybe want to get dinner with me sometime? There’s this new fusion place downtown.
I hit send before I can overthink it, then immediately shove my phone across the table like it’s going to explode. Maggie dives for it.
“Oh, no you don’t,” she says, snatching it up. “You’re going to sit here and wait for his response like a grown woman. Ooh, look!”
She hands me back my phone. Three dots appear on my screen. Disappear. Appear again. My heart is somewhere in my throat.
I would love nothing more. I need to get all my appraisal paperwork finished and certified today, so how about tomorrow night?
I respond with,Perfect, see you then, and set my phone back down.
The relief that floods through me is embarrassingly intense. Maggie’s victory dance around our tiny apartment isn’t helping.
“See?” she crows. “What did I tell you? The fusion place is totally monster-friendly—I’ve already vetted it for my clients. Now, about what you’re going to wear—”
I’m barely listening, too busy staring at my phone with what must be the goofiest smile. Because tomorrow night, I have a date with a naga. An actual, proper date.
“Earth to Aubrey!” Maggie waves her hand in front of my face. “This is serious business. We need something that says ‘Yes, I let you wrap your tail around me last night, but I’m also a lady whodeserves to be wooed.’” She pauses. “Also something that won’t wrinkle too badly when said tail goes all boa constrictor on you.”
“Maggie!”
But I’m laughing as I follow her to my closet, my heart lighter than it’s been in years. Maybe this is crazy. Maybe I’m in way over my head.
But for once, I can’t wait to find out.
Chapter 14
A Public Display
Sundar
The private booth atFusion feels both too large and too small for my tail, which currently coils beneath the table in nervous loops. I’ve arrived early—embarrassingly early—but centuries of temple guardian training haven’t prepared me forthe peculiar customs of modern dating, and I most certainly didn’t want to ruin it by being late.
