He laughed when I smacked his arm.
“I’m serious. It’s a non-issue with him. You’re the one making it into one.”
“You think?”
“Fairly certain. I’m not him, but Iama guy.”
“Yeah, but you’re an elf; he’s a vampire.”
“Eh,” he shrugged. “Now, my shower is broken. Can I use yours?”
“Lies! You just like me for my shower!”
He laughed as he grabbed a towel from the closet. “What can I say? Your shower is sweet nirvana.”
I waved a queenly hand toward my bathroom, giving him permission while I digested our conversation.
A tap on the door interrupted my thoughts.
“Come in!”
Draven poked his head in. He listened to Rhys singing in the shower for a moment. “Rhys is here?”
“Yep. He’s stealing my shower again. There’s got to be a better shower somewhere else in this villa. Every time he uses mine, he makes it smell like his bath products,” I complained. “Even when he doesn’t bring any!”
And I didn’t know how he managed it. I’d scoured my bathroom for a hidden stash of his beauty products, but could find nothing.
Draven blinked at me and then smiled. “I’m sure he has a secret stash somewhere.”
I invited him in and sat down on the bed. “So, what’s up? You just checking on me?”
“More like making sure that Rhys isn’t getting into trouble.”
“Umm hmm.” I eyed him. I didn’t think that was it. “Jealous?” His eyes flashed red and then back to his lovely brown. Guessed it in one. “You really shouldn’t be,” I assured him. “I’m like a sister to him. You know elves are just super affectionate.”
“So I’ve heard.” He fussed with his blue, silk bathrobe before coming to the point of his late-night visit. “I’d like to take you to dinner tomorrow, if you’re amenable?”
“Take me to dinner, right? Not,haveme for dinner?”
His eyes flashed red again, but stayed red this time, and I swallowed. Right. Don’t tease the vampire.
“Take you to dinner,” he said blandly.
I laughed and hugged him, trying to quell his obvious awkwardness. When was the last time Draven had asked someone out on a date? “I’d love to. Are there any amazing Mexican restaurants nearby?” Mmm, he smelled good. I tried to sniff him unobtrusively, but obviously failed because his shoulders shook in laughter.Argh,caught.
“Yes, there’s Tres Hermanas. A Mexican restaurant owned by three witch sisters. I’ve eaten there a few times. The food is authentic cuisine and has gotten rave reviews.”
“Can’t wait.” I looked up at him. “Meet in the entrance hall at 6?”
He nodded. “I’ll make a reservation. It’s always busy for dinner.” He cuddled me close for a minute, then kissed me and left.
As I listened to Rhys whistle in the shower, I realized I was overthinking everything again. Draven had flirted withmetonight and kissedme.I’d been staying in the friend-zone where he’d put me since the night I’d been attacked at Rhys’ club. And I’d been doing an admirable job of keeping my feelings under wraps, if I did say so myself.
So Draven must have already thought of and dismissed all the things I was worried about. He processed things much quicker than I did, and I was sure he didn’t share my worries. I resolved to set them all aside. At least for now.
If I kept fidgeting and worrying about everything, I’d just make myself and the people around me miserable. I didn’t want that.
Le sigh. I sometimes longed for the days when it was just me in my dingy apartment. All I’d had to worry about then was myself, and of course, the next rent check. Oh, and that little thing called food. And break-ins were common in the area, so I was always worrying about getting robbed, or, more accurately, being home while my apartment was getting robbed.
