Page 70 of XO Karma

“As I believe I’ve proven tonight, I can handle things on my own just fine.”

“Never said you couldn’t. But it doesn’t hurt to have an extra set of eyes.”

“We’re trying to get an invite to another event. And given you said, and I quote, ‘Jude Westerfuck actually hated me,’ don’t you think we have a better shot if I go by myself and appear… available?”

“We don’t even need to speak.”

“Oh, Grim baby.” I grab the maraschino cherry from the top of the whipped cream and dangle it before my lips. “Talk dirty to me.” His eyes hold mine as I place the sweet fruit in my mouth, using my teeth to pluck it off the stem with a wink.

His cheeks redden, jaw hardening, and I pretend to ignore the move when his hand disappears under the table, assumedly to rub against the front of his jeans. Making quick work with my tongue, I tie the stem, then jut the finished product out, gripping it between with my teeth.

He grits his jaw, eyes dropping to my mouth, then closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he opens them again, he smiles, glances at his phone, then turns and waves at Dahlia before returning his attention to me.

“What are you doing?” I mumble, spitting out the stem. Very demure. Very sexy.

“Getting more cherries.”

I snort a laugh. “You can’t be serious.”

“I’m not.” He grins, folding his hands on the table. “Actually, it’s after midnight.”

“Do you have a curfew or something?”

“No.” He shakes his head, joy radiating through his features. What is up with him? “Happy birthday, Lily.”

“What are you—” I cut myself off. With everything going on, how the hell did he remember my own birthday but I didn’t? Wait. “How do you know my birthday?”

His brows pull together. “Really? That’s such a surprise.”

“No, but⁠—”

“Happy birthday to you!” I glance over to see Dahlia and another waitress heading our way, slice of pie in hand with a single lit candle. “Happy birthday to you!”

The unmistakable cringeworthy song echoes throughout the entire diner, and my eyes widen at Aster. “You didn’t.”

“Happy birthday, dear Lily,” he joins in as they arrive at the table, singing in unison, and set the plate before me. “Happy birthday to you!”

My cheeks flame, eyes falling to the candle. What would I even wish for? The only thing I truly want is impossible, so I wish for the next best thing. Closing my eyes, I blow out the candles.

I wish for a world where I’m happy.

When I open them, Dahlia and the waitress share their congratulations, then saunter away. A perfect slice of peanut butter pie sits before me. My favorite. My attention returns to Aster. “You really shouldn’t have.”

“It was nothing.” He grins, grabbing the utensils and handing me one. “Everyone deserves a little treat on their birthday.”

Taking a forkful and putting the delicious dessert in my mouth, I ponder Aster. He’s so different from what I’d expect. He’s tough, dangerous, and ruthless. But he’s also soft, warm, and kind. I fear it may take me a lifetime to figure him out. I fear that’s something I may want.

My phone buzzes, and I glance at it on the table.

Amara

Hey are you busy?

I glance at the time. 12:05 a.m.

Me

Why? What’s up?