Page 20 of An Anomaly of Sunlight

I wonder what he’s doing now.

Probably not thinking of you, psycho. The logical side of my brain gives a reality check, while the chaotic side plays the devil’s advocate. He’s absolutely thinking about how close you were to kissing.

I give my head a shake. “First, you’re out of your mind. Skipping work for a hook-up, really? Second, weren’t you just seeing another guy a few days ago?” She recoils like I’ve slapped her. “Who, Jay? Girl! Turns out he has,” she glances around the cafe. Then leans in closer to deliver the drama straight to my ear, “A husband.”

I quirk a brow at her. She shrugs, “Look, I’ll sleep with anyone as long as they’re single. I’m not a homewrecker.” A classy playgirl, how nice of her. I internally giggle. Nitasha wraps an arm around me, pulling me closer to her in the booth. “Come on, let’s go get our drinks. I’m so glad I finally have a friend like you I can talk to about guys!”

We’re standing waiting for our drinks, and after Nitasha has described Soren’s dick to me in far too much detail, she does the unthinkable — turns the attention to me. With a devious look, she asks, “Have you met anyone yet?” She knows I’m new to town but has no idea of my past. I swallow thickly, truly unsure of how to answer.

On one hand, I could get some of my thoughts out. Of course, I would not be telling her who those thoughts were about. On the other hand, even without saying Skyler’s name or giving any details about his appearance, she could still figure it out. And as… enthusiastic as she is to spread gossip, that would not bode well for me and Skyler.

Unfortunately, I’ve hesitated a moment too long. “Creators! You did! You have to tell me everything!” Nitasha squeals, almost spilling her caramel macchiato. Sighing in defeat as we sit down in our booth, I decide to give her a very vague summary.

“I definitely wasn’t looking for anyone. But I have met someone who I’m just... drawn to.” I take a sip of my latte, thinking about the way I gravitate to Skyler. Nitasha stops mid sip and eyes me like I’m some mythical creature. “Not looking?” She questions. “That sounds treacherous. You don’t get tired of vibrators?”

I nearly choke on my latte, covering my mouth with the back of my hand and clearing my throat. I don’t even remember when the last time I used a vibrator was. Suddenly, I feel a pang of sympathy for my vagina. When was the last time I actually had an orgasm?

Shit. Do I need to stop at the adult store on my way home?

“Wait, are you a virgin?” Nitasha’s inquiry brings me back to the present. Shaking my head, I answer, “No, not even close. It’s just been a while, I guess.” Pushing my hair behind my ears, I avert my gaze to save myself further embarrassment.

“Girl, that’s depressing. You need to get laid. Who is this person you’ve got your eyes on?” Nitasha places a hand on my shoulder. Trying to delay my answer as long as possible, I take several long sips of my latte. Thinking of the vaguest descriptions I can, I finally speak. “Well, they’re tall, handsome, and caring. I think they’re a shifter. I just got their number a couple of days ago, but I don’t see them around much.”

Gears are turning in Nitasha’s head. Hopefully she doesn’t know Skyler is a shifter and won’t put the pieces together. I find myself wondering if Nitasha is paranormal. She seems human from what I can tell, but that doesn’t mean much when shifters, witches, and born vampires can easily pass as humans if they wish.

“You don’t have to be so secretive, you know. I won’t tell anyone.” Nitasha sounds sincere, but the information is too sensitive to trust with anyone. Especially someone I don’t know. Sure, we’ve spent several shifts at Burrow’s together, and now we’re getting coffee, but I really know nothing about who she is.

Clasping my hands together in my lap, I murmur, “I’ll tell you some day. The truth is, I’ve very recently had a date take a turn for the worst. I’m terrified of finding myself in another situation like that.” I move to cross my arms across my chest, “I’d rather not speak this new interest into existence yet. Truly, it could just be harmless attraction.”

Only one part of that is true. I am terrified of finding myself in another situation like with Enzo. Yet, with every fiber of my being, I know Skyler would never hurt me. Regardless of what he is. And just as sure as the sun rises each day, I know it is far more than harmless attraction. It’s the beginning of something very real.

Nitasha opens her mouth to respond when suddenly her phone chimes with a catchy tune under the table. “Oh, hang on, Ame. I need to take this.” She tosses the words over her shoulder as she climbs out of the booth. Taking the last sip of my latte, I watch her pace by the door. She animatedly throws her free hand around. Whoever is on the other line, she doesn’t seem too happy about it.

She rolls her eyes and waves to get my attention. I mouth the word, “Yes?” Nitasha points to her car and mouths back, “Sorry.” She heads out the door of the cafe. Oh, well. Probably a lover. I personally can’t imagine entertaining more than one romance at a time. Nitasha does it seamlessly, though. To each their own.

With a sigh, I drop my head to my hands and stare at the marble pattern on the table. What am I even doing? I thought coming home would be easy. In a way, it has been. At the same time, I feel more confused than I ever have.

The realization strikes — not confused. Afraid.

I am afraid of Enzo. I fear he is hiding in every shadow, lurking behind every corner. Yet even greater than that. I fear being hurt by Skyler. Not physically, emotionally. It’s paralyzing.

I feel like he shares my feelings. But what if he’s just being friendly since I’m the new hire? Perhaps his kindness will run out. My heart protests at that thought.

I’m just trying to be realistic, heart.

Grabbing my empty cup and Nitasha’s half full one, I head toward the trash bins. Jupiter bids me farewell, and I return the gesture. As I slide into the leather seat of my Jeep, I recall Skyler and Sage tonight. The way Skyler was immediately on the defensive as Sage kissed my hand.

A grin tugs at my lips as I turn the key. Skyler displayed jealousy at its finest. And jealousy means he is sharing my feelings.

Thirteen

Amethyst

It’s just after midnight and Tarot Lake is a ghost town. Not a single car has joined me on the road as I turn onto the highway to my house. Pressing the gas to regain speed, a loud bang comes from under the hood. Shit. A series of quieter, but more aggressive knocks thrum through the car.

No. Please, no. Come on, Delilah, please just get me home and we can figure it out from there. More violent knocks answer my silent pleads, quickly accompanied by thick, black smoke.

Fuck.