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Her parents had had two rooms. Of course, they’d detested each other, so perhaps they weren’t the greatest models of proper Match behavior, either.

Randa cleared her throat and tried to backtrack. “Hekktor was an older gentleman. He needed plenty of rest. I imagine our sleeping arrangements were similar to what Light Phases do.”

“Hekktor was an Air Phase, though. Sleeping separately isn’t part of their culture.”

“Oh, Hekktor was very well-traveled. He had many customs picked up from lots of various places.”

Kahn scowled at that calm response. Before he could ask something that she had no intention of answering, the doorbell rang.

Randa hesitated for a beat and then forced herself to lay down her fork. Dabbing her mouth with a napkin, she looked over at the clock on the wall with studied casualness. Five after six.

Madrid, Spain.

Bangkok, Thailand.

Randa took a steadying breath. “That would be the flowers.” She stood up and headed for the door, hoping they couldn’t hear her heart hammering.

The Light Phases got to their feet, clustering around the small entryway. They had their hands on their swords as she unbolted the various deadlocks and chains securing it.

“Do not harm this human delivery-boy.” She warned, her eyes on Kahn. “His name is Steve, and he’s only nineteen years old.” To an Elemental, that was infancy.

“You know him?”

“Of course I know him. There’s only one florist in Mayport Beach. You think I didn’t go there and ask them who’s sending me bouquets? They don’t know anything, so just leave him alone.” Out of habit, she opened the door far enough to accept the flowers and not one inch more. “Good evening, Steve.”

“Hi, Miss Randa.” He was a pudgy, tawny-haired youth with happy green eyes. “I got another one for ya.” He handed her a huge arrangement of white lilies, a big smile on his face. “This secret admirer of yours sure don’t quit!”

“Yes, he’s very determined, isn’t he?” Randa balanced the flowers against her body to fish a tip out of her pocket. It wasn’t Steve’s fault she hated even touching the damn things. Randa had a fondness for humans. They were harmless and vulnerable. She always tried to treat them with care. “Do you have any clue who’s sending these, yet?”

“Nope. They’re all ordered online and super mysterious!” He looked delighted by the possibility of romantic intrigue. “Mostly I deliver flowers for funerals and weddings, ya know. This is way more exciting than that. The whole shop is talking about it. I guess ‘cause you’re so pretty, this guy is nervous to…”

He stopped short.

Behind Randa, Kahn had moved into the narrow slit of the doorway. She could feel the heat of his body. Somehow, she knew it was him, rather than any of the others. Usually, when someone stood behind her, it triggered panic. With Kahn, she didn’t feel that. She felt… safe.

Randa mentally cringed at her own stupidity. This whole situation was clearly affecting her mind.

“No more flowers come to this house.” Kahn told Steve. Since the Light Phases mostly spoke in Elemental language, his accent in English was much thicker than Randa’s. It somehow made Kahn seem even more attractive.

And more menacing.

Steve gulped and took an automatic step back.

Randa flashed Kahn an angry look. “I told you not to scare the boy.” She snapped in Elemental.

“You told me not to hurt him.” He retorted in the same language. “I didn’t, did I?”

Randa drew in another deep breath and refocused on Steve. Her smile was strained, but reassuring. “Is the singles mixer still happening on Saturday?” She asked in English, striving to hide her temper. The human boy was related to half the town. He knew all the local events.

“Huh?” He got out, his attention still locked on Kahn’s massive size.

“At the Wastin’ Away Bar and Grille.” Randa prompted. “Do they still host singles mixers on Saturday nights?” Isaacs had forced her to go once. He liked bars. Well, at least the “bar fights” part of them.

“Umm… yeah. At eight o’clock.” Steve nodded.

“Excellent.” There were sure to be some eligible women there for the Light Phases to look over as potential Matches. Her plan was moving forward.

“Are you going?” Steve’s eyes lit up. “Wowza, a lot of local guys will be excited to see you there.”