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And on the weekend, he rails me until I can’t feel my legs. Perfect balance.

It’s not like I can let my world revolve around him, though. I’ve always been one to enjoy having a friend group, and even though Sterling is right on the other side of the tavern, I pay him no mind as I sit around a booth with Farrah, Dave, and Scarlet.

“It’s too early to plan for Yule,” Scarlet snaps. “Some of us are still enjoying fall. You know, a witch’s favorite time of year.”

“I don’t know…” I smile subtly. “I like winter. It’s the perfect season for cuddling, and it gives you a reason to stay inside.”

“You’re just saying that because you have someone to cuddle,” Dave says.

My jaw drops. “You told him? What happened to girl code?”

“I don’t think there’s any need to gender friendship,” Farrah says. “I tell Dave everything.”

“She tells most people everything,” he says. “You really need to be careful about who you trust your secrets with.”

I huff. “Well, it’s not a secret anymore, I guess.”

A town like Starbrook talks. That’s one of the first things I learned after moving here. I never thought they would be talking about my love life, and I’ve never really had anything about it that I wanted to keep secret. The last thing I need is someone meddling with Sterling and me when we’re so good.

I’m happy, even if I still haven’t found the courage to tell him how I feel.

My gaze drifts to where Sterling is at the bar. He’s usually alone, sometimes joined by his brother or another friend, but tonight…

There’s a woman. A beautiful, tall, demon woman. She must be six feet tall, with perfectly pink skin and pastel hair. Her dark red dress clings to her every curve—her impressive chest and ass, and to her tiny, tiny waist.

He’s smiling at her. Blushing.

“Um…” I force myself to look away. “Does anyone know who the super cool demoness is?”

“Uh-oh,” Scarlet mutters, looking away and drinking her beer. “I know that look. Jealous.” She mouths the final word, silent but slapping me across the face with it.

Jealous? Me? When have I ever been jealous? And am I allowed to when I’ve been the one pushing him away?

“That’s Latra,” Farrah says. “She lives in the Underworld, but she visits sometimes. She’s really nice.”

Really nice. Really hot. That’s probably Sterling’s type.

I nod, my voice coming out squeakier than I’d like. “Is she friends with your brother?”

“I’ve never seen them talk before.”

Somehow, I only feel worse. What could they possibly be talking about now, and why is he blushing? I mean, he blushes pretty easily, but still.

“Are you exclusive?” Dave asks, tilting his head to the left.

I shake my head. “I mean… no. Of course not. We’re just friends.”

The words are starting to fall flat whenever I say them. I want more. I know he wants more. Why can’t I be brave enough to go for what I want?

Scarlet snorts, and Farrah gives me a sympathetic look.

“You can probably talk to him about it later,” Farrah says. “If anything happens, he’ll tell you. Sterling is usually pretty honest. About most things.”

Fuck it.

I finish the rest of my cocktail. “You’re right. He’s honest, and I should be too. I’m asking him.”

Right when I stand up, Farrah holds my arm. “I didn’t mean right now. Goddess⁠—”