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I nod, focusing back on my laptop. “Then let’s message her, but try not to overwhelm her with your enthusiasm, yeah?”
Cy nods, focusing on his phone once more.
I click on the message button and when the chat box loads, I have no idea what the hell to say. This is ridiculous. No one would think I’m as old as I am with the way I’m acting like a teenage boy right now.
I take a deep breath before forcing myself to relax.
JACK: Hi Belle! I’m Jack, and we’ve just matched. I also have it on good authority that you’ve matched with my three best friends and roommates, Cy, Derek, and Nick.
JACK: I know all four of us are looking forward to meeting you. I’m not 100% sure what a holiday movie type Christmas looks like, but Cy promises me I’ll enjoy it.
JACK: I was hoping that we could get our first date set up. I’m not sure if you want to start with a group date with all four of us or not, but if that’s too overwhelming, then Cy and I could take you on one just the three of us.
BELLE: Hi! I wasn’t expecting to get matched so quickly. Nor was I expecting all four of you to message me all at the same time.
JACK: Sorry?
BELLE: No reason to be sorry. If it’s alright with all of you, I’d definitely prefer to do a date with you and Cy, and then Derek and Nick. I’ve never been on a date before, and the idea of all four of you at once is a little overwhelming for me right now.
JACK: Say no more. Just tell us where and when, and we’ll be there.
BELLE: How does coffee sound? Tomorrow around 4 at Serendripity? If we hit it off, we can go to dinner afterward.
JACK: Done. We’ll see you tomorrow at 4. I’m really looking forward to meeting you. Both of us are.
BELLE: Me too. See you then!
Now all we have to do is make it until tomorrow afternoon. We can totally do that.
Chapter Three
Cypian
IhatehownervousI am right now.
Jack and I stand out in front of Serendripity, and I can’t seem to force my legs to move. Sure, we’re early, but I can already tell that Belle is inside. There’s a part of me that’s inexplicably drawn to her very presence, telling me she’s here.
“Can you feel her too?” I ask him as I reach for his hand.
He turns his head to look at me, nodding with a small smile on his face as his fingers intertwine with mine. “I can. I wonder if she feels the same draw toward us?”
“I guess there’s only one way to find out.” I take a deep breath before taking a step forward, and then another.
Jack squeezes my hand before striding forward and pulling me into the coffee shop. My eyes instinctively seek her out, trying to find my beauty amongst the patrons. A smile lights up my face as I find her speaking to another woman. They’re about the same height, but the other woman wears her black hair in a bob.
“Should we wait?” I ask just as Belle’s head snaps up, her eyes finding us, and a smile lighting up her face. The other woman keeps talking before realizing she’s lost Belle’s attention. She follows her line of sight, her green eyes narrowing as she watches us approach.
“Jack! Cypian! I’m so glad you’re here.” Belle is beaming at us, and she seems genuinely glad we’re here. When the other woman clears her throat, Belle rolls her eyes. “This is one of my besties, Chloe. She wanted to meet the two of you to make sure you aren’t serial killers before she’ll let me have coffee with you.”
Laughter dances in her eyes, and I find myself chuckling as I turn to Chloe. “Hello, Chloe. You’re a good friend looking out for her. My name is Cypian, but please call me Cy—both of you. In case you couldn’t tell from my looks, even in my human guise, I’m a dark elf.”
I gesture to my dark, almost black skin and my long, white hair. It always makes people do a double take when they see me or another of my kind. We don’t exactly blend with humans well, unless we dye our hair. My bright green eyes only add to my otherworldly look, and it’s too much for many humans and even some supes. Let’s hope it’s not for either of these two women.
“I’m aware. It’s part of the reason I insisted on coming.” Chloe bites her lip before taking my offered hand in hers. “I’m also aware not all dark elves are bad, but I needed to make sure you were one of the good ones before I left her with you. I hope you understand.”
My smile only grows as I nod. “I respect you more for it, honestly. Most people would pretend my species wasn’t the reason they were worried.”
“I prefer to tell it how it is. Who has time for beating around the bush?” She waves her hand in the air before turning to Jack. “Now, I hear you’retheJack Frost. Everyone says you’re an asshole.”
