Page 106 of De-Witched

To his credit, he winced.

“I asked him to come,” Gabriel surprised her by saying. The back of his hand brushed hers and her stomach dipped like a teenager with a crush. “You’re working the late shift, so I thought we could...hang out while I wait.”

She cocked her head, at more than his testing use of the human phrase. “Wait?”

“To walk you home. It’s not safe.”

Bastian plonked his elbows on the table, framing his face with his hands. “Awww.”

Baffled, Leah wasn’t sure how to respond. Before she could settle on an action, he decided for her, clasping her hand, lifting it to his mouth. He kissed her knuckles before adding, “You look tired.”

Amusement at the blunt statement trembled into a sweet ache as he lowered their hands but kept them joined.

Are you ashamed to be with me, Gabriel?

He’d really heard her.

God, her heart might spasm too hard and kill her. She knew he wouldn’t be doing this in front of people he didn’t trust, but the gesture still slayed her.

“Well, well,” Henry murmured. His eyes were sharp as he studied them, lifting his beer for a sip.

Okay. Awkward.

She angled her head to Gabriel, pretending not to be affected. “I, uh, need you to sign up for karaoke.”

Henry choked on his beer, chest convulsing as Bastian hooted a laugh.

Gabriel didn’t move. “No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“For me?”

“How would getting up there and humiliating myself be for you?”

“Because you’d do anything for me?”

One perfect eyebrow slid up an inch.

“Wouldn’t hurt you to pretend,” she grumbled. Then, because it was right there, added, “I thought you liked playing pretend.”

His eyes heated to a simmer.

“Go on, Gabriel.” Henry’s encouragement held a touch of hoarseness as he regained his breath. His grin was wide. “I’ll help you pick the perfect song.”

“AC/DC?” Bastian asked.

“That or Phil Collins.”

Gabriel ignored them. He leaned down so his murmured words were only for her. “Why are you asking me to do this?”

Leah pursed her lips. So low her voice wouldn’t travel, she admitted, “I want Emma to like you.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s my friend.”

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