Page 39 of In His Veins

“Then you’ll answer them.” He’s grinning at me, irritating me that he likes watching me squirm.

“And what do I say, genius? ‘Hi everyone! This is the serial killer you’ve heard about on the news. He stalks me. Also, we fuck sometimes.’” I watch him accusingly as he smirks.

“Maybe leave out the first half. They probably wouldn’t believe you anyway.”

“This is serious. What about my brothers? Word travels fast around here.” His expression sobers, and I’m relieved that he’s finally taking this seriously.

“I’ll take care of them. It’s going to be fine, but you’re about to be late, so make up your mind.”

“Fuck,” I say as I slide out of my seat. I shoot him a withering glance over my shoulder as he opens the front door for me. The pleasant chime signals our entrance. I want to melt into the walls as Lauren and Josh both turn toward us. Cal puts his hand on the small of my back and leans down to my ear.

“I think you’ve been spotted, sweetheart.” I glare at him and grab my apron from the kitchen. Cal settles himself at the table he used last time. I had served him coffee that day, never guessing he was actually there to watch me. Lauren is on me in seconds.

“Who on earth is that?” she demands, her voice carrying despite her attempt to whisper. Josh saunters over, a displeased look on his face. I break into a sweat and shift my feet, looking for an out. I look at the tables to see Cal’s already watching me. He lifts his hand in a small wave, and I look away.

I stare blankly at Lauren.

“Well?” she asks, crossing her arms. Cal’s one of the only people in the cafe this early, so I can’t even come up with an excuse to get out of this awkward situation.

“I’m kind of seeing him, I guess?” I say it like a question.

“You’re dating him?” Lauren asks at the same time Josh says, “So he’s your boyfriend?”

I look back and forth between the two of them, as the word ‘boyfriend,’ ricochets through me. I want to say, ‘No, he’s my stalker, but I actually really like him.’

“It’s complicated. I should probably go take his order,” I say instead. Lauren starts to say something, but I turn quickly on my heel and practically run to Cal.

“You’re sweating,” he remarks with a grin when I stand next to his table.

“Shut the fuck up, I know I am.” I wipe my forehead with my arm and glare down at him. “This is your fault,” I add. He shrugs, but doesn’t deny it.

“I like making you sweat,” and his feline smile matches the innuendo. I roll my eyes, fighting the desire that has been building in my core since this morning.

“What do you want?” Cal looks at me thoughtfully and I’m suddenly aching for him.

“I’ll have to take my coffee to go, I’m afraid. Chase has a promising new lead on a case we’re working on.” He hands me his credit card as my eyebrows fly up in interest. I rarely hear about the details of my brothers’ PI business, and I’m horribly curious. He must see it in my face, and he smiles at me. He’s absolutely breathtaking. His eyes are a brighter blue in this light; his smile shows off his straight, white teeth. I almost lean down, wanting to kiss him so desperately. Instead, I nod my head and turn toward the kitchen.

As I run his card and pour the black coffee, Josh walks up to me. I don’t look at him, but I can feel him standing close to me. He’s not saying anything, so I don’t either.

“You’re being careful?” The implication is mortifying, and I whip my head to him.

“What the hell, Josh?” My jaw is practically on the floor when I realize he doesn’t even seem embarrassed.

“He just seems dangerous, that’s all. Do whatever you want, obviously.” I point my finger at him.

“You’re out of line.” I say, voice low. He puts his hands up and backs away.

“I care about you. I don’t want you to get hurt.” I walk away, not wanting to hear anything else. Cal is watching curiously from his table, and I’m sure he’s heard the entire exchange as I slide him his card as I hand him the coffee.

“What was that about?” He asks casually. I look down at him, feeling Josh’s stare on my back.

“I don’t even know. Maybe he’s jealous. Paige seems to think he has a thing for me.” Cal snorts and returns the card to his wallet.

“Well, that’s obvious.”

I’m too disheartened to be surprised. “Really?”

His face softens a bit. “Sorry to be the one to tell you.” I sit in the seat across from him, putting my face in my hands.

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