Page 10 of My Sleep Paralysis Demon

A small smile curled on my lips as heat rushed to my cheeks.

Chapter Four

Seren

Bryant and I stood outside his car, handing out the last bit of bakery. I saw a lot of familiar faces, but it sucked that I couldn’t see Frank’s. He was doing so well and talked about turning his life around. I hoped I made his time on Earth a little bit better daily.

“Do you do this daily?” Bryant asked. I had asked him his name before I got into his car. I knew getting in a car with someone was probably stupid when I didn’t even know his name. But Bex had my location and the heads up about what was going on. I also felt safe with Bryant. He was some IT guy who was quiet and shy.

I nodded, trashing the last empty box in a dumpster. “It's what I can do. I can’t cook enough food or give them much money, but it’s nice that I can give them something.”

“And the owners are okay with you doing that?” he asked.

My brows pulled together as we went back to his really nice car. “Iamthe owner.”

His eyes widened. “You own Starlight Bakery?”

“Yes.”

“And you own all the recipes of all the delicious bakery stuff?”

Laughing, I nodded.

“I’m sorry,” he said, opening the passenger door for me.

And he opens the door for me.My heart throbbed.It’s a first for me.

“I didn’t know you were the owner.”

I sat down. “It’s okay.”

After closing the door, he rounded the car and sat in the driver’s seat. “You make delicious recipes, and I love your bakery. I’ve been going for a while since my sister showed me it.”

“Thank you.” I took the compliment but felt my cheeks heat up. That was why I didn’t tell people I owned the bakery; I wanted genuine feedback. He already raved about my cupcakes without knowing that they weremyrecipe.

We drove in silence to the ice cream shop. I didn’t mind, and it didn’t feel awkward. The radio was playing, and I felt like I was trying to decompress from the workday. I had just come from work; my body was a bit achy.

I pulled down the sun visor, seeing myself in his small mirror. Quickly, I fixed my frizzy curls, wondering how long my hair had been this wild. I checked my face and everything out. I couldn’t tell you how many times I had chocolate on the side of my mouth, and no one told me.

He glanced at me, smiling. “You look beautiful. Trust me.” He stayed focused on the road, letting me take him in.

My eyes dropped to his thin pink lips. I wondered if his mouth felt as good as the monster’s. It was weird thatthatwas my comparison.

I looked forward, seeing the cute ice cream place coming into view. It was small and pink but very cute. It was an outside stand in the middle of the park. Fairy lights were everywhere, covering all the trees. A water fountain sat a few feet away, occupied by a few eating customers.

Bryant opened the door for me again.

I stepped out, taking in the beautiful scene. The sun was almost down, making it a bit dark, which made it look more magical. The sound of rushing water from the fountain filled my ears.

Bryant led the way to the front of the stand. I instantly knew I wanted the plain old, but good, chocolate chip cookie dough. He ordered pistachio ice cream for himself.

I’d never seen anyone eat that before, but I didn’t judge him based on his ice cream. We spent a bit of silence, walking around and licking our ice cream.

My mind shamelessly played last night like a movie on constant repeat. His claws. His long tongue. Heat rushed over me; not even the cold ice cream could fix it.

“Okay, I get how you didn’t even tell me you were the owner,” he finally broke the silence.

I shrugged, licking my lips. “I just don’t tell people. What’s the point?”

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