Page 28 of When the Angel Falls First

I waved vaguely in the air, not sure what else to say, nervous that he’d remember her from all those years ago. Though the Host hadn’t named her specifically during my punishment, she had left an unforgettable impression on me, and it was hard to imagine her having any less of an impact on those around me.

“The plot thickens,” he murmured. “Are you sure she’s human?”

“One hundred percent.” Well, ninety-nine percent. I felt I should make that qualifier for myself. Howdidshe know the exact right books that would bring those two together?

He shrugged, seemingly not remembering her after all. “Well, we don’t complain when it’s easy, right? There is one other thing I need to remind you about.”

I tensed but tried to stay calm. Was he going to warn me off getting too close to her? If he gave me a direct order from the Host…

“The angelic seals. The book needs to be found in order for your wings to be restored. I’ve got a sense that it’s here in Seattle. The bookshop owner is perfect—she loves rare books. Maybe she can help you hunt down whoever’s got it.”

“I… hadn’t thought of that.” The admission felt like an enormous, stupid oversight, but it was true. The book of angelic seals was powerful, nothing like an ordinary book, though it looked plain to the human eye. Only those with angelic blood could read the script inside, and no mortal ink could stain its pages. “I’m not sure how I’ll explain the importance of a blank leather journal to her, but I can ask.”

I shoved down the thrill I felt at having another reason to visit the bookstoreafterher great-grandma’s birthday was over. I shouldn’t want it, but I did with every cell in my celestial body.

“I’m sure you’ll come up with something.” He grinned again, as a knock on my front door startled me off the chair and into motion.

“This is probably her. I should?—”

“I’d love to meet her, this mysterious friend with uncanny beauty.” Gabriel rose, smoothing back his perfect blond hair in a practiced move and pasting on a devil-may-care smile.

“No!”

He froze, giving me an incredulous look. You didn’t tell anarchangelno. It just wasn’t done.

Shit!

“I don’t want to confuse her or introduce any more supernatural influence into her life. I’ve already been enough of a disruption.”

“Well—”

Another knock, impatient this time. Josie was very punctual, and I was officially one minute late for our agreed pickup time.

“Please, Gabe,” I pleaded shamelessly.

“Fine, fine.” He waved, the motion bored, and then popped out of existence a second before I twisted the doorknob.

“Hey, Josie. Do you want to come in?”

Josie looked lovely, a light-pink skirt made out of something frothy—tulle, maybe?—paired with a classic, off-the-shoulder black sweater. It left the wide expanse of her collarbone completely bare. All it took was one look, and the temptation was there.

She had a displeased look on her face. Was she trying not to be put out at my lateness? I resisted the urge to smirk. She was predictable in the best possible way. Her bottom lip poked out in an adorable pout, and I was overcome with the sudden urge to kiss it, taste it. See how she responded if I sucked it between my own, let my fingers skim over the delicate line of her clavicle.

I wanted to peel that sweater over her head, toss it on my floor, and trace that little indent with my tongue. Peel off her bra, and then?—

Shit. I had to stop. Ihadto stop.

I stepped forward, but the intent in my eyes must have cued her to my thoughts because her eyes widened, and she dropped the pout.

“Um, no. We should get on the road. Don’t want to be late, or early, for that matter. Right on time is best. We don’t want to turn into the White Rabbit in Wonderland, do we?” She smiled, and I sensed her frantic pulse slowing a bit as she allowed herself to slide into her comfort zone, books.

“Wedohave a very important date. Let me grab my keys and we can go.”

“Excellent.” She did a little spin, the motion all awkward exuberance which caused her tulle skirt to flare out like a flower around her. The soft floral perfume she wore bloomed into the air, and I adjusted the collar of my shirt as I snagged my keys off the hook, trying to turn the dial down on my very physical response to the increased time together.

It was going to be alongday if I didn’t get myself under control, and quick.

We rodein Josie’s car, the first part of the drive passing in companionable silence. The familiar streets of Seattle gave way to more nature as we headed for Snoqualmie, a gentle drizzle dampening the roads and prompting drivers to turn on their headlights.

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