Page 81 of How Not to Date an Angel

Rami’s cheeks flamed. Were they too eager?

“It’s as easy as any magic.”

“Huh. I guess that makes sense,” Julian mused. “How do you feel?”

The hot water was still surrounding them, lapping at their skin. “Warm.”

Julian’s swallow was audible in the quiet bathroom. “Give me your glass,” Julian said, and Rami didn’t even question it, just laid their forearm over the edge of the tub, empty glass balanced in their fingers.

Their hands brushed as Julian took the glass and Rami wondered if they’d imagined the spark. Maybe that happened normally?

Rami considered. It certainly hadn’t happened when Melissa had hugged them just a few days ago.

Maybe it was a Julian thing?

Or maybe it’s aYou And Julianthing.

Rami would have scoffed if they hadn’t had a modicum of self-control. This was simple curiosity. Student and teacher, if anything.

A bit more warmth stirred in them at the suggestion.

“Close your eyes and lay your head back.”

Rami laid their head back, and flattened their lips, giving Julian a droll stare that he probably wouldn’t even—

He turned his head and caught Rami’s glare. “How did I know you’d be making that face?” Julian asked, chuckling, the sound deep and lovely. “I’m not going to peek, just—do it. I’ll do it, too.”

Rami glanced down at the bubbles, which were still piled high. Impossibly high.

Was Julian magicking the bubbles to stay in place?

Rami softened even more as their gaze flitted back to the demon, whose eyes were closed, head resting against the lip of the tub, mismatched horns seeming to glimmer in the low lighting.

Rami finally let their eyes drift shut. “Fine.”

“Alright. So. You’re warm. What else?”

They felt as if this was a test.

“There’s no wrong answer,” Julian said, voice gentler. “Where are your feet?”

Rami’s brow furrowed. “Pressing against the foot of the tub.”

“Hands?”

Oh.“Beneath the water,” Rami answered. “On my thighs.” Their fingers flexed against their own skin in response.

“Okay,” Julian murmured. “Where’s the water touching you at?”

Rami was so close to opening their eyes, but they didn’t. “It’s up to my sternum. The bubbles are higher.”

Now that they thought about it, the bubbles kind of tickled where they popped against Rami’s skin, against their nipples.

“They… tickle,” Rami said bravely, like they might earn a gold star if they gave Julian the right information.

“Good,” Julian murmured so gently. “You’re on the right track. Keep going.”

What do I feel?

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