Page 45 of Twisted Gift
I’ve never been so grateful for the weekend. Mostly, for a break from fae politics. Tonight, I get to focus on throwing a kickass birthday party for Oliver. We put a sign on the door this morning, letting everyone know the pub is closed for a private event tonight, and we’ve been working all afternoon to get the place ready.
There are still a couple of hours until people start arriving, so I’m behind the bar, making sure we have enough of everything to last the evening.
Allison is hanging the last of the streamers from the ceiling, and Max dropped off black and gold balloons earlier this afternoon. I sent Nikolai to pick up the food I ordered from one of the local catering companies. Once he comes back, and the room is ready to go, I’ll sneak upstairs to take a quick shower and get changed. Nikolai gave me full use of his place, so I don’t have to go home to get ready. Until then, I keep buzzing around.
Max is texting me constantly, making sure everything is set. Under normal circumstances, it would annoy the hell out of me, but today, it makes me smile.
Allison waves on her way out, letting me know she’ll be back in time for the party.
My phone rings as I’m walking upstairs half an hour later.
“What’s up, Al?”
“Just wanted to check with you to see if Tristan is coming tonight. I didn’t know if I should invite him, so I left it up to you.”
I laugh. “I invited him, but I’m not sure if he’s coming.”
“Do you want me to ask him?”
“No,” I answer too fast. “I mean, he’s probably busy. Don’t bother him.”
“Right.” She draws out the word, making me roll my eyes. “I’m sure he has plans on a Friday night when all of his friends are attending the same party. You’re right. His schedule is probably jam-packed tonight.”
“Yeah, whatever,” I mumble. “I’ve got to hop in the shower, so I’ll see you when you get here.”
“Bye,” she sings before hanging up.
Glancing at the clock, I see I still have quite a bit of time until the party, so I take a long shower. I toss the idea of Tristan showing up tonight around my head. I want him here, but I’m also nervous about what might happen if he shows up.Get it together. I can control myself. Just because I want him doesn’t mean I can’t be in a room with him without thinking about fucking him on top of the bar.
After I’ve finished drying and curling my hair into loose waves, I put on a bit of makeup and walk into the bedroom to get changed into the dress I brought.
My eyes find his the second I step into the room, and my mouth goes dry.
His eyes are sharp, ablaze with hunger, making heat pool low in my belly. One look—one fucking look—and I’m ready to drop my towel, the only thing between my body and his gaze.
“Surprise,” he murmurs, rising from where he was sitting on the end of the bed.
I swallow as he stops inches from my face. “It’s not my party,” I say.
The corner of his mouth curls into a downright wicked smirk. “I’m practicing.” He pushes his hand through his hair, messing it up a bit. “Nikolai said you were up here. I knocked. The door was open,” he explains.
“I didn’t know you were coming.” I take that opportunity to take in his casual attire. I’ll never get tired of seeing him in a suit, but this laid-back, dark jeans and T-shirt look makes me melt just the same.
“You thought I’d miss seeing you like this?”
I arch a brow, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks. “In a towel?”
He chuckles. “Seeing you relaxed and having fun with your friends. While you’re not worrying about the fae or the future. I wanted to see you having fun.”
A smile touches my lips. “So long as Nik doesn’t say something that makes Skylarkill him, I’ll actually be able to relax and have fun.”
He nods. “You make a good point. I’ve yet to understand how Sterling manages to get under her skin. He’s the only one I’ve seen who can.”
“That’s because there’s no one stupid enough to try. She’d claw their eyes out.”
“Then why is he still alive?”
I shoot him a look, and he smiles. “I need to get dressed,” I say instead of responding.
