Page 62 of My Undead Heart

Nikki takes a step forward and holds out her hand, but her attention is garnered by the cheers in the other room. “It’s so nice to meet you ... I’m sorry, what was your name?”

“Mia.”

“Right, Mia. We’ve never met one of Matt’s girls. You must be extra special.” She giggles and it’s one of those really pitchy sounds.

“Yeah. I’m sure—”

“Sorry, I’ll be right back,” Nikki says and rushes out of the kitchen. “Jen! You made it!” She shouts and wraps some girl in a bear hug.

Mia’s gaze flicks to mine and I feel I owe her an apology for making her endure the anguish that can only come from being the odd man out at a party of close friends. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you to come.”

“What?Why?Are you embarrassed?” She says with what appears to be authentic hurt.

“No!” I shout and when a few people from the other room glance our way I turn to block their view. Dipping my chin to her ear and lowering my voice so I won’t be overheard, I admit the truth. “I can’t stand parties like this. People like this. I’m sorry for dragging you along. It was selfish of me.”

Her gaze lifts and the way we’re standing there’s not much space between us. In fact, if I were to drop my chin a little lower, it wouldn’t take more than two inches to reach her lips with mine. Fuck, it’s insane how much her mouth begs for me to do just that. How much my body pulses with the need. But I won’t.

“Why?” she whispers, almost as if she’s scared to speak too loudly and break this magnetic pull between us. I lean that much closer, still not kissing her, but her eyes flutter shut and I can’t deny myself the pleasure of scraping my lips along the side of her cheek before I answer in her ear.

“Because I’d rather spend time with you.”

She sucks in a ragged breath and her exhale tickles my neck. Oh, how I wish I could claim her lips right now. Own them with demanding kisses and take her body in my arms. Prop her up on this counter so I could get even closer. But this isn’t my house and she isn’t mine.

“Also, I think my brother’s girlfriend is a real bitch.”

Laughter bubbles up from her belly, erupting around us and quashing the intense sexual tension that was brewing. I step back to give us both the space to breathe.

“All right. Let’s get this over with.” She shakes her head, finishes the rest of her beer, and grabs another before setting her empty in the sink. Mia hooks her arm in mine and drags me toward the party.

“Have I mentioned lately how much you’re saving my ass,” I say before we join the others.

“We’ve already established you owe me big time. I expect date number three to make up for it.” It might be undue, but the warmest feeling spreads throughout my body that she’s already looking forward to our next date.

We catch the end of the Bears taking a beating before Nikki calls everyone over to the dinner table and mutes the television to click on some soft background music. The table hosts a fall themed centerpiece and even the place settings are assigned with cards. Mia has the seat across from me, and while I like that I can see her, my brother’s friend Zeke sits to her left and won’t stop chatting her ear off. I also don’t love the way he continues to side eye the top of her breasts when she’s not looking. There’s an empty spot between Mia and Nikki and I wish I could take it. If it weren’t for my brother’s girlfriend, I would.

“So Mia, what do you do?” Zeke leans a little closer.

She sets down her bite of chicken to answer. “I’m a video game designer for EverSoft.”

“Wow, that’s really cool.”

“Isn’t it?” my brother says.

Mia grins, a genuine smile now that the topic is something she’s passionate about. She looks between Zeke and Danny. “I love it. Are either of you into gaming?”

“I used to play Madden on the regular, but that was before Nikki reformed me. She’s made me into a responsible adult.” He winks and Nikki beams, as if that’s an actual compliment or that playing games is only child’s play. Only he’s totally insulted Mia and what she does for a living.

“A majority of the video game market is actually designed specifically to target adult users. I’m one of the leads on a game that’s one of the most anticipated releases in our over thirty demographic.” I have to give it to Mia, she holds back the snark but calls him out at the same time.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything rude. I guess what I meant is that since meeting Nikki, my extra-curriculars have changed so we can spend more time together.” He leans over and kisses Nikki’s cheek. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you, baby,” she coos in response.

Mia looks as though she’s about to barf all over the table at their exchange. The feeling’s mutual. I try to bring the conversation back to the group. “Mia’s really talented. She’s actually giving my website a total makeover. And helping me add in some new ideas for the business.”

“That’s awesome. Can’t wait to see it when you’re done.” My brother nods with interest.

“It’d already be up and running if I weren’t putting in such crazy hours at work. The project I was telling you about has a release scheduled late next month, just in time for the holiday shopping rush, so until it’s complete we’re working long days.”

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