Page 11 of Hot in Witch City
Lucas assessed me with a skeptical look before he bent down to greet Shadow with a chin rub.
“Cucumber cool,” I added. “I let my wolf run last night. Don’t worry, it's all good."
“Uh huh.” Lucas’s tone matched his expression.
“I have it all planned out,” I said.
“What exactly?” He didn’t look up as he moved on to rub Shadow’s cheek.
Shadow reveled in the attention, purring with loud enthusiasm.
“Food brings everyone together.”
Lucas laughed. “That’s your answer to everything.” He shook off some gray fur and then stood. “I have a better idea. Why don’t you just sleep with her to get this out of your system?”
Hmm. I thought about it. That could work. It wasn’t as if I hadn’t thought about sleeping with her at least a dozen times already. If it had the bonus of helping to get her out of my head, even better.
Nope,my wolf dismissed immediately.She’s our mate.
Still, it was worth a shot. I had to do something to be able to move on with my life. “Maybe.”
Lucas chuckled. “It will be quite an accomplishment since she tossed you on your ass and then refused your invite to dinner.”
I scowled. “I was off guard because of my wolf. I’m fine now.” I raised my chin. “Tonight will be different. I’ll be as smooth as butter sliding over hot, toasted Italian bread—and just as tasty.”
Lucas laughed in doubt. “Twenty bucks says you fail. From what I’ve seen, Gianna is far from interested.”
I shook his hand. “I won’t fail.”
Lucas grinned as he walked away. “Looks like I’ll be headed to the record store tomorrow after you lose and pay up with a crisp twenty-dollar bill.”
Diego walked in after sundown,carrying wine and beer. “Jeez, Sebastian. This looks like more than a few apps.”
I’d cooked up a spread with a variety of appetizers, eager to impress. “I just made a few things to snack on.” As I looked at the spread of glass-covered Pyrex covering the counter, I sensed I’d gone overboard. Then I dismissed it. It was better to have too much food than not enough.
“It’s only going to be the three of us, and I barely eat.”
“Four,” I clarified. “I’ll be here, too.”
Sebastian clucked his tongue. “What about work?”
“Schedule change.”
“Motherfucker,” Diego joked with a shake of his head. “You definitely had a hand in that.”
I tipped my head, admitting nothing.
Diego raised his index finger. “Don’t be weird.”
“Pshaw.” I gestured with a dismissive wave. “Why is everyone so convinced that I can’t act normal around Gianna?”
Diego pierced me with a knowing gaze. “Have you forgotten how you went all mad dog and attacked a stranger for touching her?”
I blinked. “Justified. He deserved it.” I rolled my shoulders. “Besides, I finally went for a run in the woods. My wolf will be on his best behavior.”
“Good.” He pulled out his phone and texted. “I’m warning Nova in case they want to bail.”
Fortunately, they didn’t.
