Page 13 of Hot in Witch City
“Sounds good.”
Diego turned to me and arched his brows. “Sebastian?”
“Why not?” I replied with a smile. “Itisa celebration, after all.”
Everyone turned to stare at me in question.
“Celebration?” Nova furrowed her brows.
Shit, what was I talking about? Despite the excited shivers dancing about inside, I forced myself to calm down and come up with an excuse to cover up my nonsense. “It’s the first time Gianna is hanging out with us here.” My voice came out strangled. I cleared my throat and tipped my head to greet her. “Gianna.”
“Hello, Sebastian.” Amusement curled the edges of her lips, reaching up to her beautiful blue-violet eyes.
I almost swooned, lost, as my gaze locked on hers. To snap myself out of it, I attempted a lighthearted tone. “Welcome to our humble home.” I bowed forward, but it rang as forced and out of place. “I hear a Monty Python viewing may be on the agenda—yet another reason for celebration.” What the hell was I talking about, and why was my voice so deep? “Since I—uh—I heard you aren’t familiar with it,” I babbled, “I’m glad to be here as we pop your metaphorical cherry.”
Nova grimaced and closed her eyes, and Diego cringed.
Gianna turned away as if shielding a laugh.
Pop. Her. Metaphorical. Cherry.In reference to watching Monty Python? Why did I say something like that? I pictured my head exploding, my brain erupting like confetti. Staying mute would have been better. I sounded like a combination of a pompous ass and uber nerd who had never spoken to a pretty woman before.
“Hell, yes, it will be a great night.” Diego surprised me as he stepped forward and slapped me on the back. “Monty Python is always celebrated around here.”
I silently thanked him for saving me from my increasing awkwardness. He could have held back and racked up the judgment points on dumb things to give me shit about in the morning. That would come, but at least it wouldn’t happen in front of Gianna.
Why did words tumble out of my mouth without any sense of logic around her?
Time for me to move on to something I was more comfortable talking about, food. That might be the only way I could salvage my plan to woo Gianna before I stuck my big-ass paw into my big-ass mouth.
Again.
Gianna
“I whipped up a couple of snacks.” Sebastian motioned to the dining room table.
I glanced into the wood-paneled area where the table was covered with trays. “A few snacks? That looks more like a feast.”
“I’m a chef, umm, so I tend to go overboard.” He moved his weight from one foot to the other and avoided my gaze. “Better to have too much than too little.”
He seemed nervous, but it was kind of sweet. “No complaints here. It smells delicious.”
Nova had given me the heads up that Sebastian was home in case I wanted to cancel. I’d said it was fine. After all, we’d cross paths again, eventually.
“It’s the least I can do after my behavior the other night.” Sebastian hung his head. “I apologize. I was out of line.”
“It’s all right.” I slanted my head. ”What came over you? Are you usually that aggressive over a woman you just met?”
All sorts of emotions wrestled across his face. “No.” He exhaled. “My wolf was restless and acted up. We went out for a long run. All good now.”
I clucked my tongue. “O-kay. Just don’t do it again. I can’t have brawls at my business.” I arched my brows. “Especially if it brings attention to supernaturals causing trouble. Know what I mean?”
He had a hangdog expression. “I do. And I promise that it won’t happen again.” He raised his gaze to meet mine. “Are we cool?”
“We’re cool,” I replied with an easygoing smile. “It’s easier that way—since my best friend is dating your roommate. We’re bound to run into each other. No point in being salty, right?”
“Right.” He smiled. “Can I get you a drink?”
“I think Diego is pouring the champagne.” I turned toward the kitchen where Diego was pulling out the cork and Nova was getting flutes.
