Page 12 of Hot in Witch City
We played some video games over the next hour or so. I glanced in the direction of Nova’s apartment several times. Was Gianna over there yet?
“You’re full of shit,” Diego declared when our game ended. He stared at me with an expression that called me out. “You can’t stop looking over there.”
Busted. “Okay, fine. I can’t stop thinking about Gianna,” I admitted. "What am I supposed to do about this?"
"If she’s not interested, then you need to back off.” Diego put his controller down on the coffee table.
I exhaled. "Great advice, man. Sooo helpful."
“What? It’s the truth, right?”
“Not according to Lucas,” I pointed out. “He thinks I should sleep with her, and that would get her out of my system.”
“Then Lucas is an idiot,” Diego said. “If she turned down your invitation for dinner, she’s not going to want to sleep with you—even if you wormed your way into hanging out tonight."
That’s exactly what I’d done. I adjusted my weight on the couch, searching for a more comfortable position. This siren was making me act out of character, and I didn’t know how to deal with it.
"How did you convince Nova to give you a chance? It's not like you were suave with the creepy Nosferatu act when you first met.” I snorted. “Not to mention tackling her to the ground."
"Yeah, point taken," Diego admitted with gritted teeth. "But that was entirely self-defense. Vampire plus sunlight leads to crispy body parts.” He winced.
I tapped my foot on the area rug. "Since you are the master of awkward introductions and still managed to get the girl, what do you suggest I do?"
"I know nothing about being suave, as you already pointed out.” He threw both hands in the air. “I guess my advice is—don't be a dick."
I blinked at him. "Your recommendation for me to get a stunning siren is—don’t be a dick?"
“Yeah.” He shrugged. "Be a decent guy."
"Legendary advice.” My voice dripped with sarcasm as I rubbed my forehead. “You know, you should start your own dating podcast with those solid gems. You could call it ‘Dating with Diego.’ Or ‘Diego’s Dating Dos and Don’ts.’ No, wait, we can milk the alliteration. How about “Don’t be a Dick—Dating Dos and Don’ts with Diego.”
"Yeah, maybe I should,” Diego agreed with faux seriousness. “I could dish advise here from home, not having to worry about waiting until sundown before I venture out to work.”
His phone buzzed and he picked it up. “They’re coming over now.” He texted something back.
My pulse quickened, and I straightened my spine.
The door from Nova’s apartment opened. When Gianna’s voice reached me, I jumped up from the sofa.
Diego grabbed my arm and said, “Settle down, Seb,” in a low tone.
“Right, right.” I sat back on the couch, propping my head back onto my arm in a casual pose. It felt forced and unnatural. I shifted my position once more.
Diego stared at me. “Hey, squirm-io, are you good?”
“I’m fine,” I said, my tone a higher pitch. Clearing my throat, I repeated, “Fine.”
Diego blinked and shook his head as if this was a terrible mistake. Nova and Gianna walked into the living room a few seconds later.
Gianna raised two bottles of champagne, one in each hand. “Hey, hey! I brought some beverages.”
The sight of the gorgeous woman with dark hair flowing over her shoulders and wearing skinny black jeans, an emerald-green shirt, and motorcycle boots made my heart thump. My wolf bounded with excitement declaringmate.I stood and stared at her, my tongue feeling like it had swelled to twice its size.
Diego stood. “Great, we’ll have plenty. I stopped by the liquor store earlier.” He took the bottles to the kitchen. “Champagne for you, Gianna?”
“You bet.”
“Nova?”
