Page 49 of Dancing with My Elf
He flashed his familiar decadent smile, the one that affected me so. Each time I saw it, I responded with a tingling awareness of him, as routinely as a Pavlovian dog.
He wore a pair of black jeans and a charcoal-gray button-down shirt that set off his blue eyes. His tousled blond hair fell over his broad shoulders. In other words, as sinfully delicious as always.
“You, too,” I replied, struggling to keep my voice neutral.
“I was about to text you to wear boots and a warm jacket. Looks like you have that covered.”
I glanced down at my boots, a pair I often wore in the snow. A black pair with white fur on the top, they weren’t the most fashionable, yet they were comfortable and easy to move in.
The door opened wider, and Sebastian appeared behind Lucas. “Hey Zoe, I heard about last night. Well done.”
“Thanks.”
“I talked to Gianna. She said we should celebrate.”
“Weare.” Lucas nudged Sebastian back with his elbow.
“I mean all of us,” Sebastian countered. “We’re all happy to see one of those bastards taken down.”
A twinge of discomfort coiled at the back of my neck. “It seems a bit premature, don’t you think? I mean, there could be other demons or a bigger threat still looming.”
“You need to celebrate the small victories as well as the big ones,” Lucas said. “This one is pretty freakin’ big.”
Maybe he was right, and I should try to enjoy the moment rather than worrying about the next damn hurdle that we’d eventually have to face.
“How about I cook dinner for us all one night?” Sebastian suggested.
“We have plans today.” Lucas then addressed me. “If you didn’t know, Sebastian is a chef. He’s always trying to feed us.” Lucas rubbed his flat stomach and grinned. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“Nova told me about some delicious meals,” I said.
“Gianna is relieved that you captured one,” Sebastian said, his tone concerned. “I think doing something like this would be good for her. Despite her brave exterior, the threat of any more demons stresses her out.”
I exchanged a glance with Lucas before replying to Sebastian. “Sure, that sounds great.”
“How about tomorrow?” Sebastian furrowed his brows.
“That works for me,” I replied.
“I’m in,” Lucas added.
“Perfect.” Sebastian grinned. “I’ll let everyone know. We can start early in case anyone needs to work that night.” He turned and walked inside.
Lucas grabbed his coat and offered his arm. “Let’s go before any more of my roommates try to rope you into something else.”
I took his arm. “I don’t mind. After all, Nova has mentioned that one of the best things about sharing the house with you guys is Sebastian’s cooking.”
Lucas covered his chest and opened his mouth with mock affront. “Not my sparkling personality?”
I laughed. “Yes, that may be a perk, although I don’t think I recall the word ‘sparkling.’”
“That’s all right. We’ll leave that to the vampires. Not that Diego sparkles in any sense of the word.” Lucas grinned.
“I envy the set up you all have here,” I admitted. “My roommates and I barely know each other’s names.”
“I have the Network to thank for that,” Lucas said. “That’s how I was introduced to Diego and Sebastian. I’m sure you can find a better fit considering your access.”
“No need. I barely spend time there, anyway.”
