Page 72 of Scrooged for the Holidays
“You own the bookstore?” Greer asks as I put the pasta in my mouth. To my delight, it’s not cold but hot, like it just came from the pan. Judging by the small smile on Kai’s face, he used some of his grace to warm it. I send him gratitude and praise through the bond for his thoughtfulness and because the carbonara is amazing. I’ve missed his cooking.
I place my attention back on Greer after I swallow. She’s picked up her wine glass again, a curious spark in her eyes. “I do.”
“What was the name again?”
“The Last Page.”
“I like it.”
My lip twitches. I should probably not care that she likes it, but I find that I do. I clear my throat. “Are you a reader?”
I don’t miss the way the apples of her cheeks heat and her aura pulses a reddish pink with a mix of pleasure and joy.
“Yes, I read.”
Her answer comes out shy, one I wouldn’t have expected of Greer. Her shoulders turn in, and she looks down at her near-empty plate.
Shame, Remiel says to us.That’s what we’re feeling from her aura now. Not shyness.
I swallow another bite of pasta, feeling slight anger rise in my gut. I don’t like when people feel shame over what they read or like. It usually means someone has made them believe that their interests are bad when they’re usually not, just taboo or different from what society deems okay.
“Can I tell you one of my secrets?” Remi asks, leaning closer toward Greer.
“It won’t be a secret if all of us hear,” Greer volleys back. I won’t lie, it makes me grin. She has a smart mouth like Kai.
“Fair enough, but they already know.”
“Alright, then, spill.”
“I like to read paranormal romance.”
Her eyebrows shoot up, and the air relaxes at his admission.
The corner of Greer’s lips turns up. “Are you lying?”
“I’m not. Ask them.” He cocks his head in Kai’s and my direction.
“It’s true,” Kai confirms. “I’ll give you one guess what his favorite mythical being is.”
“That’s an easy one,” Greer says cockily. “Vampires.”
Kai cackles loud enough I wince. “She knows you well already, Remi.”
Remi wets his lips, eyes warm with reverence. “How did you know?”
Greer has leaned closer in the moments they’ve been speaking, her lips getting dangerously close to his. Before she answers, her eyes dart to mine. The debate on if she wants to answer with me here is clear on her face, but then she does the last thing I expect and smirks devilishly.
“Because.” She turns back to Remiel. “You know how to suck.”
Her response should inspire laughter, but nobody is laughing.
What happened earlier?I ask them both.
Remi is too preoccupied with Greer, but Kai doesn’t hesitate to send me several flashes of imagery. He keeps Greer’s naked chest hidden from view, but it’s obvious what’s happening. Greer is on Remi’s lap, his sandy blond head dipped near her breasts while Kai watches a series of devouring kisses that have even my heart rate speeding up. The thigh comment earlier makes more sense now.
“Fair point.” Remi hums. “Though blood isn’t really my thing.”
“Glad to hear it.”
