Page 63 of Awakened
Brian’s loud laugh startled us. “Boink fest. You’re too much, Celeste.” The look he gave me was unnerving. I felt like I was under a microscope. Tearing away his gaze, he focused on cutting the lasagna.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I took it out to find a text from Brandon.
Brandon
What’s his deal? I’m three seconds away from acting as a human barrier.
I chuckled and texted back.
No idea.
As I slid the phone back into my pocket, Brian placed a platein front of me and went to the fridge. Glancing over his shoulder, he asked, “Water, juice, soda, or beer?”
“A Coke if you have it.”
He snagged a can and handed it to me with a wink. Until Zach, I’d never been sure what to do when someone winked at me. Most of the time, it’s old creepers, so a shudder of disgust would do. When the winker was a fine as hell man? My brain would go blank, and my face followed suit. They got bitch face, whether I liked it or not. A flirtatious smile? Nope. A wink in reply? Not even close. Just a blank stare.
Brian broke through the wink immunity I’d built dealing with Zach’s goofy ass.
When I didn’t respond in any fashion that resembled a normal human reaction, he smiled, picked up his plate, and went to the table.
Probably for the best.
With what I overheard, things were more complicated than I even knew. Hoping that this was the one instance my resting bitch face would benefit me, I sat next to Brandon and avoided making eye contact with either man at the table.
Brian broke the silence when he asked, “So Brandon, how does it feel to be engaged?”
Brandon’s face lit up. He was always happy to brag about Emily.
“Great! I honestly can’t believe how lucky I am. She’s amazing.” Brandon zoned out with a silly grin.
I pointed my fork at him. “He’s been making that goofy face for the past twenty-four hours.”
“I don’t blame him. It’s wonderful when you find that special someone. I envy him.”
Brian looked down at his plate, and the table got quiet again. Having finished my food and with nothing to focus on, I shifted awkwardly in my wooden chair. The damn thing had these shallow grooves that my thighs did not fit comfortablyin.
“What about you, Les? Anyone special?” Brian asked, picking up his drink.
I twisted the napkin in my lap, not loving this “get to know you” convo. “Nope. My luck hasn’t been great when it comes to the opposite sex. Flying solo right now.”
“That’s surprising.” I frowned, and he smiled. “I mean, it’s surprising that someone as beautiful and funny as you are single.” His smile almost made me forget how weird he made me feel. There was something so familiar about him.
“Thanks, I guess.” Toying with my can, I asked, “What about you? Any future lunas running around?”
His smile lost some brilliance. “No such luck. A few months ago, my partner of three years left me for her mate. So, I’ve been dealing with that.”
Without even thinking, I reached out and grabbed his hand. Giving it a squeeze, I said, “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve been there. It gets better.”
His eyes studied mine. “I’m starting to get that.”
“And that’s my cue to leave.” I forgot Brand was even there. He shook his head as he put his empty plate in the sink and left the kitchen. Both Brian and I uncomfortably laughed and pulled our hands back.
“I’m going to make myself a nice stiff drink. Want one?” He got up and walked over to his sideboard.
“Yes, please.”
While he poured our drinks, I checked my phone and found no new messages or calls.
