Page 66 of Infamous Heart

“Wouldn’t it make more sense to sell them all to me?” Sebastian questioned.

“Griffin,” she pointed at me, her finger attempting to tear from her hand and jab me in the chest. “Check yo’ man.”

I let out a long sigh. “Lydia isn’t a comic book shop owner. She’s a graphic novel reading list curator. She has a higher calling.”

“But the sales?” Sebastian was adorable as he tried to make sense of the nonsensical.

“She’s loaded.”

“Am not,” she argued.

“Failed business school. Bought a comic shop.”

“You diminish my public service.”

I shot her a smile. “Lydia has never lived the Ramen lifestyle.”

“I have—” She scowled at me. “Okay, you got me. It’s true.”

I expected Sebastian to turn sour at the mention of her being one of the rich. His disdain for the upper class had popped up several times, but he acknowledged his bias. Sometimes, he even managed to surprise me.

He eyed the digital readout on the register. Pulling out his credit card, he slid it through the machine. “The Goddess of Graphics,” he winked at her, “I can get behind that.”

“Careful, or I’ll propose.” Lydia bagged the comics and handed them to Sebastian. “So, when are you going to finish the colored pages? The publisher wants to add this to the fall line-up.”

“I need to go next door and get inks from Clarice.”

Sebastian offered a wave as he waited by the door. Lydia attempted to play coy and blow him a kiss. The moment he was out of earshot, the geeky anarchist leaned across the counter, pulling at my t-shirt until I was only inches from her face.

“I love him. If I’m not your flower girl, I’ll slash your tires.”

“No car.”

“Murder your house plants.”

“Already dead.”

“I’m not playing, Smith. I want a cute dress and rose petals, dammit.”

We had only been dating for a few weeks, but I’d be lying if I hadn’t thought about the possibility. I never imagined being in a relationship again, and here I was, thinking about Sebastian in a tuxedo. It might be the only thing sexier than his superhero costume. Either way, they’d be on the floor before the end of the night.

“I’ll consider it.”

“Speaking of sexy men,” she pulled out her phone. “You got a photo of Hyperion? I can’t believe you’re beating my score.” Clicking on my profile, she pulled up my photographs. I knew the photo well. Hyperion hovering over a cop car holding two bank robbers by their belts. Minutes after it had been taken, the Southland chief of police officially thanked the hero for his dedication to the neglected borough.

“Took me forever. Now I want to get one of that lady that walks through walls.” I neglected to mention she had approached Sebastian about working together to topple a crime syndicate operating in the city.

“I’m going to become a vigilante so I can photograph myself. You’re not going to win.” She let go of my shirt, patting it, trying to smooth out the wrinkles left by her talons. Lydia might be joking, but half the heroes in comics were rich people with too much free time. Spite made people do crazy things.

We said our farewells, and Sebastian held the door open as I exited. Walking toward the Art Supply Store, he let his pinky wrap around mine, a subtle gesture that had almost become a requirement as we walked. I pulled my hand free, looping around his, leaning on the man as we approached the red wooden door of the store.

“Don’t let me forget the flowers,” he said, holding the door open.

Slipstream proved more of a fighter than we could have anticipated. It was Xander who kept her alive long enough to be taken to the Centurion’s headquarters. The heroine wouldn’t be saving the city in the near future, but Sebastian assured me she’d make a full recovery.

“Flowers?” I mouthed. Forget dying plants. That woman deserved a puppy.

Once we were inside, Sebastian’s eyes glazed over. If we were shopping for wine, or looking for vacation rentals, he’d have plenty to say. He might have an eye for the arts, but he had always focused on the commercial side of the profession. Between the comic book shop and the art store, he had entered my domain. I appreciated that he abandoned his comfort zone to spend the day with me.

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