Page 14 of Tempting the Titan

“If you mean monsters, I haven't seen any, but going to the golf day would be one way to find out. Making new friends could be another perk.”

I lean back in my chair and run a hand over my chin. “Sure.”

Sensing my discomfort, Celeste steps closer and places a gentle hand on my arm. Her touch eases the rage inside me.

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I understand why you wouldn’t want to be the center of attention,” she admits.

“Making new friends is important to you. You said so yourself,” I say.

“We’ll drop the subject if it’s making you feel uneasy–”

“Why do you want to go to the golf day? Is it because you want to prove something?” I ask.

She smirks at the change of topic. “Partly, yes, but also because I want to prove to my snooty neighbor I can do it.”

“I get it. You want to show her what you're made of.”

Celeste brightens. “Exactly. We'll have a great time playing golf and hanging out.”

This isn’t about beating her neighbors. She needs me. I need to stop letting fear hold me back.

I give her a nod. “Okay. It’s a deal. I'll do it.”

She claps her hands, excitement surging like millions of champagne bubbles. “Thank you! I'm not skilled, but I'll do my best not to embarrass you on the day.”

“Where’s the golf course?” I ask.

“Windy Peak. It's near the woodland behind my house. You look uncomfortable. What's wrong?”

“Dangerous creatures live in those woods.”

“Are these creatures animals or humans who transform?” she asks.

My expression darkens. “These creatures are different. Something new. People say they come from a place called Fable Forest.”

She dismisses my concern with a laugh. “I hear you, but I doubt we'll run into trouble. It will be daylight, and we'll be with a large group of people.”

The area is gentrifying, but there are some problems no amount of money can fix. “Just watch out for danger when you're in the forest.”

“Was that why you cautioned me about being safe the other night? You figured out where I live and knew there was danger close by?”

Her honest gaze pierces me. My jaw muscles tighten. I hesitate before answering, certain my shame is visible on my face.

“I'm sorry I didn't admit it sooner, but I was--”

She hastily waves away the awkwardness in the air. “You didn't know where I lived. It was a coincidence.”

“I was embarrassed.” Although I don’t mention seeing her undress, it’s understood.

She looks taken aback by my admission. A blush spreads across her face as she studies my expression. “Okay, but why were you at Windy Peak in the first place?”

“I was accompanying my pal Knox on a job.”

Celeste slowly nods like she's not buying it but doesn't force me to say more. Our eyes lock.

I put on a solid front because there's no other choice, but inside I'm raging at the unfairness. Emotions overwhelm me, and Celeste's affection only makes it worse. I'm not in control, and I hate not being in control. Hate it.

“Celeste–”

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