Page 17 of We Three Kings

Out.

Lunch.

Balthazar.

Opposite of me, he’s not stunned at all. He’s direct and definitive, giving me a squeeze, and then slowly rising.

“Where’s your phone? I want you to put my number in it.”

Hypnotized by his confidence and control, I stand up too and head to the living room to get my cell from my jacket. Devoid of any rational thoughts, I tap in the digits he gives me.

He’s not satisfied though. He slides the phone from my hand and types onto the screen. His lips press against my forehead as he curls my fingers around the case.

“I hate to leave but I’ve got to go do something for my Dad. I’ll see you tomorrow. Lock up behind me.”

In my fog, I obey, twisting the deadbolt once the latch clicks after he closes the door. I glance down to see what he added to the contact information.

Boyfriend.

I stare at the word and shiver.

I guess I’m dating Balthazar now.

Seraphina

I’m glad Bree said to call her and not Facetime. Otherwise, she’d see the goofy smile that won’t seem to leave my lips. Even after taking a shower and putting on my reindeer pj’s, I’m still grinning.

She picks up on the first ring.

“Are you at home?”

That’s a weird question. Not even ahello. “Yes, Balthazar just left.”

“He was inside your apartment!”

The harsh shriek bellowing through the speaker hurts my ears, and I yank the phone away from me. She’s usually a calm person soherfreaking out freaksmeout.

I switch to speaker so I can protect my hearing. “Yes. Why are you so upset?”

“He shouldn’t have been there. He’s…”

Now I’m really confused. “He’s what?”

A long sigh blows into the room. My brother always did that when he was thinking very hard about how to say something important. Usually something bad. My friend’s worry finally eliminates my giddiness.

“It’s just that it’s kind of weird that he came to get you at the game instead of calling or texting you. And he acted so crazy about Casey. He wouldn’t let Alex drive you and then he comes inside after taking you home. None of that is okay.”

I’m uncertain how to respond. I guess Balthazar’s behavior is kind of weird. Yet, I also feel defensive of him. He hasn’t done anything wrong.

I don’t think.

“He’s your boss. It feels slimy, like he’s creeping on you.”

The accusation hurts. “It wasn’t like that. We talked and drank some tea. Then he left. That’s it.”

“He didn’t try to kiss you or anything, did he?”

Yes, and it was incredible. But I already know she won’t approve so I hesitate in answering. I don’t want to be dishonest, but I hate the way her question already sounds indignant.

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