Page 13 of Where Demons Hide

That’s it? Justgive me your panties? I can’t walk across the stage with no panties. Not as wet as I am right now. They’ll know. My mother will be there.

“Callisto—”

He grins and takes my hand. “Patience, angel.”

* * *

Patience paid off.

He eased his hand under my dress on the drive to the convention center and made me come in the front seat of his Range Rover. Twice.

The pinning ceremony focuses exclusively on nursing students. The convention center is decorated with balloons and flowers. The dean of nursing gives a speech, followed by some of the staff. Then, we’re called to the stage one-by-one to receive our pins.

As my favorite teacher places my pin on my shirt, I look out into the audience. My eyes well with tears that I have to blink back. Callisto is there in the back, along with Carlos. My mother and John are in the second row. Brynn and Ryleigh are sitting by Jaxon. My heart swells at the outpouring of love and support these people have given me over the last four years. I almost didn’t make it this far.

After we recite the “Nightingale Pledge,” I wait for everyone in the lobby. There’s an excited energy as other students meet their friends and family. Some of the professors stop and offer their congratulations. A few students ask me to hop in a picture or two. There was a time when I wasn’t sure how I would make it out of bed every morning. Now, here I am, finished with nursing school. It’s all surreal.

Carlos walks up and greets me with a smile. “Congratulations, Makenna. You should be very proud.”

I smile back. “Thank you.”

Callisto steps in beside me, and my body comes alive. This man is a presence. He soaks up all the air in the room. Every head turns to look at him. Women stare at him with parted lips.

And he’s mine.

“You must be Cal,” my mom says, slicing through the waves of sexual energy flowing between us.

He’s been a part of my life for so long, sometimes I forget they haven’t met.

“Oh. Right. I’m so sorry. Mom, this is Cal Suppato. Cal, my mother, Abigail Meche.”

Cal moves his attention to my mom, who is blatantly appreciating my taste in men. “Mrs. Meche, it’s a pleasure.”

“Oh, no. It’s Abby. Please,” she says. “And I’m glad to finally meet you. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things.”

Wonderful things?I told her I met a guy and that his name is Cal. She told me it’s about time, and that was the extent of it. Did she start drinking before the party?

Iwantto tell her all the wonderful things about him. I want her to know how happy he makes me. I want her to know I’m not broken. I just needed to know it’s real first. Now, he’s here, celebrating a milestone with me, meeting my mother, about to meet our family friends. That’s pretty freaking real.

He chuckles. “Your daughter gives me too much credit.”

How can someone so sexy be so humble?

“The fact that you’re here, sharing this moment, tells me you must be pretty special,” my mom tells him.

Oh my God. She did that.

I clear my throat. Embarrassed heat flushes my neck, then my cheeks. “This is Cal’s father, Carlos.”

Carlos reaches for my mother’s hand, making her blush when he kisses it. “A pleasure to meet you.”

Callisto leans down to my ear. “I need to stop at the restaurant for a moment before the party.”

“Yeah. Of course. I should go with my mom, anyway. In case she needs any last-minute help setting up.”

His mouth curves on one corner, as though he can read my thoughts. “Text me as soon as you get there.” His hand flexes in his pocket, like he’s reminding me he has my panties. As if I needed to be reminded. I feel the evidence between my thighs. He grins. “I’ll see you in about an hour.”

11

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