“You’ve always been the peacemaker,” Glory said, “and let’s be real. I’ve always been the—”
“Nope,” Godiva interjected, gripping her shoulders and spinning her. “I’m not going to allow you to put yourself down. You are an amazing woman, and it’s time you realized that.”
Fighting tears, Glory kissed her sister softly on the cheek. “I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Evie threw her arms around them with such force, they gasped. “I love you guys, too. Now let’s haul ass! And, Glory, bring your pen. You know, just in case.”
Everything inside of her froze with dread. “Just in case what?” Each word was punctuated with warning. Had Evie done something?
“Who knows? It’s a beautiful night. Anything can happen.”
“I never thought I’d see you like this.”
Falon eyed Kayla Smith from across their candlelit table. She was a beautiful woman with pale hair, bright blue eyes, and legs that went on forever. Sadly, she did nothing for him. Not anymore.
She was cousin to Candy Cox, the infamous high school teacher now dating a werewolf; was fully human; and had lived in Mysteria so long she found nothing unusual about vampires, goblins, fairies, or witches. They’d dated on and off for a few months, realized they were working themselves into a relationship, and had backed off. Neither of them had wanted to be tied down. He’d always liked that about her. She was fun and playful and never took anything too seriously. Even men.
But he found himself wondering how Glory had been with past boyfriends. Fun and playful, which he decided he no longer liked? Hopefully, Glory had been miserable with other men. Or had she been serious, which for some reason he liked even less. Fine. He just didn’t like the thought of Glory with another man, period.
More, he found that he didn’t like the fact that he didn’t know everything about her. Suddenly he yearned to know what she ate for breakfast, what her favorite song was, what she dreamed for her life, if she liked to snuggle and watch movies in bed. And if so, were they romantic comedies or action adventure? Probably slashers.
“Are you listening to me?” Kayla asked him.
No. What the hell had she just said? Oh, yeah. She’d never seen him like this. “Yes, of course I was listening. What way do you think you see me?” he asked, his gaze immediately straying back to the restaurant’s front door. Where was Glory?
“On edge for a specific woman.” There was laughter in her voice. “By the way, you missed a very scintillating conversation I just had with, apparently, myself about a hot tub.”
He waved the hot tub away with a dismissive hand. Although, Glory, wet and naked . . . “I’ll get her out of my system.” He hoped. “Don’t worry.” With every minute that passed, he just wanted her more.
How would she react when she saw him with Kayla?
Hopefully—how many things was he hopeful about now?—her sisters had convinced her to bring the pen. Hopefully, she would write them into a bedroom. Maybe chain him to the headboard. Yes, chains could definitely come in handy.
The front door to the restaurant opened. He stiffened, poised on the edge of his seat.
Godiva strolled inside, directly behind her was her boyfriend, Romeo, tall and muscled and very wolfish. Falon’s stomach rolled into a thousand different knots. Evie walked in, saying something over her shoulder. A moment later, Glory came into his sights. Finally!
Breath congealed in his throat. Dear God. She was . . . magnificent. Like the goddess she worshipped. Her long red curls tumbled down her back, and the sheer fabric of her dress swayed over her lush hips and thighs.
Hunter stepped in behind her and approached the hostess. The group was led to a table directly across from Falon’s. The closer she came, the hotter his blood flowed. See me. Want me.
It was as Glory was helped into her seat that she spied him.
Her hazel eyes widened with shock then narrowed with fury. Or arousal. She licked her lips. Spotted Kayla. Gripped the edge of the table so tightly he feared it would snap in half.
“Wow,” Kayla said. “I don’t have to ask which one is yours.”
His. He liked the sound of that.
“She’s the one shooting daggers at us. Or rather, me.”
“Right.”
He should take Kayla’s hand, perhaps kiss it. But he couldn’t bring himself to do it. The only skin he wanted to kiss was Glory’s.
Her sisters took their places at her sides, and he heard her bark, “Did you know about this?”
Both women nodded guiltily.
“Traitors! Why not ask him and his date to join us, then. I couldn’t possibly feel any more uncomfortable.”
“Hey, Falon,” Hunter called. “Glory would really love it if you and your date joined us.”
Glory’s mouth fell open. “I was joking. I didn’t—”
“We’d love to.” He was on his feet a second later, jerking Kayla to hers.
Kayla chuckled softly.
Deep down, he didn’t think Glory would turn the heat of her anger on the other woman. After he’d foolishly turned her away that night, she hadn’t gone after the fairy he’d allowed inside. Only him. Clearly, she was a smart woman and knew where to properly lay the blame.
A waiter dragged two extra chairs to the table, positioning him and Kayla directly across from Glory. He wanted to be closer but would settle for simply looking at her.
You have it bad, man. You’ve gone from hating witches to being desperate for one in less than a week.
Strangely, he didn’t care anymore. Not while he was soaking her in.
“Since the big guy isn’t going to introduce me,” Kayla said, breaking the silence, “I’ll introduce myself. I’m Kayla Smith.”
Everyone introduced themselves. Except for Glory. When it was her turn, she motioned the waiter over and ordered a glass of flaming fairy. Falon nearly choked on his sip of water.
“You know I’m of the Fae. How?” he asked her. Not many people did. He was too big, too much a warrior compared to the usually party-loving race.
Her eyes widened. “You’re Fae?”
Okay, so she hadn’t guessed. He didn’t mind that she now knew; he wanted her to know everything about him. “Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Hunter asked, incredulous.
“No one’s business.”
Awkward silence followed.
“Well, this is fun,” Evie said, probably to break the tension.
“A blast,” Kayla agreed. She tossed her hair over one shoulder, revealing sun-kissed skin.
Glory saw the action and popped her jaw.
“I’ve always had low self-esteem,” she’d once told him. Oh . . . shit. Bad move, bringing the ex, he realized. He didn’t want Glory to feel bad about herself or think he found Kayla more attractive. “You’re the prettiest woman here, Glory,” he said honestly.
Her drink arrived, saving her from replying. But her eyes had met his over the candlelight, soft and luminous. Her lashes cast dark shadows over her cheeks. Shadows he wanted to trace with his fingertips.
Menus were thrust at them. Falon didn’t bother opening his. He didn’t care about the food. He continued to watch Glory, couldn’t stop himself. He was entranced. She opened her menu, though she didn’t read it. She still watched him, too.
Her cheeks flushed to a rosy pink. She was clearly having trouble drawing in a breath, her chest rising too quickly and too shallowly.
“Hungry?” he asked her in a low, raspy voice.
Her gaze dipped to his lips. “A little.”
“I’m starved.”
“Why do I get the feeling they’re not talking about food?” Evie muttered.
“Because they’re not,” Hunter told her, “so hush.”
The table fell quiet, all eyes glued to Glory and Falon.
Get your pen, he mentally willed. Write us away from here. But she didn’t. She finally looked away.