My skin tingled where it made
contact with his. But how can you live like this? Like, just waiting for them to find out theres more to you guys?
His fingers curled around mine, enclosing the pendant until we both held it in our hands. Its all Ive knownits all any of us have known.
I blinked away the sudden rush of tears. Thats really kind of sad.
Its our life. He paused. But dont worry about them. Nothing will happen to you.
Our faces were only inches apart. His hand was still around mine. Something struck me then. Youre always protecting others, arent you?
He squeezed my hand and then released it. Leaning against the couch, he reached one arm back and rested his head against his curved elbow. He didnt answer my question. This hasnt been a very birthday-friendly conversation.
Its okay. You want more milk or anything?
No, but I would like to know something.
I frowned and stretched out my right leg in the small space he didnt occupy. He was rather large, so it didnt leave a lot of room. What?
How often do you run through the house singing? he asked seriously.
I kicked at him, but he caught my toes. You can leave now.
I seriously love these socks.
Give me back my foot, I ordered.
Its not so much the fact that theyve got reindeers on them or that they go all the way up to your knees. As if that were some kind of great distance. But its the fact theyre like mittens on your feet.
Rolling my eyes, I wiggled my toes. I like them like that. And dont you dare knock them. I will kick you off this couch.
He raised a brow and continued to inspect them. Sock mittens, huh? Never seen anything like it. Dee would love them.
I pulled at my foot, and he let go. Whatever. Im sure therere cornier things than my socks. Dont judge me. Its the only thing I like about the holidays.
The only thing? I figured youre the type of person who wants the Christmas tree to go up on Thanksgiving.
You celebrate Christmas?
Daemon nodded. Yes. Its the human thing to do. Dee loves Christmas. Actually, I think she just loves the idea of presents.
I laughed. I used to love the holidays. And yeah, I was real big on the Christmas tree when Dad was alive. Wed put it up while watching the parade on Thanksgiving.
But?
But Mom is never home on the holidays now. And I know she wont be this year; since shes new at the hospital, shell get the shaft. I shrugged. Im always alone on the holidays, like some sort of old cat woman.
He didnt respond but watched me intently. I think he sensed how uncomfortable it made me to admit, because he changed the subject. So, this Bob guy
His name is Blake, and dont start, Daemon.
Fine. His lips tipped up. Hes not an issue anyway.
My brows furrowed. Whats that supposed to mean?
Daemon shrugged. I was kind of surprised when I was in your bedroom while you were sick.
Im not sure I want to know about what.
You had a poster of Bob Dylan on the wall. I expected the Jonas Brothers or something.
Are you serious? No. Not a fan of pop music. Im a huge fan of Dave Matthews and older stuff, like Dylan.
He looked surprised, but then he launched into a discussion about his favorite bands, and we were surprised that we had the same tastes. We argued over which Godfather movie was the best and what reality show was the stupidest. Hours went by, and I learned more about Daemon. And there was that different side of him, the one Id glimpsed a few times in the past. He was relaxed, friendly, and even playful without making me want to bash him upside the head. We did argue over a few things, a bit heatedly, but he wasnt a jerk.
It all suddenly felt easy , and that scared the crap out of me.
It was past three a.m. by the time Id realized how long wed been talking. I pulled my tired gaze off the clock and looked at him. His eyes had drifted shut and his chest rose and fell evenly.
Daemon looked sopeaceful. Not wanting to wake him, I pulled the afghan off the back of the couch and carefully spread it over him. I grabbed a smaller quilt and tucked it around my legs. I couldve woke him, but I didnt have it in me. And yeah, there was a teeny, tiny part of me that didnt want him to leave. I didnt know what that meant for me. And I didnt put too much thought into that. Not right now. Not when I was sure my brain would take an obsessive turn into boy land.
Thank you, he murmured lazily.
My eyes widened. I thought you were asleep.
Almost, but youre staring at me.
I flushed. I am not.
Daemon pried one eye open. You always blush when you lie.
I do not. I felt the flush spread
down my neck.
If you keep lying, I think I will have to leave, he threatened halfheartedly. I dont feel like my virtue is safe.
Your virtue? I huffed. Whatever.
I know how you get. His eyes closed.
Smiling, I snuggled down in my corner of the couch. We never did change the channel.
Sometime later I remembered something he had said earlier. Did you find it? I asked sleepily.
His hand slipped over his chest. Find what, Kitten?
What you were searching for?