Anger flashed in his hazel eyes, and when Id finished, he sat back. Im glad Daemon did pummel the dick, but thats kind of an extreme reaction for someone whos just a friend.
Daemon can be
An asshole, Blake suggested.
Yeah, that, but hes kind of protective ofum, Dees friends. I squeezed my fork, feeling all kinds of awkward. And so he got a little mad over what Simon was saying. Hes really not that bad. Just takes a little bit to get used to.
Well, I cant blame him for that, but he really is protective of you. I thought he was going to break my hand for touching you at the party.
Sliding the plate back to him, I rested my chin on my hand. I needed to tell him the truth. Soon. But I didnt want to spoil dinner. I was being a total chicken, but I rationalized it was okay if I at least told him by the end of the evening. Heck, I wasnt even sure what I was going to say. No, Im not dating Daemon, but I cant stop thinking about how we combust every time were near, so its probably best if you dont get too close? I sighed. Enough about Daemon. It must be hard loving surfing so much and being so far from a beach.
It is, he agreed. A distant look crept into his eyes. Surfing is probably the only thing that clears my mind. When Im out there on the waves, I dont think about anything. My brain is officially empty. Its just the waves and me. Its peaceful.
I can understand that. Silence stretched out for a long moment. Its the same thing when Im gardening or reading. Its just me and what Im doing, or the world Im reading, and nothing else.
Sounds like you do it to escape.
I didnt respond because I hadnt really thought of it that way, but now that he said it, I did use those things to escape. Discomfited, I idly separated the noodles on my plate into groups. What about you? Are you trying to escape?
Several seconds passed before he answered. Thats the funny thing about trying to escape. You never really can. Maybe temporarily, but not completely.
I nodded absently, struck by the depth of what he said. It was the truth. After I finished a book or potted a plant, Dad was still dead, my best friend was still an alien, and I was still attracted to Daemon.
Blake started talking about plans for Thanksgiving break next week. Hed be out of town for most of it, visiting family. I glanced up, my gaze sweeping the small restaurant. Warmth jolted down my spine.
Oh, holy hell to the no . I couldnt believe it. This was not happening.
Behind the tall partition walls, a dark head moved through the tiny rows. I fell back against the seat, wholly aware of him and horrified. This was my date my date . What was he doing here?
Daemon navigated around the clusters of tables with a grace I envied. Women stopped eating or ceased mid-conversation as he passed. Men scooted back to give him more room. He had a profound effect on everyone who saw him.
Frowning, Blake twisted around, and his shoulders stiffened as he faced me. Overprotective type?
I donteven know what to say, I mumbled helplessly.
Hey guys. Daemon slid into the seat next to me, which left very little room. The whole left side of my body was pressed against his, tingling and warm. Am I interrupting?
Yes, I said, mouth
agape.
Oh, sorry. Daemon didnt look sincere. Or make any attempt to leave.
A half smile formed on Blakes lips as he sat back and folded his arms. How are you doing, Daemon?
Im doing great. He stretched, draping his arm along the back of our booth. How about you, Brad?
Blake laughed softly. My names Blake.
Daemons fingers tapped off the back of the booth, brushing my hair. So what were you guys up to?
We were having dinner, I said and started to scoot forward, but Daemons fingers hooked around the back of my turtleneck, fingers gently sliding against my skin. I shot him a death glare and ignored the goose bumps peaking my skin.
And I think we were just about done, Blake said, his eyes centered on Daemon. Werent we, Katy?
Yeah, we just need our check. Very discreetly, I lowered my hand under the table, found Daemons thigh, and pinched. Hard.
He tugged me back, causing my knee to hit the table. What were you planning to do after dinner? Was Biff taking you to a movie?
Blakes easy grin started to falter. Blake. And that would be the plan.
Hmm. Daemons gaze flicked up, and a second later, Blakes glass tipped over.
I gasped. Water sloshed over the table, spilling into Blakes lap. He jumped up, letting out a curse. The movement shook the table again. His plate of spicy noodles slidwell, flewonto the front of Blakes sweater.
My jaw dropped. Holy mountain mama, Daemon had taken my date hostage.
Jesus, Blake muttered, hands at his sides.
Grabbing napkins, I turned to Daemon. My look promised a vengeful death as I handed Blake the napkins.
That was really strange, Daemon said, smirking.
Red-faced, Blake glanced up from patting his crotch dry. For a moment, his eyes fixed on Daemon and I swore he was going to come across the table. And then his eyes shuttered. Quietly and with stiff, jerky movements, he brushed off the brown noodles. The waitress rushed to Blakes side with several more napkins.