Crap. I hated lying to her. Hes been helping me study.
For what?
Trig, I said quickly. I suck at math.
Dee laughed. Okay. If you say so, but I hope you know that if you and my brother have something going on, Im not going to be mad.
I stared at her.
And part of me understands why you two would keep it hidden. You guys are known for your word war and everything else. She frowned. But I just want you to know that Im okay with it. Its crazy and I hope Daemon is prepared for whats going to happen, but I want him happy. And if you make him happy
Okay. I got you. So not a conversation I wanted to have with Dee in front of Adam.
She smiled. I wish youd reconsider doing Thanksgiving dinner with us. You know youre welcome.
I seriously doubt Ash and Andrew would be happy with me at the table.
Who cares what they think? Adam rolled his eyes. I dont. Neither does Daemon. And you shouldnt either.
You guys are like a family. Im not
Tingles spread over my neck. Without thinking, I spun around and raced across the room. Throwing open the door, I rushed out into the cold night air.
I didnt even think.
Daemon had reached the top step when I rushed him, wrapping my arms around his neck, squeezing him tight.
He seemed stunned for a second, and then his arms swept around my waist. For several moments, neither of us spoke. We didnt need to. I just wanted to hold himfor him to hold me. Maybe it was the connection wrapping us together. Maybe it was something infinitely deeper. At that moment, I didnt care.
Whoa there, Kitten, whats going on?
Burrowing closer, I drawled in a deep breath. I thought the DOD carted you off to some lab to keep you in a cage.
Cage? He laughed a bit unsteadily. No. No cages. They just wanted to talk. It took longer than I thought. Everythings okay.
Dee cleared her throat. Ahem.
Stiffening, I realized what I was doing. Oh, so not cool. Disentangling my arms and wiggling out from his, I backed up and blushed. II was just excited.
Yeah, Id say you were, Dee said, grinning like an idiot.
Daemon was staring at me like hed just won the lottery. I kind of like this level of excitement. Makes me think of
Daemon! both of us shouted.
What? He grinned, tousling Dees hair. I was only suggesting
We know what you were suggesting. Dee darted out from underneath his hand. And I really want to keep my food down tonight. She smiled at me. See. I told you. Daemon is fine.
I could see that. He was also smokin hot, but back to the whole point. They didnt suspect anything?
Daemon shook his head. Nothing out of the norm, but theyre always paranoid. He paused, his eyes searching mine in the dim light of the porch. Really, you dont need to worry. Youre safe.
It wasnt
table. Candles came next, and with a wave of his hand, their wicks sparked tiny flames.
The lump grew, nearly choking me.
Dinnerware and glasses came from several opened drawers. Moms wine flew out of the fridge, pouring into two crystal flutes while Daemon stood in the middle of everything. It was like a scene straight out of Beauty and the Beast . I kept waiting for a teapot to start singing.
And after dinner, I have another surprise for you.
You do? I whispered.
He nodded. But youve got to join me for dinner first.
I shuffled to the table and sat, watching him with eyes that were blurry. He made me a plate and then sat beside me. I cleared my throat. Daemon, II dont know what to say, but thank you.
Thanks arent necessary, he said. You didnt want to come over, which I understand, but you shouldnt be alone.
Lowering my gaze before he could see the tears gathering in my eyes, I grabbed the flute and downed the bitter-tasting white wine. When I looked up, his brows were raised.
Lush, he murmured.
I grinned. Maybefor today.
He nudged me with his knee under the table. Dig in before it gets cold.
The food was divine. Any doubts I had about Dees cooking abilities vanished. Throughout our little makeshift dinner, I drank another glass of wine. I also ate everything that Daemon put on my plate, including second helpings.
And by the time I stabbed the pumpkin pie with my fork, I was either a little tipsy or I was starting to believe that there was more than just the connection propelling him. That maybe he did care for me, because I was able to fight itsort ofand I know damn well that Daemon could if he wanted to.
Maybe he just didnt want to.
Cleaning up dinner was a strangely intimate experience. Our elbows brushed several times. Amiable silence descended as we washed the dishes, side by side. My cheeks felt flushed. My thoughts were way too giddy.
Too much wine.
I followed Daemon into the foyer afterward. He moved the large box to the living room without touching it. It sort of jingled. Sitting on the edge of the couch, I folded my hands and waited, having no clue what he was up to.
Daemon opened the box, reached inside, and pulled out a green-needled branch and poked me with it. I think we have a Christmas tree to put up. I know its not during the parade, but I think Charlie Browns Thanksgiving special is on, and, well, thats not too bad.