Page 17

“Is that him?” Calliope stage whispers to me.

Unable to remove my eyes from Kai, I give Calliope a short nod. He’s wearing a shirt today, a real one. The black material is tight on his lean frame, and somehow it feels more revealing than when he was shirtless. Maybe because I know what lies underneath? It’s like a secret between us, that again makes me feel special.

Every part of me is on high alert and my nipples respond, turning to points that brush against the soft material of my sweater. I’m not wearing a bra or an undershirt and I’m now regretting that choice. If I were at least wearing another layer, perhaps it would help protect me from his heated gaze. Highly unlikely as it only seems to grow hotter the closer he gets.

My breaths turn shallow and I’m squeezing my legs together under my skirt.What the actual hell?This is not a good response to just seeing him from a distance. I’m going to need to get my shit together asap.

“Oh, my goodness. He is really focused on you, isn’t he?”

I assume the question is rhetorical because I don’t respond.

“I wish a man would stare at me like that.” I can hear the slight jealousy and longing in Calliope’s voice and am shocked to hear it. No one has ever been jealous of me before.

Kai finally reaches the porch and stops halfway up the few steps.

“Hello.”

That’s it. That’s all he has to say for my heart to jump into my throat and my pussy to clench with want. Oh holy hell this isn’t good. And apparently Kai can see all the internal turmoil I’m going through as he gives me a slow once over, his eyes lingering on my chest.

Oh my god he can see my nipples.

I should move to conceal them or shift to force his gaze away, but I don’t. I let him look his fill for as long as he likes. I think I like his attention on me.

We probably would have remained there in silence for an eternity had it not been for Calliope thankfully breaking the sexual tension.

“Hi. I’m Calliope.”

Kai’s eyes drift away from me and to my friend sitting next to me. His lips stretch into an easy smile. It doesn’t appear lude or suggestive, as one would expect from a playboy.It’s natural, friendly, like he smiles all the time. I think he does. He seems like a happy guy to me.

“Hello Calliope, I’m Kai. It’s very nice to meet you.”

He steps all the way on to the porch and reaches out to shake Calliope’s hand, bringing with him his warmth and bonfire smell. As an earth nymph, fire is my natural enemy. It burns forests and kills plants, but I can’t help but be drawn in by the scent of it coming off of Kai.

Once the introductions are over, Kai leans against the short wooden railing across from us, hands shoved in his pockets and eyes once again glued to me. His smile remains in place but softening, right along with his posture. He’s completely comfortable and relaxed, whereas I’m wound tight as a spring ready to pop at the slightest breath.

In his reclined position, Kai’s muscles flex and stretch, his tail resting lazily on the porch’s wooden planks. Calliope can’t see it with his glamour in place, but I do. He is a sight to behold, vibrant red hair, polished ebony horns, the gold adorning his ears and hands. Kai carries himself differently than the local boys, all swagger, confidence and sex appeal. It’s not hard to understand why females are drawn to him.

Calliope’s voice breaks through the haze of sexual longing I’m aiming at Kai once again. I’m gonna have to work on that.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to go toTall Tailto get a new book Daisy?”

“What?” Finally breaking my gaze away from Kai, I turn to frown at Calliope. What is she talking about?

“The other day you said you had no good books to read and wanted to check outTall Tail Booksfor something new. Maybe Kai could accompany you into town?”

Oh no, she did not just say that.

Instantly Kai’s face brightens with delight.

“I would love to escort you into town, Daisy. I’m bored hanging around the house with only Endo for company. Maybe I need a good book as well.”

“Oh, I don’t know. We’re awfully busy today. Sage needs my help,” I argue, hoping the excuse I’ve used more than I can count to avoid town, actually works this time. It doesn’t look like I’m going to have such luck.

“I think your brother can manage,” Calliope says without hesitation. “Pretty sure I also saw one of the local high schoolers you hire on occasion helping out today.”

She gives me a cheeky grin and I know I’m going to lose this battle.

“Come on Blossom. Let’s play hooky for the afternoon.” Kai reaches out a hand waiting for me to take it.