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“Cool. I’m part of the Five Hive.” Nyah called over to Amit, “We got another Hiver here.”

“I like gaming,” Joan said, which seemed to marginally interest Amit.

Sadie couldn’t help the cringe pulling at her mouth. Not that she disliked video games, per se. It was the being subjected to countless hours of the people around her obsessing over them.

Ny started down the rabbit hole of asking Joan what her favorite weapons were to use against the giant mutant starfish. “I have to run,” Joan said, “but next time I’m here, we can talk about it.”

“Yeah, okay. Wave on.”

“Wave on.” Joan leaned toward Sadie as they headed to the entrance. “I’ve only played it a few times. I’m not super into gaming. Don’t worry.”

“Whew.” Sadie wiped her brow in exaggerated relief.

“I only play them when someone else wants to.”

“So we’re not going to have a ten-hour marathon tomorrow night?”

“Not gaming, no.” Two bright spots flickered behind Joan’s sunglasses.

Giddy delight zipped through Sadie. Their bare arms brushed, sending jolts of awareness through every nerve ending. The flickers glowed more intensely.

They paused at the door. “Thanks again for the coffee,” Joan said.

“Thanks for finally stopping in.” Sadie touched her fingertips to Joan’s arm because she was dying to touch those arms. “Have fun at your boring meeting.”

Joan gave a small laugh. “I’ll text you later.”

“You’d better. Wave on, OchoStrike.”

She laughed again, giving Sadie that mesmerizing smile, and squeezed her hand. Sadie’s knees liquefied. An unconscious absorption of energy, but worth it.

Joan exited the coffee shop, still smiling but definitely aware of her surroundings. She looked carefully both ways before heading toward a dark luxury sedan. It was going to be interesting hanging out with a Super. Sadie would have to do a bit of truth-stretching about Joan’s job as well. But it was for good, and for Joan’s protection.

She sighed happily. Getting to spend time with Joan was worth all of it.

CHAPTER9

Joan lounged in her apartment doorway. It was easier to wait for Sadie than turn off the alarm system. She still had no idea what to do about this situation, but was one hundred percent certain she couldn’t wait for this date.

Sadie’s door opened. A moment later, she appeared in a long, flowing, indigo-blue halter dress. Her hair had been swept into an updo with little tendrils framing her face. She was barefoot and smiling and carrying a bottle of red wine. And did not appear to be wearing a bra.

Excited anticipation thrummed through Joan’s bloodstream. “Good evening, neighbor,” she said.

“Joan Malone,” Sadie purred. She gave Joan a brief kiss filled with promise. “You look nice.”

“You look…” Joan raised her eyebrows, taking in the vision that was Sadie Eagan. “Breathtaking.”

Sadie’s grin widened, and she breezed inside. Compared to her goddess-like appearance, a burgundy button-down shirt and dark-wash skinny jeans was pedestrian.

Joan hastened to lock the door. The only person she wanted was already there, glancing about the apartment, absently swinging the wine bottle. Sadie met Joan’s gaze, and then her eyes slid down to Joan’s mouth.

They joined to share a deep kiss. Joan cradled Sadie’s face in both hands, gently tugging her closer. Her taste was like a fruit-filled pastry, tart and delicious with every bite. Sadie moaned her approval and wrapped her arms around Joan.

Ooookay, they had to slow down. Joan pulled back and got a throaty groan in response. “Dinner before dessert,” she murmured.

“Rude.” Sadie gave her a quick kiss and slid her arms back. “But it does smell great. What are you making?”

“Per your request for no seafood and nothing that requires too much prep or too many dishes…” Joan took her hand and led her to where the cast-iron skillet and prepped ingredients sat on the kitchen island. “Steak and spring vegetable mix with a spicy mustard sauce. The herbed garlic butter rolls are ready to go in the oven.”