Page 31 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“I see.”

Malachi popped the last bite of his tart into his mouth.

And that was when Trent realised the night had turned into a success. Here they were spending time together, and he was learning about the siren he’d been obsessed with for months. It was all Trent had wanted.

For a while it had looked like the night was going to be a disaster. But he’d managed to salvage it. Of course, the night wasn’t over yet.

Trent looked around the room. He could see what Malachi meant. It did seem quite sparse, and it was clear Malachi didn’t entertain often. But it wasn’t bad. Cas would definitely say it needed some Christmas decorations. And maybe it could do with a few personal touches. But Trent liked it well enough.

He settled into the chair. His gaze slid to the bed in the corner. It wasn’t a large bed. But it would be big enough for two people, especially if they were pressed together.

Trent glanced at Malachi, who licked the remains of the tart from his webbed fingers. Trent’s gut tightened.

Malachi, unaware of Trent’s heated gaze, leaned forward and perused the other baked goods. His fingers hovered over them as if he was considering. “They all look so lovely. Which would you recommend?”

“Maybe the snowflake sugar cookie.” Trent studied the siren’s face. “My brother Cas makes them. He puts a lot of effort into decorating. And a lot of joy and love.”

“It is beautiful.” Malachi lifted the cookie, examining it. “Almost too pretty to eat.”

“Cas will be pleased you said that. But you should definitely eat it. He’d say they were made to be eaten.”

Malachi brought the cookie to his mouth. He bit into it with his sharpened teeth. His eyelids lowered. Trent watched his dark-blue lips press together as he chewed slowly.

A small moan, barely perceptible, escaped Malachi.

Trent’s breath caught. Did Malachi realise how erotic he made eating seem?

Malachi popped the rest of the cookie into his mouth, fingers pressing to his lips. His eyes closed completely, and he chewed. He made another small moan.

Trent’s cock plumped. He crossed his legs, trying to hide his body’s reaction. He shoved the rest of his tart into his mouth and chewed, trying to distract himself from looking at Malachi.

But maybe he didn’t have to…

This was a date. It was okay to be attracted to one’s date. Right? That seemed reasonable.

And even as inexperienced as he was, he knew that often dates ended in kissing. Or more than kissing. Letting out a breath, he looked back at Malachi.

How did one go about making the first move? Should Trent just do it? Or should he wait for Malachi?

He should have asked his siblings for advice. They were all more experienced than him.

Maybe Trent just needed to go for it. Malachi had agreed to go on this date with him. He wouldn’t have done that if he found Trent completely repulsive.

Trent sat up. He shifted forward to the edge of the seat, bringing himself closer to Malachi. He could reach out and touch the siren now. Or he could lean forward and kiss him.

Malachi wiped the crumbs from his lips. “That was divine. Thank you for bringing these. Your family are very talented bakers.”

Trent’s hands tingled. He took a deep breath, trying to find his courage as his belly squirmed as if filled with worms.

Then he leaned forward and kissed Malachi. For a split second, soft lips remained pressed against soft lips. Trent’s chest filled with a warmth that spread through his body.

Then Malachi yanked back.

Chapter

Seventeen

Malachi lifted his finger to his lips. His eyes widened. “What…” He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. He couldn’t string words together.