Page 4 of Demon's Heart

Too bad he couldn’t always sniff out the shitty people when looking for casual hookups. The whole point was not getting to know anyone, and for short encounters, it worked. There wasn’t much time to be a dick.

But fuck, some of the messages he’d gotten were rude.

Dante, on the other hand, seemed considerate. Okay, shit, it went beyond that. He looked at Ollie like he’d discovered gold, and there was nothing like a little ego boost, even if nothing would happen between them.

“I can’t believe they usually fly to the other side of the world to mate,” Ollie said as Dante paused in explaining the intricacies of the sooty shearwater.

Dante chuckled. “Too much effort?”

“Maybe.” Ollie shrugged. Animals did go through a lot to bone.

“I don’t know. I’m sure it’s worth it.” Dante’s lips twitched, and he averted his eyes.

Why was that suggestive? Excitement fluttered in Ollie’s chest, but he tamped it down.

Dante cleared his throat. “Anyway. Sorry. I’m babbling.”

“Don’t even worry about it.” Ollie nudged Dante’s arm playfully with his elbow.

Dante was too cute. If Ollie had randomly met him at a party or a bar he’d make a move, but Dante wasn’t random. Harmless flirting was one thing. Hooking up with one of Harper’s very committed boyfriend’s friends was bound to get messy.

And that was a world of not worth it.

Dante was probably boyfriend material, all committed like Ash, and casual sex was it for Ollie. He wasnotlooking for a relationship or anything remotely resembling one.

Not even with someone like Dante.

Dante returnedto the couch with two more drinks, handing one to Ollie. “Where did you live before coming to Shearwater Landing?”

Ollie shifted, turning sidewise, facing Dante but putting himself farther away than before. “Not far from here. About two hours inland.”

Dante seemed to take this random detail seriously, nodding like it made sense.

Ollie didn’t get it.

Dante’s focus hadn’t wavered, even after exhausting the shearwater talk. The attention was nice, but it was starting to feel like Ollie was on a date.

Ollie hadn’t considered the potential double date vibes when he’d told Harper to invite Ash’s friend. Maybe he should have.

Dante smiled and took a sip of his drink. “Have you always lived that close to the city, or did you move around with your family?”

Ollie shifted, trying to get comfortable again. “I’ve never lived anywhere else.”

“Do you have any siblings?”

“No, I’m an only child.” Ollie’s insides twisted. Why so many questions? This was really date-like behavior, right?

But this wasn’t a date. It wasn’t. Ollie wasn’t okay with it turning into one and didn’t want to explain that to Dante. He shouldn’t have to.

“Sorry.” Dante’s brow furrowed. “Do you not like talking about your past or your family?”

“Um…” Ollie squirmed. “No, it’s fine. It’s not very interesting. I don’t have family drama or anything.”

“That’s good. I can’t say the same, but it’s all old news.”

Great, now they were talking about their families. Why couldn’t they talk about meaningless fluff, flirt like it was nothing, and have fun? Why did this have to feel like it was turning into something?

Or was that all in Ollie’s head?