Page 49 of Demon's Mate

Yes, exactly like a date. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you again.

Harper:

I’m looking forward to seeing you too.

Ash:

So, coffee today? You name the place.

Harper chewed his lip. Going out for coffee was a stupid risk. What if his coven was searching the neighborhoods closest to the port after two of their men disappeared? There was always the possibility that someone had followed him and Ash home, even if it was unlikely for a vampire—with enhanced senses—to miss a tail.

Harper:

Is it okay if you meet me at my apartment first?

He might feel safe enough to leave if he wasn’t alone. They could walk to Seaside Coffee together.

Harper should be stronger than this and face things on his own. He was powerful and smart. He wasn’t weak. Finch was gone and couldn’t hurt him again. But it wasn’t weak to need people. He just didn’t have any people he could turn to. He’d always managed by himself.

But that had never been a choice. Maybe Ash could be his person.

Ash:

Sure thing, sweet. I’ll be there in an hour if that works for you?

Harper’s cheeks heated as memories of Ash calling him sweet the night after the club filled his mind.

Harper:

Perfect. See you soon.

An hour later—almostexactly—Ash buzzed to be let into Harper’s building.

Harper buzzed Ash in and hurried to grab his keys and phone. He ran a hand through his hair.

A knock sounded on his door, and he jumped. Great, he was skittish before getting a foot out the door. Harper checked the peephole, confirmed it was Ash, and opened the door.

“Hi.” Had that sounded breathy? Desperate? If only Harper could relax.

Ash’s lips curved in the most radiant smile, wrinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes. “Hey, sweet thing. Good to see you.”

Butterflies exploded in Harper’s chest.

Ash held up a paper bag in one hand and a coffee carrier with two cups in the other. “I’ve got treats.”

“Oh.” Harper stepped back from the door, allowing Ash to enter. “I thought you wanted to go out.”

Ash shrugged. “I wanted to see you. We can have coffee here if you’d rather stay in.”

Harper closed the front door, his shoulders sagging. Thiswas better than going out. He wouldn’t be distracted scanning for witches or worried something bad might happen. He could focus on Ash.

“How’d you know I’d rather stay in?” He’d only said to meet at the apartment, not that he didn’t want to leave.

Ash bumped his shoulder against Harper’s. “You’ve had a rough week, Harper. I understand wanting to stick close to home.”

He seemed to have a knack for picking up on things without Harper having to spell them out. He appreciated it, along with Ash’s apparent lack of judgment.

Harper ducked his head and led Ash to the living room. What would Ash think if he knew he hadn’t left the house in days? Would he still want to have coffee together? Hopefully.