Page 23

BEAU

T he bustle of Wick’s Bakery buzzes around us. Sparkle laughs as I tell him about the date and how neither Poe nor I had any idea the class was going to be a mating dance.

“I love Ash. He’s always so gentlemanly when he comes to F&F. I wish I could find Reyna and throat punch her on his behalf, but she left Hex once she laid that egg. Poor Ash mourned her loss, but he shows his girl love enough for like ten parents.”

“I hope we can go back, but I hope it’s not a mating dance next time.”

Wren pats my shoulder, but snort laughs. “Mating dances are the most fun. Especially dragon ones, though I’m partial to Fae dances.”

“I had fun, but it’s awkward trying to dance with a boner.” But Poe smelled so good and his hands on me felt so wonderful.

“Did you do the deed?” Wren wiggles his brows.

I shake my head. “We promised each other five dates before we try anything again, but we ended up at my apartment and made out a little on my bed.” And poured out a few bits of our hearts.

“See, just too cute,” Sparkle sighs. “When are you seeing each other again?”

I shrug. “He showed up at the grocery store and gave me a single rose about two hours into my shift. Then he showed up again halfway through and sat with me while I ate during my break.”

“Oh, he has it so, so bad.” Sparkle takes a sip of his fancy coffee drink. I tried it, but didn’t like the bitter aftertaste beneath all the sugar.

“Then he walked me home at the end of my shift. I didn’t want to teleport because it was such a pretty morning and we ended up making out, then he made me breakfast.”

“That demon is whipped,” Wren says, making a motion with his hand and a crack sound.

“He did growl at a few people and I had to tell him to cut it out. He was so cute when he went red and apologized to them.”

Sparkle sighs as he takes another drink. “I wish I had someone.”

“Ugh.” Wren crushes a napkin in his hand. “Same though. Someone tall, and golden-haired, that can fly with me.”

I nod toward the counter. “Like Talon?”

“Like Talon,” Wren whispers and looks to the griffin shifter watching our table. When Talon notices us watching him, the man drops his eyes and goes back to wiping down the counter.

“You two would be such a sexy couple,” Sparkle says. “You should ask him out sometime.”

Wren snorts. “I’m bold, but until I’m free of my contract, I can’t date anyone. So until that piece of paper is dissolved, I’m solo.” His shoulders drop and he turns to ripping the napkin apart.

I have to wonder if I could ask Poe to work his chaos cupid magic to get my friends partners that adore them.

We part ways after some hugs and the rest of the day I putter around my apartment, doing chores I’ve neglected for a few days. When I’m done, I feel bold and snap a picture of myself half naked and send it to Poe before hopping into the shower. We’re not seeing each other again for a few days because he has some important Hex meetings he can’t get out of, but I can tease him just a tiny bit.

When I check my phone after my shower, I have a voicemail.

“You naughty little sweetie,” Poe’s voice rumbles low and makes my dick hard. “You have me so hard in the middle of a meeting.”

I snap another pic with water still running down my chest and send it. Then I turn around and stick my booty out, taking a pic in the mirror. I reserve that one for his next message. But instead of texting or calling, Poe shows up right there in the bathroom. His hands drop to my hips.

Poe’s eyes glow in the steamy room and he bends over to whisper in my ear, “You’re such a pretty little tease.” He purrs when he licks up my jaw, being extra careful with his horns.

I raise a hand to pull him down for a kiss, but he blinks out, leaving me panting instead.

Fuck, maybe I shouldn’t play with fire. But I can’t help sending that booty pic.