Page 36 of When I Accidentally Summoned a Demon

Vesper snorts. “He’s being dramatic.”

I pay close attention to their banter, as it faintly reminds me of my favorite sitcom.

“The ceiling leaked.”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “One spot.”

“There were mushrooms.”

“Two mushrooms.” She blows a curl off her cheek.

He elbows her gently. “There should be zero indoor mushrooms, Vesper.”

I consider this. “Robby is correct.”

She points the sage bundle at me. “Stay out of this.”

I clasp my hands behind my back. “I shall remain impartial.”

She blows a disbelieving puff from her lips. “You’ve been here a day. You don’t know how to be impartial.”

That may be true.

Robby continues before I can formulate a defense, relaying how she cleaned, repaired, and decorated. His gesture encompasses the crystal displays, the framed botanical prints, the hanging lanterns, the mismatched vintage cabinets and reclaimed-wood tables surrounding the coffee bar. Mostly from thrift stores or estate sales. I am competent enough to dissect the information.

“She has the finest eye I’ve ever seen for one man’s trash becoming another woman’s treasure.”

Vesper’s mouth curls. “I’ll take that one.”

“She learned half the repairs from YouTube and the other half from a battered copy of Home Repair and Improvement for Dummies.”

My attention snaps immediately back to him, brow furrowing. “For dummies? The book called her a dummy?”

Her lips twitch. “No, Vale. It’s a series with the same titles.”

“A series insulting its own readers?”

Robby makes a choking noise. “He’s never heard of the “For Dummies” books?”

Vesper’s smile widens. “He’s a transplant.”

“From where? Mars?”

I shake my head quite firmly. “The Romans would revolt if so.”

Vesper laughs, genuinely, generously, and it sends heat right to my groin.

Robby’s attention shifts back to me. “So. Vale. What exactly do you do?”

Vesper throws him another look while I reply, “Helping.”

“With what?”

“Anything Vesper desires.”

Robby gives a short, appreciative whistle and bobs his eyebrows at Vesper.

“Don’t start, Robby.” She stabs a finger at him. “Or I’ll consider adding a taxidermy aisle. You can be the first test.”