Page 21 of Night Shift

Erebus stares back, with absolutely no indication that he understands why this might require further explanation.

“Are you courting me?”

He considers the question long enough that I begin wondering if there’s some ancient definition of the word involving livestock.

“I believe so.”

A laugh escapes me. “You believe so?”

“I have never done it before.”

That wipes the amusement from my face. “Never?”

“No.”

“You’ve been around since the beginning of time, and you’ve never dated anyone?”

“I have known many people.”

“That is not what I asked.”

“I am aware.”

His gaze shifts toward the pastry box, as though regretting everything that has led him to this moment.

“I have never wanted to.”

Something inside my chest goes unexpectedly soft.

“Well,” I say, before this gets dangerously sincere, “most people start by asking someone on a date.”

“I see.”

“Then they bring the pastries.”

“I have done this incorrectly.”

“Not necessarily. I actually prefer your order.”

His shoulders ease.

I take one of the pastries and bite into it. Chocolate and raspberry burst across my tongue with something warm and spicy underneath.

“Oh my God.”

Erebus’s expression changes instantly. “Is something wrong?”

“No. That’s what humans say when something is really good.”

“You invoke your deity over pastry?”

“Constantly.”

He seems to file this information away.

I tear the pastry in half and offer him some.

“So,” I say, “are you going to ask?”