Page 12 of Cat’s Guide To Romance

Beau grabs my arm and hooks his with mine just as we meet at the door. “I may have done a thing.”

I cock a brow and turn to him. “A thing? Good or bad?”

“Dunno yet. Hopefully, good.” He gives me the biggest grin before swinging the door open. What has he done?

I turn back to Lark and Gabe. “Do you know anything?”

“Not a clue,” Lark says while Gabe shakes his head.

As soon as I walk through the threshold, the demon’s there. It’s like he’s been waiting for me. A smile lifts his lips and his already handsome face transforms into something even more beautiful. I huff out a frustrated breath and shuffle to my spot in line. Beau winks as the demon and I shoot my best friend a look.

“What was that about?” I whisper hiss.

Beau shrugs. “Nothing.” Of course, it comes out sweet and innocent.

Lucien pulls something from his pocket and brings it to his lips. A single note plays out and my attention snaps fully onto him. What. Is. Happening?

He places a hand to his heart. “Morning comes and there you are, brighter than the morning star. Sweet as sugar, bright as spring. When you smile at me my heart sings.” He takes a few steps towards me and takes my hand.

No. Absolutely not! But I’m mesmerized and let him keep my hand in his. His voice is beautiful. Why does it have to be beautiful?

He rubs the back of my hand with his thumb and my heart pounds. My damn tail sways. Why is Lucien looking at me like that? “Your little bell goes jingle jingle, making my demon heart tingle. When you smile or when you purr, nothing else on earth can stir.”

Oh, this is so cheesy. Do I like cheesy?

“Pretty kitten, so soft and sweet, you’re the reason my heart beats. I know I started out all wrong, so I wrote you this ridiculous song.”

I snort. “It’s very ridiculous. Go on.” I want to know how it ends.

He grins and continues. “I don’t care about your ears, I’ll adore them through the years. If your tail won’t leave your side, mine will gladly walk beside.”

Maybe it’s not so ridiculous. He’s hitting way too close to my soft squishy spots. How does he know? Maybe it’s kinda sweet? Adorable? Every eye is on us, but all I see is Lucien.

“We’ll pick flowers in the sun, bake sweet treats, and have some fun. If you need time alone, I will wait until you’re home.”

I snort and wave with my free hand for him to continue.

“He’s got seven entire parts to this monstrosity,” Lars says, and I glare at him.

“And he can sing all of them,” I say.

“Tell me all your hopes and fears. I’ll remember them for years. I’ll rub your head and scratch your back, brush your fur so it won’t mat. Sparkle, darling, hear my plea. Will you maybe... date with me? If the answer is still no, I’ll buy my pastries. Then I’ll go.” The final note lasts as he bows to me. He places a soft kiss on my knuckles before straightening to his full height again. My friends clap, as do the customers that came in after us.

I open my mouth to thank him, but my phone rings as the worst time. It’s mama’s ringtone and I answer immediately, pulling my hand from Lucien’s so I can take the call outside.

“Sparkle, dear. Can you run down to the grocery and grab two dozen eggs? I also need everything to make dinner tonight. I have a surprise for everyone. I’m making my famous cheesy chicken casserole. I want to have enough chicken to make chicken noodle soup, too. Oh, and we’ll need an amazing dessert. What about silk pie?”

My shoulders drop and I look back inside Wick’s, to the group, then Lucien. “Yes, mama, but⁠—”

“I need everything right away. I’m almost done with this cloak, then I’ll need you to deliver it over to the Hawthorn coven house so I can focus on dinner.”

I turn from the door. I don’t want anyone seeing me lose my spark for the day. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll get right on it.”

“Is everything okay?” It’s as if all my friends ask at the same time. I hadn’t heard them come outside.

I just sigh and nod. The fake smile doesn’t fool anyone anymore, I’m sure, but I still plaster it on my face. “Apparently mama has a big surprise for us tonight. She wants to make something special, so I have to go grab everything. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Even if for the shortest of time, because I have a feeling we’ll get interrupted again. We usually do.

I turn on my heel and walk without turning back. If I turn back, I’ll get jealous. Jealous that they can all do whatever they want when they want. I tune out their conversation now that I’m not a part of it.