Page 13 of Cat’s Guide To Romance

But there’s a faint jingle behind me.

“Wait,” Lucien says.

I stop and take another breath, willing myself not to get upset about anything.

“I’d like to go with you,” he says. “If you’re agreeable to it.”

“What about Lars and Ryan?”

“Already put in their orders and will be content to stay at Wick’s until I get back. Plus, Wick and Talon said one of them can teleport them home when they want.”

“That’s nice of them.” My tail trembles the closer he gets. He tips my chin up with his tail. It’s hard not to look into his eyes. “Why did you want me in the club? Why did you write a song?” Though I have my suspicions about that question.

“I have an informant.” Lucien winks. He cups my cheek and runs his thumb over my jaw.

“Why me?” I whisper, ducking my head. My ear twitches when he moves his hand from my face.

He takes a step back and I will myself to stay where I am. He’s magnetic and warm. There’s a sadness in his eyes. “We share a loneliness.” His words are so soft I strain to hear him, even with my superior hearing. “It’s not the same, I’m sure. But I see a kindred spirit.”

“It’s that obvious?”

“To someone that knows where to look.”

“I’m surrounded by friends and family. I shouldn’t be lonely.” My tail droops. “But I am.”

“I run a business, have amazing friends. But no one gets it. Sometimes when you have everything you think you want, there’s still something missing.” He rubs his chest and looks away. “So... That’s about as vulnerable as I can tolerate for the day. How about we go shopping?” He hands me a pastry bag. “Beau says that’s your favorite and you can’t go shopping on an empty stomach.”

A watery laugh escapes me.

“Lark said, you also enjoy these.” Lucien hands me another bag. “Gabe said you needed something to round out all the sweetness and picked this out.” Another bag. “Wren said you needed something to drink.” Before I can complete a blink, he’s gone and back with an iced coffee]. “Talon and Wick said you deserve to test their new muffins before Beau. That bat shifter made the saddest face.” He hands me another bag.

I’m loaded down with my favorite drink and pastry bags. Lucien frowns before snorting a laugh. He takes the bags from me. The ice jiggles in my cup, and I take a deep drink. It’s like I take in the first full breath in forever.

Lucien rummages around in the bags and pulls out a sugar dusted donut. My favorite.

“Eat.” He takes the drink from me as he hands me the donut.

“Bossy.” But I take a bite of my breakfast and sigh. “Thank you.”

He feeds me treats on our walk to Hex Grocer. He’s surprisingly quiet, not forcing me to answer questions or anything. Just letting me be.

“So, what did you think of the song?”

I almost choke on the last bite of my strawberry cream muffin. His tail only pats me on the back a few times while I catch my breath. “I’m guessing Beau gave you my ridiculous guide to my heart.” I make air quotes around guide to my heart.

“He sure did.” The grin on Lucien’s face makes it hard not to smile myself.

“I wrote that list when I was sixteen. I was sad and angry that I had to babysit my sisters. Mama was pregnant with Ferris. I just wanted someone to love me.” I hold up a hand when Lucien opens his mouth. “I know that I’m loved, and I love my friends and family. But I want to give my heart to someone and take care of theirs in kind.” My cheeks heat and I turn away.

“Why haven’t you?”

It’s such a simple question. My ear twitches, reminding me I’m different from most of the shifters in Hex. The movement catches Lucien’s eye, and he smiles.

“I like your ears. And your tail. You’re pretty to look at, but it’s your soul that’s beautiful.”

I snort and push him away slightly. “This is our third interaction. You can’t possibly know that.” Can he?

“I’m a demon, darlin’. We can all see souls. And yours is lovely.” His tail wraps around my waist and pulls me closer. “But let me prove to you how good we can be together.”