Page 31

My hackles rise. What are you planning to do at the bookstore? The owner, Clark, a five-hundred-year-old gargoyle who doesn’t talk to anyone, already had to make several minor repairs to the building after the portal bombing, since the portal is located directly beneath the bookstore. I’d hate for Ziggy to make him even less happy than he usually seems.

I’m going to swap the staff-recommended picks for the horror and romance tables, he sends, then I’ll drop off the rock.

I let him feel the roll of my eyes. Fine. As long as you go back tomorrow and undo it.

Who are you, my mother?

I don’t respond. He’s right. I need to let Ziggy be Ziggy.

I sit down on the end of the bed and pat the spot next to me. Woodenly, Abe lowers himself and meets my gaze with trepidation.

Where do I begin? I should’ve rehearsed a speech in my head before bringing him in here. “I…I wanted you to know how much I appreciated that hug in the hospital.” The words sound ridiculous as they leave my mouth, but Abe loves hugs. This is a segue he’ll understand. It’ll get us there, no matter how awkwardly I phrase it.

“It’s my pleasure, Emma,” he says, his mouth quirking up on one side into a half-grin.

This might be my favorite smile of his. It makes him look shy and boyish and so, so pretty.

“I enjoy hugs.” He folds his hands in his lap as he stares dreamily at the carpet.

I nod. “Yeah, me too.” Oh god, now what? “Um, I was thinking about when you made me breakfast for dinner.” Not a smooth transition, but whatever.

His mouth flattens at the mention of that night.

“It was so generous of you to do that, and looking back, I’m sorry for how I reacted.” I put my hand over his, to let him know this isn’t leading anywhere bad. “I think maybe what I should’ve said that night is I haven’t been in a relationship in a long time, and I’m out of practice.”

He turns on the bed until our knees bump against each other, his eyes widening with hope.

“I should’ve also said I’m used to doing things a certain way and taking care of my own needs. Having someone else cook for me, fetch me a glass of water, and then offer to feed me by hand felt like too much, too soon, and I panicked.”

He threads our fingers together and presses my knuckles against his soft cheek. “I understand. That would’ve felt overwhelming to anyone. I apologize for rushing you into something you weren’t ready for.”

I cup his other cheek with my free hand and lean in. “That’s the thing. I think maybe I am ready for something. Ever since I told you we should go back to being more professional, I’ve regretted it.” I shake my head, trying to silence the thoughts telling me to put my walls back up and continue my life alone. “I know we were only…whatever we were for one day, but it wasn’t enough. I want more. I want this. You. I want to see where this goes.”

He leans in to kiss me, but I hold a finger to his lips, stopping him. “To be clear, I want to be your partner––I guess is the best word for it. I want us to be exclusive, but I don’t want us to rush this. I’m not big on PDA, especially since I’m a public figure. I’m not a lap-sitter, nor do I wish to be hand-fed unless both my arms are broken. Is that okay with you?”

“Yes,” he says in a giddy, breathy voice. “I accept your terms.”

The distance between us begins to disappear, but Abe jerks back.

“What is it?”

“How will Otto feel about this?”

I stare at him, confused.

“Our romantic partnership? He and I are becoming friends, and I don’t wish to be the cause for his heartbreak.”

“Otto? Why would this break his heart?”

Abe looks at me like I should already know. “He’s taken with you, Emma. I’m certain he has been for years. You don’t see it?”

A chuckle tears from my throat. “He’s not taken with me, Abe. I promise you that. We’re just friends. Have been since high school. We went to prom together, but as friends. He’s asexual.”

Abe’s eyes dart between mine, as if looking for a sign that I’m lying. “You’re certain of this?”

I tug him back toward me, tired of waiting. “Definitely.”

Our lips find each other with the same level of urgency as two long-distance lovers who haven’t seen each other in months. His tongue delves between my lips, tasting me, teasing me, as his hands move down my body.