Page 12 of The Devil and the Dancer
“Joking aside,” Arthur said. “The minute you feel that man trying to make you smaller or duller or anything that feels lessyou, get out. Do you hear me?” He leaned forward. “I like what I know of Gavin. And I like the people he calls his friends. But you’re too precious and too bright to let anyone do that to you. I could not bear to lose you again, and you always know you have a spot on our couch if you need it.”
Chloe tried not to let any tears come to her eyes. “Your dogs own your couch, Arthur.”
“Oh, shut up.” He pulled out a blue shift. “Carrie, get your blond butt over here!”
Chloe laughed. “But the dogs might let me have the horrible recliner.”
He curled his lip. “Yes, because they are my babies and they know how awful that thing is.”
“You can take the boy out of the Midwest…”
“But he’ll still inherit his grandfather’s taste in furnishings.” Arthur rolled his eyes. “Trust me, I know.”
“You think I’m overreacting to Gavin being weird?”
“No.” He turned the shift inside out and dropped it over the tiny blonde who came running over. “I think you should trust your instincts. If you think he’s hiding something, he’s probably hiding something.”
“I don’t think…” Chloe stopped herself.
Actually, Gavindidseem like he was hiding something. The problem with dating—or not dating?—a vampire was you had no idea if the secret the person was concealing was for your own good or just a shitty, human-type secret.
It was possible that Gavin knew about some serious threat that jeopardized the immortal population of New York City. It was also possible he wanted to break up with her and didn’t want to hurt her feelings.
No, that wouldn’t be it. Gavin was blunt almost to the point of cruelty at times. If there was something he wanted to tell her, he’d just tell her. Which meant…
“I think this is something that has nothing to do with me,” she said. “I’m probably overreacting. I should be more supportive.”
“Totally,” Arthur said. “Lend the man an ear if he needs it. From what you’ve told me, he probably has a million people depending on him. He might just need a safe place to vent about something.”
“Yeah.” Chloe nodded. “You’re right.”
“I’ll be honest. I don’t understand your relationship, but the man has had the patience of Job”—Arthur raised a pair of scissors—“which of course he should have, because you needed time and you’re worth every damn minute.”
“You’re totally worth it,” Carrie said. “I have no idea what’s going on, but you’re awesome, Chloe.”
“Thanks, Carrie. You’re the sweetest.”
Arthur continued, “So we know Gavin has patience and he cares about you a lot, because he’s not an idiot. Also, he’s very, very hot for you. Because the eyes that man gives you when you’re not looking make me…” Arthur fanned his face. “It’s hot. So very hot.”
Carrie looked over her shoulder. “Can I meet him? I want to meet him.”
Chloe shook her head, but Arthur said, “Go to the Dancing Bear. That new pub on 9th. Super fun. It’s where she works, and the hot Scottish guy is her boss.”
“Ooooh. Illicit. Also, accent.”
“And kilts sometimes.”
Carrie’s eyes went wide. “For real?”
“It’s not…” Chloe put her head in her hands. “Yes. He wears kilts sometimes.”
“Because he knows she likes them,” Arthur whispered a little too loudly. “Plus he’s rich.”
Carrie made a face.
Chloe said, “But not from a trust fund.”
“Oh, nice.” Carrie nodded. “So what time does the bar close?”
