Page 53 of I Accidentally Summoned A Demon
“Mm-hmm. He’s a marine. He’s strong, so I won’t need to ask more than one person. That’ll put Bernice at ease, having fewer people. That, and she knows him, so there’ll be familiarity.”
Nex snatched her phone. “Fine. Your trap cake worked.”
Kat beamed at him. “Really?”
“Unfortunately. When?”
“Now?”
“Fine. Let’s get it over with. But I’mnotdoing small talk.”
“Okay.” Kat grinned. “Thank you.”
Nex grumbled as she grabbed her coat. It wasn’t right that she could get him to do things he wouldn’t for anyone else. She wrapped her red scarf around her neck, inclining her head to the door. Disgruntled, he snatched his coat and followed her out.
On the street, Kat rubbed her hands together. Thanksgiving was close, as was winter. Fall was essentially gone, and the cold had settled in. Leaves were brown instead of colorful, fallen to the ground and crunching under every step. Kat shivered, hugging herself. Nex fought the urge to bring her close and warm her.
Nearing Bernice’s house, they also drew closer to Katherine’s church. The sight of it made Nex tense, but they stayed on the opposite side of the street.
“Bernice is nice, but she’s a little blunt.”
“Your opposite then.”
“I guess. Definitely not shy.”
“If she starts talking about religion, I’m out.”
“I doubt she will. She’s not pushy. Well . . .” Kat scrunched her face, remembering countless times Bernice had been pushy. “She’s not pushy aboutthat, anyway.”
While Nex wondered what she meant, he didn’t have time to ask. Kat skipped up to a house and knocked. An older woman with a gray bun and glasses barely holding onto the tip of her nose opened the door. She smiled warmly at Kat, then shifted her gaze to Nex.
“Hi. This is Nex.” Kat gestured to him.
“Oh,thisis Nex,” Bernice said with a knowing smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” She surveyed him. “Quite a lot. Come in.” She opened the door wider and stepped aside.
“Quite a lot?” Nex asked.
Cheeks more red from embarrassment than cold, Kat murmured, “From the neighbors.”
Nex gave her a side-eye and followed her inside.
Bernice touched his arm as he passed. “It’s not from the neighbors. She talks about you all the time. All I hear about anymore ismy sweet Nex did this or that for me today.”
A smile twitched on Nex’s lips.
Kat hid her face in her hands. “Bernice.”
“What?” Bernice shrugged. “You’re the one telling a lie. This way, dears.” She shuffled down the hallway. “Do you want something warm to drink? I’ve put the kettle on. Should be hot soon.”
Kat followed Bernice and avoided looking at Nex. “Sure. Thank you.”
They entered a small kitchen with not much in it except a round table in the corner. Christmas decorations were already in place—red and white candles and garland strung off the little wall shelves holding crystal angel figurines. Kat sunk into a chair and leaned over the table, keeping a curtain of hair as protection from Nex’s stare.
More than amused, Nex set his hand on the table right beside hers, bending down next to her ear. “I’m sweet, am I?”
“You can be,” Kat muttered. “She’s exaggerating.”
“Nex, do you want some tea, dear?” Bernice asked.
