Page 68 of I Accidentally Summoned A Demon
His smile faltered for such a minimal moment, Kat wasn’t sure it happened. “Counseling.”
“Oh, that’s great. We need more counselors. You’ll fit in well. Everyone’s kind and welcoming.”
“I’ve noticed.”
It was almost unsettling how white his teeth were, how musical his voice was, how perfectly aligned his clothes were—like he was Photoshopped. Nowhere near as perfect as Nex, in her opinion.
“Well.” Kat shifted from one foot to the other. “Nice to meet you, but I better get go—”
“I’m new to the area. Do you have any food recommendations?”
“Oh, um, what do you like?”
He grinned. “Anything at all.”
“Well, down the street, there’s a place called Misty’s Café.” She gestured in the direction of Misty’s. “They have a variety of food. Burgers, pasta, rice bowls. It’s great.”
“Sounds wonderful. Would you join me?”
Kat’s eyebrows raised. She increased the distance between them and gave her politest smile. “Thank you, but I’m afraid I have to go.”
“It wouldn’t take long.” That unsettlingly flawless smile returned. “I eat fast. Don’t want to dine alone, you know?”
“Oh.” Kat wrung her hands together and scanned the room, spotting Pastor Brighton a few feet away. “I’m sure Pastor Brighton and his family would love to go. They often take newcomers for lunch. I’m sorry, I have someone waiting on me.”
“She certainly does.” Bernice approached and nudged Kat’s shoulder with hers. “When are you going to bring that handsome young Nex to church?”
Kat hid the amusement at Bernice’s question for more than one reason. First, Nex wasn’t even sort of young. Second, he couldn’t set foot in here even if he wanted to.
A muscle in Gabriel’s square jaw ticked. “A boyfriend?”
Boyfriend.They hadn’t discussed it. They’d been intimate nearly constantly over the last couple of weeks. Trouble sleeping was no longer a problem because Nex made sure she was exhausted every night.
Kat smiled, rubbing her arms. “Sort of. We haven’t labeled it.”
“So, free to see other people?”
Other people weren’t a consideration for Kat.Nex wouldn’t do that.Except they hadn’t made rules, and he spent a lot of time without her while she worked and rehearsed.
“Nex and Katherine don’t need a label.” Bernice patted Kat’s arm. “It’s obvious when you see them together that they only see each other.”
Unhappy with where her thoughts were headed and not enjoying the awkward conversation, Kat forced a smile at Bernice. There was no reason to doubt Nex. She had to get out of there. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you here next week?” Kat asked Gabriel.
“Indeed, you will.”
“Great.” Kat turned to Bernice. “See you Wednesday.”
“Wednesday, my dear,” Bernice said. “Don’t forget to tell Nex to find a time the two of you can come for dinner.”
Kat’s smile strained. “Right.” Nex liked Bernice well enough, but his displeased expression when she’d asked if he’d have dinner with her was answer enough. “Bye.” She waved and rushed outside into the ever-colder weather.
Kat hurried home and walked in on Nex and Marcus talking so intensely they didn’t notice she’d arrived. She slipped off her coat and wandered to the kitchen table where they sat.
“You can’t feed him that.” Nex dropped his fist to the table. “He has a sensitive stomach.”
“You’re being ridiculous.” Marcus leaned back and scratched his beard. “They’re fine. They’re happy.”
“Everything okay?” Kat dropped her messenger bag on the table with athud.
