Page 35 of Hooked on a Demon
Her apartment is only a couple down from the elevator, and as his fist meets the door, his heart beats in time.Mine. Mine. Mine.
“Come in,” she calls from inside.
Reaching for the handle, he knows that there’s no turning back after this. Sure, they’ve kissed. And yeah, it was fucking great. So great he can’t stop thinking about it, in fact. But this, stepping into her space before taking her out on a date. It changes things. Their relationship, whatever it was before, will not be the same. And his relationship with Everest changes, too, as Declan now has to find a way to keep this thing with Eliana a secret from him.
He takes a quick breath, his hand pausing mid-turn, checking with himself that this is what he wants. That he’s prepared for whatever may come of this.
His hand completes the turn on the door handle, and he steps inside. A decision made.
CHAPTER21
Eliana
Her breath stops the moment he walks through the door. Goddamn he is gorgeous. The dark jeans he wears hug his powerful thighs. He turns around, closing the door behind him, and… yep, the jeans also make his ass look spectacular. The years of playing football have definitely helped to hone what was likely already close to perfection.
Her eyes dart up his body when he turns to face her again, her cheeks heating slightly, knowing she was caught checking him out. His dark green Henley is snug against his broad chest, and his arms look like they are ready to burst from the sleeves. He may not be sporting a six-pack, but Declan looks like he was sculpted by Hecate herself and sent here to tempt her.
When she finally meets his gaze, it’s heated. Apparently, he was checking her out, too. By the look on his face, it’s safe to assume that she passed with flying colors.
“You like?” Eliana asks, doing a quick spin to show off her outfit.
She spent too long choosing the right clothes for tonight. Not knowing where they were going meant she had to choose something comfortable and something more ‘date-like’ than her standard dance outfits. Her black skirt ends mid-thigh and pairs beautifully with the heeled boots that go up her calves. Given the cooler weather, she chose to pair it with a chunky, almost sheer, cream sweater that allows the black lacy bra underneath to peek through. She slides the posts of oversized silver hoops in her ears before sliding a gloss applicator across her lips to finish her look.
Declan clears his throat as if he’s trying to force words to push through. “You look spectacular,” he finally manages.
She picks up her clutch from the side table and steps toward him, not missing the way his eyes lock in on her legs. She may be heavier than she was as a professional stage dancer, but years of training mean that they are still powerful and, in her opinion, her best feature. “Thank you.”
Eliana gets her coat from the front closet, and Declan gently takes it from her hands, holding it out for her to slide her arms into. As she does, she catches a whiff of his oaky scent. It’s cleaner than previously noticed, not mixed with oil or sweat this time, but equally delicious. His fingers graze her neck as he pulls her hair out from under her coat, leaving goosebumps pebbled on her skin. When she turns around, he softly grasps her lapels and pulls her toward him. His lips find hers easily, as if they have done this a thousand times.
This kiss isn’t like the one in the theater. It’s not hungry. No, it’s soft, gentle, even. It’s the kind of kiss typically shared between long-time lovers. Yet, it still sends fireworks through her body, heating her from the inside out. This kiss may be gentle, but the power she can feel humming under his skin lets her know there’s more, and he’s simply holding back for her sake. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day,” he says, resting his forehead against hers.
Heat rises up her neck as she blushes at the thought that he’s been thinking of her all day. “Well, I’m happy you don’t have to wait any longer.”
“Me too,” he growls. “But we should go before I do something stupid like bend you over that table and show you what else I’ve been thinking about.”
Eliana’s eyes flare as a mix of molten heat and surprise floods her body.Yes, please.
He steps back, only putting enough distance between them so he can open the door. Once out in the hall, he intertwines his fingers with hers, and they head off into the night.
It doesn’t take long for them to arrive at their destination, and despite how content she’s been merely riding through town with Declan, particularly with his hand on her thigh as he drives, seeing their venue for tonight is the icing on an already delicious demon-shaped cake.
“Welcome to Dusty’s Drive-in, how many tonight?”
“Two for theHaunting of ManyandWe Walk Alone, please.”
The attendant prints off their tickets and hands them to Declan. “Here you are. You’ll be at screen three. Follow the left fork all the way down.”
“Thanks.”
“Have a great night, and enjoy the show,” the attendant says before Declan pulls away.
“It has been so long since I’ve been to a drive-in movie,” Eliana says, nearly bouncing in her seat with excitement. “I used to love coming here as a kid. I honestly didn’t think they were still open.”
Following the path as directed, Declan brings them to screen three and parks in one of the back few rows, ensuring that there’s room for smaller vehicles to be in front without their view being blocked. “It did close for a couple of years, but then someone bought it and has brought it back to life. It’s been a huge hit since,” he says, turning the truck off. “Shall we go and get some snacks before it starts?”
“Absolutely,” Eliana replies, climbing out of the truck. “Oooh. I wonder if they still have the chocolate drops they had when I was a kid. Mixing them and gummy bears with popcorn was my favorite.” Declan meets her at the back of his truck, an amused smile gracing his perfect lips. “What?”
“You’re cute. That’s all.”
