Page 50 of Demon's Mate
Ash set the drinks and paper bag on the coffee table and sat, spreading his legs wide as he got comfortable.
“I’ll get plates.” Harper hurried to the kitchen, trying not to think about the last time he’d been on the couch with Ash. This was much more intimate than going out for coffee. Harper didn’t even have his shoes on, just socks.
He brought plates and cutlery to the living room and sat down. Was he sitting too close? Not close enough? It felt silly to be bashful after Ash had seen him practically naked.
Ash handed him a coffee and opened the bag. He pulled out scones and pastries, then cut them all in half so they could share.
Harper glanced at the logo on his cup. “You went to Seaside Coffee?”
“Yeah.” Ash nudged him playfully with his elbow. “I figured you must like it since I ran into you there.”
Harper sipped his drink. Ash had remembered he liked hazelnut almond lattes, or maybe he’d looked back at their text conversation. “Thanks. This is perfect.”
“You’re most welcome.” Ash sipped his coffee and shifted, half turning toward Harper and casually placing an arm along the back of the couch. “How are you doing?”
“Okay.” Harper squirmed. Ash might not have judged him yet, but he wasn’t admitting he’d hidden inside all week.
Ash nodded, a serious furrow appearing on his brow. “You haven’t had any trouble since I last saw you?”
Wait. Was that why Ash was here? Harper didn’t want this to be about his witch problems. At least he’d already asked and Ash had said this was a date. Maybe he was just showing concern, which was fine. More than fine. Harper wanted Ash to care so badly it made the coffee churn in his stomach.
“No problems. I haven’t gone out much.” Harper broke eye contact, inspecting his coffee lid.
“I didn’t imagine you’d be rushing to go out,” Ash said like he really did understand. “But we don’t have to talk about that unless you want to. What pastries look good?”
Harper considered the food, more than relieved to move on. “All of them. But I think I want that berry one first.” Icing clung to the pastry and the berry filling in the center. Harper hadn’t had a treat like it in ages.
Ash handed him half, taking the other for himself. They each had a bite. “Good choice,” Ash rumbled, his deep voice giving Harper chills.
The pastry was really good. Harper smiled as he ate, sinking back into the couch cushions. Ash’s arm brushed his shoulders and he sighed, relaxing as if the small touch had relieved what was left of his tension.
Ash sipped his coffee and grabbed another pastry. “Have you lived in Shearwater Landing long?”
Harper licked some icing off his finger. “Not really. I’ve only just moved in with Ollie.”
Ash nodded. “He’s a close friend?”
“No. We only met when I signed the lease. But I hope he’ll become a close friend. I like living with him. How about you? Have you lived here long?”
Ash frowned at his coffee. “No. I lived here a while ago but only just came back. My brother lives here. Well, my brothers, but the second one wasn’t as happy to see me.”
They chatted and ate their way through the treats. Just like in their text conversations, Harper found Ash easy to talk to.
The longer they were on the couch, the closer Harper shifted to Ash, drawn like a magnet. Ash responded to the shrinking distance, brushing his fingers along Harper’s shoulder and bumping their knees together.
It was so different from their hookup. Soft and sweet, yet Harper’s heart was still in his throat. Talking was just as good as kissing, and his confidence rose as he realized Ash must be enjoying this too.
Harper might not have been on other dates to compare, but Ash’s interest was evident. He looked at Harper like he was trying to soak up every detail in front of him.
It made Harper want to kiss him. Not because Ash was hot or because Harper was horny, but to connect. It had been so good that night, and this was even better.
Ash brushed some sugar from Harper’s lower lip, and the touch sparked. Harper held back a groan.
“Thank you for giving me another shot,” Ash murmured.
Harper bit his lip, worrying the spot Ash had touched. “You certainly didn’t waste it.”
Ash chuckled. “Glad to hear you don’t think so.”
