Page 83 of Demon's Mate
I think I’ve decided what to do about Nico.
Ash:
Oh?
Harper:
If things with my coven are coming to an end, there’s no reason for me to hide from Nico. I want to see if he’ll offer me the in-house brewing job.
Ash:
That’s great. It’s the perfect opportunity for you. I think you’re making the right choice.
Harper:
Me too. Next time you’re free, we can go over and tell him.
Harper could go on his own, but with the end of his coven problems in sight, what was the harm in hiding for a few more days? The apartment building was protected, and Ash could track him. He was the safest he’d ever been in his life, but he wasn’t taking any unnecessary risks. Just in case.
Ash:
Sounds like a plan, flower. Have a good morning.
Harper smiled and pressed the phone to his chest.
Ideally, he’d walk over to Seaside Coffee and enjoy his good mood with a sweet treat. Once his coven was gone, he’d definitely do that, but for now, he’d compromise. Harper made a cup of coffee topped off with hazelnut creamer and took it to the roof.
A light wind tickled his skin as he stepped out of the stairwell. The late morning sun bathed the rooftop, city soundsdrifting up from the street. It reminded him of flying with Ash. His heart fluttered and the sun warmed his face.
What a gorgeous morning.
Harper sipped his coffee and glanced around. He stopped short, the hair at the back of his neck prickling. He wasn’t the only one up here.
A man stood close to the roof’s edge, smoking and gazing into the distance. He must have sensed Harper’s stare because he turned, showing no surprise at finding someone there.
“Good morning. You’ve found my secret smoking spot.” He flashed a perfect smile.
It was the human from Seaside Coffee who Harper had run into on the sidewalk and seen around a few times. He must live in the building. No wonder they kept bumping into each other.
Relaxing now he knew who it was, Harper stepped farther onto the roof. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to disturb you.”
The man waved him off and smiled charmingly, putting Harper at ease. “You aren’t. I always enjoy the company of a handsome young man.”
Harper froze. “Oh, um, thanks, but I have a boyfriend.”
The man’s lips twitched, pulling down briefly. “Pity. I never seem to have any luck in the romance department.” He turned toward the street and buildings beyond, a breeze ruffling his jet-back hair. “I love the view up here. You can just see the ocean.”
“Really?” Harper stepped closer. He hadn’t noticed when he’d been up here with Ash.
The man pointed to the right. “Just off that way. See?”
Harper strained and just caught a hint of dark blue in the distance. “Oh wow, you’re right.”
The man chuckled, shifting closer. “I don’t know why people are always so surprised when I tell the truth. It’s not like I lie very often.”
Harper glanced at him, awkwardness creeping up on him. The man was a little too close.
“I mean,” he went on, something changing in his smile. “I don’t always set out to deceive, but I still seem to have that reputation.”
