Page 7 of Dating A Fae
Johnny shrinks, his beautiful light dimming. “Yeah, is that weird?”
“Not at all,” I say. “Means we can all play. Everyone else game?”
“Hell yeah,” Avery says. “It’s been awhile. I wanna take you out.” He points to Rain, who’s the reigning champion over the Magic games. Those two are always acting like that even though they are the best of friends.
Rain gives him a smug look. “What can I say, slow burns are the best, dragon boy.”
“Can it, incu-bitch,” Avery says fondly.
Johnny bounces on his toes. “I love a good fast burn, myself.”
“See, he gets it,” Avery says.
“You’re both on,” Rain says.
We pair up and play for hours, Johnny keeping Rain and Avery on their toes. The rest of us watch in amusement as he takes them both out faster and faster. Even when we decide to trade decks, Johnny’s clearly strategic in his play.
“You got me.” Rain huffs out a breath after the tenth game. The rest of us have given up to watch the pair in a battle of the wits.
“Me too,” Avery mumbles.
“Everyone played a good game,” Johnny says, eyeing each of us as if to imbue the statement into our souls.
Josh snorts. “Sure, I think you taught us all a few new tricks, though. You’re definitely invited to the next game night.”
Johnny’s face lights up. “I look forward to it.”
Everyone pushes to their feet with a groan and stretches, maybe we sat around too long. We eat a few snacks as the sun peeks over the horizon now. Johnny yawns. The smile on his face is worth all the anxiety I had building up to him playing with my friends.
We all clean the mess we’d made over the evening until the shop sparkles again. I’ll get a few hours of sleep in before I have to open for the day.
When Johnny moves to leave with the rest I tug his arm. “Stay a moment longer?”
He nods, and we wave goodbye to the others.
“Did you have fun?” I don’t know why I’m nervous about the answer which is obviously yes.
“I had a blast. Thanks for inviting me, Milton.”
Oh. I like the way he says my name. Myhumanname. I haven’t gone by my fae name in years. Too risky for anyone to know. I don’t even know Josh and Brendon’s true names.
“So… about what I said earlier. Would you? Go on a date that is. With me?” Awkward.
“I’d like that very much.”
“Me too.” I wish I’d done this sooner.
“I was so nervous to come.” Johnny scratches his elbow, not looking at me. “I didn’t know what to expect. I wondered if this was a date or just you being nice and I worked myself up so much I’m surprised I didn’t burn before I even showed up.” He lifts his eyes. “That’s what we call it. A burn when we spontaneously shift like that. And… sorry about the lights.” He points above. “Wisps tend to blow them when they shift and other electronics hate us in our light form.” He sighs, shoulders dropping. “How can I make it up to you?”
“There’s nothing to make up for.” I tip my head, taking him in. His dark eyes plead at me for forgiveness that’s unneeded. He’s searching for something. Approval? I’m not sure. “And I wouldn’t say this was a date. Not at all. I wanted it to be, but I chickened out. Forgive me?”
A smile loosens Johnny’s tight lips. “We could turn it into a date.”
“I’m listening.”
“Let me take you to breakfast before you have to open the shop.” He looks so hopeful, I can’t help but say yes.
Chapter 5
