Page 32 of Nightmare For Hire
“We’re here!” Instead of dealing with the seatbelt, Nox becomes his shadow self and poofs himself to my side of the truck to yank the door open. His eyes flit over me. “I love the flowers.”
I’d already forgotten they were there, and for some reason my cheeks burn.
I follow him to the door, and he ushers me in.
“Dani! We’re here!” Nox shouts.
My cheeks heat even more and I take a deep breath. I’ve never had anyone this excited to introduce me to someone before. Not that I ever let anyone get close to me. No one but Devon and Norris.
A door opens ahead of us and a head pops out. “Nox!” Dani meets Nox in the hallway and they hug. “I love the flowers, they aresoyou.” Dani plucks one of the flowers from Nox’s hair and puts it in his own. Then he turns to me. “Oh, wow.”
“Hi. I’m—”
“Cyrus.” Dani gives me a nod. “I’ve heard about you from Maddox and Nox, but—” he turns to glare at Nox. “Neither told me how much of a stunner you are.”
“Oh, uhm.” How the hell much hotter can my face get?
“That’s because he’s more than a pretty face.” Nox whacks Dani on the chest with the back of his hand. “So much more.” Nox grins and I feel him in my soul.
I believe him.
“Right. Gah! I just did to you what everyone does to me all the time. Please forgive me.”
“Forgiven.” I give him a grin.
“Come in, come in,” Dani says. “I have some of Nox’s favorite candy.”
“No, he can’t see your apartment before he sees mine. That’s weird, he’smyboyfriend. Wait?!” He turns to me. “Arewe boyfriends?Canwe be boyfriends if we aren’t? How does it work?”
Dani and I snort at the same time.
“I’ve been thinking of you as my boyfriend,” I admit.
“Okay, good. Now you gotta see my placefirst.” He grabs my hand and drags me towards another door.
I give Dani a wave. “Nice meeting you. Say hi to Maddox for me.”
“We should all have dinner together sometime.”
“Sounds good, I’d love that.” I find myself believing it, too. I need more friends around here. I need to be more open with Maddox. Let him be the friend he’s been trying to be.
Before we can talk any more, I’m inside Nox’s apartment. I’ve been too afraid to invite him over, and now I’m standing in the middle of an apartment brighter than my own. He has two hot pink couches and bright orange walls.
“It’s great in here, right?” He throws his arms out and spins.
“I love it.” But before I can take anymore of it in, my alarm goes off. “Shit.”
“What is it?” Nox is at my side, patting me down. “Are you okay?”
“I need to get ready for bed. Downside of third shift.”
“You gotta be rested for your babies, though.” Nox’s shoulders drop.
I pull him to me. “I do need to head back to my place. But I had an amazing time today. Thank you, Nox.” I cup his cheek. “Can I kiss you?”
“Yes, please and thank you.” He bobs his head once before I press my lips to his. That electricity runs through me. Kissing Nox is like I can finally breathe again after years underwater. He walks me backwards until I plop down on one of his couches and he crawls into my lap. Nox feels perfect here. My hands go to his hips. His hard-on presses against mine as he grinds against me. This feels natural, unlike with Mick, where I felt compelled to continue. I know if I want things to stop, Noxwillstop. But I don’t. Not yet. I kiss along his jawline, making him giggle. His fingers thread into my hair and scratch at my scalp in a way that makes me moan.
“Oh! I wonder if that’s what Dani does to cause Maddox to make that sound?”
