Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
“What are we excited about?” Matteo’s warm voice cut in, causing Luke’s heart to cartwheel through his chest.
He turned around at the sound and was greeted with a light kiss to the tip of his nose. The gesture sent heat rushing across his cheeks and up to the tips of his ears. He blinked, his eyes focusing on Matteo’s smiling, handsome face above his. The man’s cheeks and nose were also red, but it was likely from the bitter cold.
“Hi.” Luke exhaled. He was melting under the force of Matteo’s grin. There was nothing left of him. He was turning into a pool of goo just like Ogos.
“Hi,” Matteo whispered, still gazing into Luke’s eyes.
“Oh Lord, I’m gonna be sick,” Harper moaned.
Luke smirked and pressed a quick kiss to Matteo’s smile. “Matteo, have I ever introduced you to my friend, Harper?”
“No, you haven’t.” Matteo straightened and stuck his gloved hand out to Harper. “It’s good to meet you. Luke has said many wonderful things about you.”
Harper sniffed and shook his hand. “I seriously doubt that, but I appreciate the sentiment.”
“I have never said a single mean or untrue thing about you,” Luke countered while part of his brain continued to soar into the stratosphere because Matteo had chosen to sit on the arm of the sofa closest to Luke, his hand resting on Luke’s shoulder while his leg brushed against Luke’s. This is heaven.
Prior to leaving the house for the long trek to campus, he’d texted Matteo to say that he’d be hanging out on the fifth floor of the science building with his friend. He’d hoped that just maybe Matteo would pop by ahead of his own class, but he’d not explicitly asked. But he had! Matteo had come looking for him and had met Harper. These were big steps. To Luke, this solidified the possibility that they might actually become a real couple one day soon.
“I don’t believe you,” Harper grumbled.
“It’s true! I think all I mentioned was that you’re my friend and that you’re a finance grad student who plans to open up a surf shop in California.”
“Or a ramen shop,” Harper corrected.
Luke blinked. “Really? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
Harper shrugged. “It’s a work in progress. I haven’t completely decided yet.” Lifting one hand, she poked Luke in the shoulder. “To make up for not showing me your house, go get me something sweet from the coffee cart.”
Luke lifted a skeptical eyebrow at her, but before he could say anything, Matteo chimed in.
“I’ll get it. What would you like?”
“Nope. You’re staying here with me. Luke can go.”
Luke almost groaned. That’s what he’d been afraid of. Overprotective Harper was determined to give Matteo the shovel talk. It was way too early for that nonsense. They hadn’t even gone out on a true date yet. They just kissed a little. Okay, and maybe Luke was hopelessly enamored and so in danger of having his heart shattered like glass. Which was all the more reason he didn’t want Harper scaring Matteo off. Luke glared at her. “Are you going to be nice?”
Harper rolled her eyes. “When am I not nice?”
“Do you really want me to give you a list?”
She huffed and gave his shoulder a tiny shove. “I won’t hurt him. Now go get Momma a cookie. It’s the only thing that’s going to get me through this next lecture.”
Luke rose and smiled at Matteo. “Can I get anything for you?” he asked, though he didn’t want to be away from Harper and Matteo for that long.
Matteo’s face lit up. “Could you get me a salted caramel mocha?”
Some of the anxiety that gathered in his chest evaporated at his joyful expression. “And a cookie?”
“Nah. Just the coffee is fine.” Matteo sneaked another quick kiss before Luke walked away, automatically adding an extra spring to Luke’s step.
Unfortunately, the coffee cart was at the opposite end of the hall and around the corner, which meant he couldn’t keep an eye on Harper as he waited for his order. There wasn’t a line upon his arrival, but he swore this was the world’s slowest barista. He bounced on the balls of his feet, the paper bag crinkling in his fist as he waited for Matteo’s coffee.
Harper wouldn’t scare Matteo off, right?
And why the hell did Harper talking to Matteo alone suddenly scare him more than the idea of Matteo seeing any of the demons?
Because the demons listened to him. Mostly. Sort of.
Regardless, Harper did not listen to him at all. That was why.
By the time he was striding back down the hall at a near run, he wasn’t sure how much time had passed. Could have been five minutes. Could have been five hours. He didn’t know. All he was sure of was that Matteo had been left alone with Harper for far too long.