Page 21 of Friends With the Monsters
“Why sadly? I think it’s a great name—unusual, but I have a strange name, too.”
“I bet you have a beautiful name.” I watch Calix’s mouth move as if he’s licking his front teeth.
“Most everyone calls me Dami, because no one pronounces it correctly.”
“Try me.” He tips his chin.
“Damiana,” I say slowly, and reach across the table to take the beer from his hands. With my eyes still on his, I bring it up to my mouth and take a long drink.
“I usually don’t like to share, but I can’t say I mind so much right now.” Calix leans forward so his arms are now resting on the table.
Just as I’m about to ask what else he’d be willing to give me, I see Gunnar stepping out of the hallway. My shoulders fall, I was actually liking where this was going. “Damn it,” I curse.
“What’s wrong?” Calix’s voice changes, becoming harder as he looks over his shoulder like he knew I wasn’t focused on just him.
“Just something I need to take care of.” I meet his eyes. “You got a number?” I’m not one to beat around the bush when I find something I want. And I want Calix.
“How about we trade? I’ll give you mine, you give me yours?” He watches me closely. Normally, I wouldn’t, but there’s something about him that makes me want to.
“I’ll make an exception for you,” I tell Calix, then peek over at Gunnar. He’s watching me with his arms crossed over his chest. He knows I can see past the ward, oh well.
I wiggle my fingers, miming writing on a napkin, asking Calix if he has anything to write with. He pats his chest immediately, but he’s already shaking his head in denial. “You don’t have your phone with you?” He looks me over again, noting I don’t have anything with me like a purse, and I sure don’t have any pockets in this dress. “Hang on, I’ll get something. Don’t leave.” He leans in even closer to me.
“I’ll wait as long as I can,” I tell him, and I will, but if Gunnar comes over here, I might need to go.
Calix looks around. “Shit, I’ll be quick.”
“Not what a girl likes to hear, Calix,” I quip, leaning back and eyeing him over his beer bottle before I drink the last gulp.
His top lip curls back in what could be called a smile, but it’s much more like he’s baring his teeth at me. “Even when I’m quick, I’m effective,” he promises.
Calix stands and taps one of the guys he was talking with earlier on the shoulder, asking for a pen.
While he’s working through the group, I stand and look for someone who will help me with my plan to get Gunnar’s attention. There’s a drunk guy near the dance floor, he’s all clumsy hands and searching fingers. I’ve had my eye on him for most of the night—he’s seeping sins. He’ll work.
“I need to go, Calix.” I tap his shoulder.
He turns to face me. “No luck.” He spreads his hands, his eyes are wide like he’s telling me he really tried.
“Maybe next time,” I offer, feeling pretty bummed too.
“I havemyphone.” He pulls it out of his front pocket and holds it out to me. “You can give me your number?” He licks over his lips like he’s worried I might say no.
I take the cell from his hand and hit the phone icon. When the keypad pops up, I dial my own number before handing it back to him.
“Thanks for the seat, Calix.” I lean up and press my lips to his. It’s not long or deep, but I do drag my tongue over his bottom lip before pulling back.
I watch his mouth as his teeth scrape over the path my tongue just took. “Sure you can’t stay?” he questions, his voice a little deeper.
“Wish I could.” It’s not even a little bit of a lie.
“Is an hour long enough to wait before I call?”
I throw my head back and laugh, he’s not any more patient than I am. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be tied up tonight,” I answer noncommittally.
I trail my fingers over his chest as I pass. I was right, the shirt didn’t do the hard body beneath it any justice.
Once I clear his group, I stomp over toward the drunk guy. I don’t have to pretend to be angry, I’m pissed at the missed opportunity with Calix. Probably angrier than I should be, considering I’ve never let a missed hookup bother me before.
