Page 44 of Grimoire Omens

Duh. I helped Flo heave the couch away from the entrance and let Ulseere into the room, a man who came bearing a large paper bag and a tray with steaming drinks.

“Ooh, coffee.” I snared a cup.

Ulseere shook head. “Not coffee. The female at the counter said females prefer something called a Frappuccino.”

“Even better,” I murmured, taking my first sip.

Flo grabbed her own cup of goodness before Ulseere headed for the dining table and set the bag on it.

We feasted on breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Ulseere even brought some cooked and diced chicken for Cedric. Busy eating, we didn’t speak much, although I kept sneaking peeks at Ulseere. He appeared focused on his meal. Not me.

No longing or smoldering glances.

No footsie under the table.

No attempts to have his hand accidentally brush mine reaching for the same donut hole.

Annoyed, I leaned back in my chair and huffed, “So Cedric tells me the spell to open a doorway to Infernal, and nothing else, is missing which means the only way I can send you home is by casting another summoning with no guarantee of where the portal will appear.”

“We can deal with that issue once I’ve handled Gryvak.”

My brow arched. “Aren’t you worried you’ll be stuck here?”

“Not really.” He continued to eat, and his nonchalance—and the fact he acted as if nothing happened—pissed me off.

“I’m going to shower and dress.” I flounced off in my robe and, once the shower got hot, stood under it, soaking myself.

“Would you be upset if I were to stay?”

The unexpectedness of his voice and the question had me squeaking. Ulseere stood outside the shower, leaning against the vanity, arms crossed.

“I thought you wanted to go home.”

His shoulders rolled. “I do, but if it’s not possible, then it is what it is.”

“I am willing to try the summoning spell again if you can suggest something not likely to start killing people.”

“We’ll figure something out. Eventually. Perhaps I’ll stay for a bit once Gryvak is handled.”

“Oh, what for?” Yeah, I played it cool and coy, totally at odds with my racing pulse.

“It would be good to make sure I didn’t miss any demons. Even a small one can eventually get large enough to really cause trouble.”

“Wouldn’t want that to happen.”

“It’s also been a while since anyone has done reconnaissance on Earth and much has changed that my king will want to know about.”

“Gotta keep your boss in the loop,” my acerbic and somewhat sulky reply as I turned my face back into the spray. So much for him wanting to stick around because of me.

“And then there is you.”

I stiffened. “What about me?”

“I fear one night was not enough to sate my lust for you.”

“Sounds like a you problem.” I was back to playing it cool.

“Are you going to lie and say you don’t feel the same way?” he purred.