Page 57 of First Kiss with a Mothman

“I’m thinking of shifting right now.”

“Really?”

He shrugs. “It’s just like…feathers and stuff. I’m far from the most obvious monster. Kovi is allegedly this super tall tree dude.”

“He is. But are you sure you want to? You’re new to the monster world.”

“I’m fine with that.”

“And you’re not concerned about people looking at you funny?”

“I’m a blind guy on a date with a former actor―weird went out the window like two weeks ago.”

We share another laugh, and I finish eating. “Is it…okay that I mentioned your acting past? I know you don’t…like, wanna talk about it…”

I shake my head. “With other people, it’s weird. But with you…” I put my arm around his shoulder. “I don’t know. With you it’s not so bad.”

“You are quite the charmer.” He titters and continues, “What was it like being an actor?”

My pulse picks up, and I try to calm myself. “It…was…”

“Heyyo!” Caleb, Shorley, and other frat brothers crowd the table. In moments, our quiet date is disrupted by Alpha Claw Omega people discussing dates and wagers. Arie says hi to them while I try not to scowl at them all.

“You two are super cute, by the way,” Caleb says. “I’m pointing at you and Mort.”

“I got that,” Arie says through a chuckle.

“We don’t want to interrupt your hot date for too long,” Shorley says.

“We just wanted to make sure our frat brother is being treated right,” Caleb says with a smirk. “And that he’s treating you right.”

“No problems here. What about you, stud?” Arie turns to me and pats my face.

The brothers give me shocked and amused looks, but I can’t help but smile. Mustering up courage, I reply, “I’m doing great, baby.”

I kiss his palm, and the boys howl in amused laughter. Fortunately, with that, they disperse, leaving me only with Caleb.

“See? And you said you didn’t deserve a boyfriend.” Caleb taps the table near Arie and adds, “You treat Mort right, okay? Not all humans can handle dating a grumpy moth like him.”

Caleb laughs, but Arie sits up straight. A moment later, he cranes his neck, and feathers sprout from his face. “Good thing I’m not human.”

“Ah!” Caleb looks at me in surprise, but my heart fills with pride. Arie is already welcoming his monster status.

“Want to continue this conversation on the dance floor?” he asks, stroking the feathers on his face.

“I’d be honored to dance with you.”

As if by magic, the music slows down. While we’re the first couple to begin a slow romantic dance in the middle of the hall, other couples soon join us. I hold up Arie’s right with my left, and place my right hand on his hip. After he places his left hand on my shoulder, we sway for all the school to see.

This feels right, dancing with him in the glow of the soft lighting, just like every moment with Arie Baker.

“This is my first time slow dancing.”

“And you never forget your first,” Arie replies with a cute grin.

“You can check this off your list.”

“I don’t think it was on it. I honestly didn’t realize I’d have the opportunity.”