Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39596 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39596 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Actual tears were gathered in his eyes as he wrestled the urge to laugh and laugh hard. But that would only confuse then disappoint Callan, and he’d rather swallow jacks than do anything to hurt the sweet demon. So he unpackaged the Barbie and fitted her onto the stand.
Then he set her on the shelf where Callan had indicated. Right next to his collection of Fullmetal Alchemist figurines. The Barbie sure stood out with her colorful tail and vivid red hair.
“You like my gift?”
“I love it,” Lonnie said, and he meant it.
“Good. The first store didn’t have a fantasy one. I went to two other stores.” He paused for several moments before continuing. “The third store had the holder. I wanted it to be right for your shelves.”
“You didn’t have to go to all that trouble.” He coughed to cover up the chuckle he just couldn’t suppress.
“There is no trouble when it is about you.”
That statement stopped the laughter, instead making his heart race. He stared up into Callan’s still-pleased expression and couldn’t help himself. He wrapped his arms around that huge, barrel chest and just squeezed. “Thank you.”
Callan hugged him back, then cleared his throat. When Lonnie looked up, there was a flush of pink in Callan’s cheeks. “Now, I cook for you.”
“Another demon tradition?”
“Yes. What’s your favorite meal?”
Lonnie had to think a moment. “Beef Wellington.”
Callan scratched his cheek, then tilted his head as his eyebrows moved together.
“I also like hamburgers,” Lonnie offered, hoping that was a better answer for Callan. He also had all the ingredients in his kitchen.
The demon nodded. “I make good hamburgers.” He shocked Lonnie when he pressed a kiss to Lonnie’s forehead then strode into the kitchen.
Lonnie touched the skin where Callan had kissed, completely bemused. Why had he kissed him? And just what was Callan up to? He looked at the Barbie and this time, he couldn’t stop his laughter, so he hurried down the hall and shut himself inside his room to bury his face in his pillow. Hopefully, that would muffle the sounds as he finally lost it.
Chapter Eleven
Lonnie
The classroom was silent as his students worked on their assignments. Lonnie’s gaze often strayed to Callan, who was sitting in the too-small chair at the back of the classroom. Today, he wore a pair of navy slacks and a gray button-down that was several shades darker than his skin. He looked sexy in the nice clothes.
Lonnie had explained to his students that Callan was an auditor, but still their eyes aimed his direction often. Lonnie didn’t blame them. Even with the glamour, he was a large, intimidating man. Because Lonnie didn’t actually see the glamour, he couldn’t help but wonder what they saw, though. Just a man with bulging muscles and short black hair? He’d hate not being able to see the horns because they were just so beautiful. But what did his skin look like to them? He’d love to see what they saw, but then he liked Callan as he was so much, it didn’t matter.
And it wasn’t just his physical looks or the fact he was a demon that drew Lonnie in. His personality was fascinating. He obviously struggled with words, making him Lonnie’s complete opposite in that respect, but it was more than evident that there was a lot going on in Callan’s head. And he was just so sweet, with his gift and the pride he’d felt in giving it. He…fit into Lonnie’s world in a way he found refreshing. Liked the shows Lonnie liked, and he actually seemed to enjoy Lonnie’s moments of chatter. He paid attention to Lonnie in a way he’d never experienced. He’d never had that sort of focus on him. He liked it.
Needing to get his mind back on his job, he forced himself to stop staring at Callan. Since he’d printed out a few hard copies of student work, he went back to the papers on his desk, writing notes in the margins that he would later type into Word. His pen ran out of ink, and he opened the top drawer in his desk to grab another one, then froze.
There was another note there.
I’m not happy about the man in your house. Get rid of him.
His gaze flew to Callan, whose head snapped up instantly like he sensed the abrupt change in Lonnie’s mood. Lonnie waved to let him know he was okay. He didn’t touch the note, just calmly shut the drawer. But he couldn’t focus enough to read his students’ writing, so he just sat quietly until the period was over.
After the students filed out, Callan walked up to his desk. “What happened?”
Lonnie opened the drawer.
Callan scowled after reading the note. “We should call the police about the parking lot security cameras.”
“They do have locks on the doors when the classrooms aren’t open, but still, anyone could have come in here. Did you pick up that scent you smelled the other night during any of the classes today?”