Alaric told Callie. They drew near to the townhouse and he turned to face her on the sidewalk, as Gran and Emma drifted away and Nailah disappeared inside. When they were alone, he said, “I’d like to see you again.” “Do you have a girlfriend?” Callie blurted, and then immediately blushed. “God, I’m so sorry. It’s just I had this…thing, happen back home and I’m kinda still burned by it…” “Callie,” Alaric broke in with a laugh. “Seriously, you don’t have to explain yourself.” His lips quirked into a half-smile. “I’m unattached.” “Oh. Good.” Callie couldn’t help the relief in her voice. He chuckled again. “I usually eat lunch at the cafeteria in the government building. You know, the temple-looking place?” Callie nodded. “That’s where I work.” He cleared his throat and reached out to take her hand. His skin was soft and warm. “You could maybe come eat with me tomorrow?” “Yes. Absolutely, that sounds wonderful.” She was tripping over her words but had no way to stop it.
