Friends With The Monsters - Albany Walker Page 0,26

many times I’ve been near one and didn’t know.

That thought sobers me a little. When did I become so unworried? I shake out my hair to hide the fact I was actually shaking my head at my ignorance.

Remembering this isn’t just a game, I watch the hallway Gunnar disappeared into. If he doesn’t come out soon, I’m going to need a reason to go back and get him, or give him reason to come out to me.

An idea starts to form. A devious smile lights up my face, enough that I look down to hide the grin. This might just be fun after all.

Chapter 8

“How are the feet?” The question takes me by surprise. I’ve been watching Vanessa’s crew like a hawk.

“Good, yours?” I reply on instinct, before remembering I made my feet the excuse for needing to sit down.

“A little sore, actually. I’ve been up almost twenty-four hours at this point.” The cutie glances down at a heavy watch on his right wrist. He’s pushed up his sleeves, baring his forearms: the sexy man equivalent of exposed cleavage.

I reach for one of the other chairs and angle it out for him to take a seat. “Don’t let me stop you from taking a load off.”

I peek back toward Vanessa. I haven’t seen Gunnar once since I’ve sat down, but I think her little meeting is about to wrap up. Two of the people already left the group a few minutes ago.

“You waiting for someone?” He takes a draw from his beer.

“Depends, what’s your name?” I prop my chin up on my hand.

“Calix. Depends on what?” he responds, grabbing the back of the chair and spinning it on one leg swiftly, until it lands backwards, and then he takes a seat. He rests his forearms on the top of the chair, dangling his beer bottle from two fingertips.

I raise my brow in appreciation. He’s quick and quite graceful.

“Is that your real name?” I avoid his question. Fortunately, he’s taken the seat I offered, so I’m still able to see the area behind him and watch for Gunnar.

He nods his head and confirms, “Sadly, it is.” He’s being truthful.

“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

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