“How did your open houses go?”

“Great, I should have an offer by the end of the week.” He pulls out his phone and looks at something before he looks back at me and gives me his charming smile. I swear I don’t know how he’s an exsul. Surely, he should be a siren of some sort.

I blush, and I hate myself for it. I hate not really being myself around him. Well, except in the bedroom. Ryan likes to be dominated, but doesn’t like to return the favor. Doesn’t help that I can’t use any magic in the bedroom, either.

“That’s great, so um, I was thinking…”

“Oh, before you mention anything. My dad just moved to town and dinners with him are awkward at best. Would you mind coming with me tomorrow night?”

He wants me to meet his dad? I’ve never met a partner’s family before. Does he actually like me that much?

“Of course. I’d love to meet your dad.”

“You say that now, but he’s kind of a prick.”

“You mentioned he wasn’t around much.”

“He would always send money and birthday gifts and shit, but it always seemed like I was a disappointment to him. I’m not sure how a child could be a disappointment, but that’s how it always felt. At least my mom and my stepdad are great.”

“They live out in Arizona?”

“Yeah, so I don’t see them much.” He grabs my hand and holds it across the table. The touch is so domesticated and sweet, I can’t break up with him. We can keep this going a little longer. What’s the worst that could happen?

“What’s your dad’s name?”

“Dax. I’m not even sure where he was living before, but he said he would be staying in town for a few months and wanted to see me.”

“Do you want to get to know him?”

“Maybe. I mean, I don’t see us becoming best friends, but I think I’ll give him a chance.” I smile at him, and he smiles back. He leans across the table and places a gentle kiss on my lips.

“What was your news, Blair?”

I clear my throat. “Just was wondering if you heard about the town’s Halloween party.”

“Yeah, it looks like fun. It’s an entire month away, though.”

“Sure, just wanted to see if you were planning on going.”

“Probably, would be a great time to hand out business cards and see who wants to list their house.” I nod my head and the waitress brings our sandwiches and drinks.

“Do you need anything else?” she asks, only looking at Ryan. She touches his shoulder before she turns around, and I can’t help myself when I whisper iter.

The waitress trips over thin air, and I gasp in mock surprise. Her tray of waters clang to the ground with her.

“Are you okay?” Ryan asks her, being far too fucking nice.

She dusts herself off and looks at the ground, wondering what she tripped over. Her brows furrow, and she walks away, leaving the ice waters on the floor.