Page 24 of Bewitching Her Monsters
“Don’t laugh?” I chuckle. “Okay, at least don’t laugh much.”
“I’ll do my best.” He doesn’t look as if he plans to laugh. His smile is completely gone as he waits for my answer. His seriousness gives me pause.
Why do I keep getting the odd feeling that everything I say will come back to haunt me? Maybe because I expect the worst from people, especially the love interests in my own life.
I shake off my nervousness. It’s so much easier typing this naughty stuff into my computer. “Um. So… the one guy at the end of the booth who seemed agitated? He felt like he’d be a wild animal. So I thought he could be a shifter in my story.” Then I realize Maxum might not understand my lingo, so I explain. “A shifter is human and can change into an animal form, but usually they only shift into one kind of animal—most often a wolf, bear, or large cat. However, they don’t have to only be these common types. They can be other smaller animals or mythical creatures like dragons, too.”
“I get the general idea,” he smirks at me.
So at least he’s a bit amused with my explanation.
“But your friend can be a bit of an alphahole—a bossy jerk.”
“Again. Not wrong.”
“The guy with the pale hair and eyes? He was so still that he reminded me of stone. So I went with a gargoyle. I didn’t get far with his personality other than quiet and brooding, since he didn’t give much away. And the last guy? He confused me, but he was like fireandice. So I thought he might be a cold-hearted dragon in my story? But under all that, he is very passionate about the few things he cares about.”
Maxum almost tosses down his fork. “You have to be kidding me.” He asks with disbelief and a heavy dose of condescension, “Are you for real?”
I blink. “Huh?”
He shakes his head. “So all that spying on us last night was foryour…” Then the jerk has the audacity to use air quotes as he says, “Novel?”
“Excuse me?” I sit back and glare at him. “You might not think much of what I do, but people enjoy it. Paranormal romance is a huge and legitimate genre. You don’t have to be dismissive.” Without another word, I pull some cash out of my purse, throw it on the table, and head for the door.
I will not put up with some punk belittling what I do, no matter how hot. Just because I include magical beings and sexual moments doesn’t mean it is worthless drivel. Women have been belittled about their sexuality for far too long. They’ve been brutalized for it. I’m proud that I celebrate women, and sometimes bisexual men, having choices and claiming their sexual selves. And I will not sit there and make apologies for empowering myself and possibly others.
Fuck him. And not in a fun way.
Am I triggered? One hundred percent.
Storming out of the restaurant feels great until I sense his presence right behind me. I walk faster down the sidewalk. Not that his stupidly long legs can’t catch up with my much shorter strides.
“Bugger off,” I say over my shoulder.
“Youwere spying on us, remember?” he spits out.
“Oh, I’m sorry that I was looking at you.” I glare at him. “Did it hurt?”
“That’s what I intend to find out,” he mutters.
What in the upside-down-cake hell?
“Okay. Fine. I took some crappy pictures that didn’t even come out right. I’m sorry. I get that I’m an asshole. Move along. Date’s over… Or whatever this game of yours is.”
“Game?I’mthe one playing games?” he snaps.
I turn and scowl at him, and he stops in his tracks, almost looking nervous. “I’m calling animal control, and your friend can pick the dog up at the pound. Go away now. Bye!”
I spin back around and head toward my house.
As I pass by the bar, I see his two sexy friends in an old car, watching me. This is getting weirder by the minute. Fortunately, Maxum abandons his pursuit and heads toward his friends’ car.
Thank goodness, I was worried he would follow me home. And he knows where I live.
I cross the street to my road. Calming myself slightly, I realize I’m still taking the stomping strides, so I relax into a slightly less agitated power walk.
What was his deal, anyway? Hereallydidn’t like some woman watching him and his friends. It seems like a bit of an overreaction. Is one of them famous orinfamous?
