“Hey.” His smile warmed some of the cold anger from me. I leaned against the frame and sent a weak smile in return.
“Hey yourself. You helping out again?”
“Obviously.” His laugh caused my smile to widen.
“Well come on in. I'll run upstairs and get the money.”
“You having a party?” He gestured to where everyone was sitting on the couch. I looked over and was shocked to see a trace of anger marring Andrei's face. I'd have to wonder about that later.
“No, just a movie night.”
“Too bad I'm working. I could have joined in on the fun.” The thought of Gabe joining our little group sent a shot of dread through me. I pasted on a smile and closed the door behind him.
“Yeah, too bad. Maybe next time.” I dashed upstairs to grab the money that was waiting on the hall table. I returned downstairs and noticed that Andrei still hadn't lost the edge on anger in his eyes. Rose looked like she was eating up the display of testosterone as Gabe and Andrei sized each other up.
“Here you go.” I practically shoved the money at him in the hopes of breaking up their stare down.
He looked startled for a moment, but took the money and handed me the pizza boxes. His eyes switched between me and Andrei, looking like he was trying to piece something together.
“Thanks. Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” He looked pleadingly at me. I felt a migraine coming on. This was supposed to be a fun night.
“Sure.” I cast a glance at everyone on the couch. “I'll be right back.” Brandon looked rather calm now about it all. Rose looked highly amused and Andrei looked irritated. I rolled my eyes and followed Gabe outside.
“What's up?” I asked as I closed the door behind me. He abruptly turned around, causing me to step back. I hated when people did that.
“We're friends, right?”
I raised my eyebrow. “Yes?”
“Okay, well I don't like you hanging out with Andrei.” I stared at him, waiting for him to elaborate. He remained silent with a stern look on his face. It didn't suit him at all.
“Why?”
That seemed to fluster him. I don't think he was used to anyone asking for a reason. Probably because the herds of girls who threw themselves at him didn't have an original thought in their heads.
“Well, I just don't like him. He's different.”
“While I appreciate your concern, there's really no need to worry.”
“There isn't?”
“No.”
That seemed to fluster him even more. “Don't you like him?”
His question shocked me for a moment. Did I like Andrei? There was an intensity about him that drew me in, that was for sure. And I had that unreasonable hormone issue every time he was near. But did I like him personally? More than a friend? Hormone issue aside, I honestly didn't know. I didn't want to know.
“No, we're just friends. Just like you and me.”
That seemed to deflate him a bit. “Oh, okay. Well, I guess I better get going.”
“That's all you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Yeah, pretty much.” With a weak smile he walked away. I stood there for a moment, my mind going over everything.
“This day just keeps getting better and better.” I sighed and ran my hands through my hair then headed back inside.
“So what did Prince Charming want?”
I stopped short right inside the door at the sound of Andrei's voice. Rose and Brandon we're having a quiet conversation, leaving me to Andrei's interrogation. What was with guys today?
“Not much, just warning me away from you.” I snapped back, my defenses rearing their angry head.
His anger defused. “Oh really? Are you going to listen to him?” The way he looked at me made me want to lash out. With my body. On his. I shook my head and walked around him, wanting this night to be over already.
“I don't see why I should. We're just friends.” I've been saying that a lot lately.
He followed behind me and sat down next to me on the couch, closer than I liked. Well, I did like it, I just didn't want it. There I go lying to myself again.
“You sure about that?”
I looked up at him. “Yes. Why? Is there something we're supposed to be?” I wanted to slap my hand over my mouth. Baiting and flirting with him wasn't something my rational mind told me to do.
He smirked and reached out to move a lock of hair behind my ear. Delightful little shivers broke out across my body.
“We'll see.”
I breathed out a sigh of relief as he turned away from me, releasing me from his gaze.
“You ready to get started?” I looked over at Rose. By her look of amusement I knew she wouldn't be any help. I leaned forward and grabbed a paper plate and a piece of pizza.
“Yup, let’s do it.”
As the night progressed I found myself slowly making, err jumping, my way closer to Andrei, until I was practically glued to his side. He didn't seem to mind it much and I often felt his chest jump with silent laughter. He may have thought it was funny but I didn't. My love/hate relationship with horror movies was in full effect that night. Every time the creepy music would start I'd find myself pressing closer into Andrei. Everything made me jump.
As the credits rolled I went limp with relief and waited for someone to turn on the lights. There was no way in hell I was moving from that couch until the room was as bright as the sun. I winced at the brightness as Brandon turned them on. Scooting away from Andrei, I felt my face flush. I knew he was smiling without even looking at him.
“Yes! It's almost time!” I jumped as Rose practically shouted in my ear.
“Time for what?” Amusement laced Andrei's voice.
“We're going to initiate little Star here. It's time to test her courage.” I sent a glare at Rose, hoping to shut her up. She was having way too much fun with this.
“What? You’re taking her to the graveyard?”
“That's the plan.”
Andrei started laughing. I turned my glare onto him but he ignored it just like Rose. “You can't be serious!”
“I am. She may not be from here but she has to go through it all the same.”
“I'm sitting right here, you know.” I crossed my arms over my chest and slumped back.
“Oh, I know. There's no way I could miss you.” With a wink he turned back to Rose. “It's too bad I can't come with you. I would love to see how she handles it.”
“I know, right? She made the couch move with how much she jumped during the—”
I had enough. I stood up and went to the door. “Again, I'm right here. While I'm sure you guys will love to go on and on forever about how scared the movies made me, we've got other things to do, remember? So, it was nice having you over, Andrei. Don't worry about missing this because I'm sure Rose will fill you in on all the glorifying details later.” I opened the door and gestured for him to leave. He sat there for a moment, a small smile playing on his face. God I didn't know why he affected me so much. Even though I was determined for him to leave, I wanted to just crawl on top of him, and sink my teeth into him. Never letting him go. His smile broadened, almost as if he could hear my thoughts. I blushed and stood rooted to the spot, staring him down. With a shrug he got up and slinked his way over to me. He was way to graceful, too seductive, entrancing. I held my breath as he neared but couldn't look away. There was just something about his eyes that drew me in.
He stopped, barely an inch from me. I felt his heat suffuse my body as his scent enveloped me. His fingertips sent sparks across my skin as he gently ran them down my face, to rest them heavily against my neck.
“I look forward to seeing you again, little Tigress.” He lowered his face toward mine. My heart shot up into my throat. I barely resisted the urge to raise up and make our lips meet. Two inches, one. My God he was dragging this out. He rubbed his thumb against my bottom lip. They parted automatically as a small sound escaped me. I swayed toward him. I couldn't stop myself if I wanted to. My eyes drew down to his mouth, barely a breath from mine. He smiled, then turned and left.