Page 17 of The Scent of Salt & Sand

Her cheeks blazed.

“That’s not a bad thing. I was different for a long time.” He reached across the table and rested his hand on hers. It was warm and heavy and made her skin tingle. “If I tell you something, you promise you won’t make fun of me?”

“No.” She stifled an excited chortle.

“Fair enough.”

Dean released her hand too soon as he made room for two heaping plates of pasta.

“Enjoy,” the waitress croaked.

Melody stuck her fork in the middle of the steaming pile and twirled. As the noodles hit her tongue, she closed her eyes and let the newly tasted herbs rest against her palate. “Mmmmm.”

“Yep, they know what they’re doing back there.” Dean nodded toward the swinging kitchen door.

Melody beamed around the satisfying mouthful.

“Okay, you’ve convinced me. I’m going to let you in on something not too many people know.” He let his fork hover above the plate as he spoke. A bright red chunk of tomato slid down the steel and plopped onto the pool of sauce below, splattering damp droplets on his dark shirt. “Hopefully you won’t laugh me out of the restaurant.”

“Is this a secret?” she asked, leaning over her plate.

“Sure is.” He sighed and set down the fork. “All through high school I was the fat kid.” He grimaced.

“That doesn’t make you sound like you were too different.”

“Well, that’s not the most embarrassing part.” He cleared his throat. “I was a virgin until I was twenty-one. I didn’t even have my first kiss until I was about to leave for college.”

“Oh,” Melody whispered. She’d never been kissed or kissed anyone, and sex for her species always ended in death, so she definitely hadn’t done that yet. Until now, she hadn’t thought waiting was something to be ashamed of. Her stomach knotted.

“I played football and had friends and everything, but was always looked at as more of a brother to all of the girls. Which sucked if I wanted a date for the movies or a dance, or anywhere at all, really.” He fidgeted with his napkin. “So I understand different.”

“Well, I think it’s great.” Melody pushed down her insecurities. “My pace has also been a lot…slower. That shouldn’t be a secret. It’s nice.”

“You’re right. I guess it shouldn’t be.”

Melody let go of the whirlwind of thoughts surrounding her inexperience, and relaxed into the moment.

Patrons came and went, but she and Dean stayed, sharing stories and laughing together for what felt like hours.

“Should we order another one?” He set his fork on the crumb-speckled plate and wiggled his eyebrows encouragingly.

Melody’s lip curled at the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “I want to say yes, but we’ve already eaten two pieces of cheesecake. We can get another slice next time.”

“So you’re saying I get to take you out again?”

Her back pocket vibrated for what had to be the hundredth time. “Sorry.” She huffed and pulled out her phone. “I have to make sure this isn’t an emergency.” She opened the ten new texts from Harmony, and scanned them quickly.

Are you still out with him?

You’re not answering. That has to mean yes!

How is he?

Ask about his family history.

And remember to RELAX! Your first kill is always the worst. So many nerves!

Melody’s stomach dropped. “I need to get home.”