Page 34 of Heimlock

Trinte: I think about it at least once a week. I still don’t know how he pulled it off.

Kyrielle: Sometimes, I wonder what would’ve happened if we hadn’t decided to make it a one-time thing.

Trinte: I know exactly what would’ve happened.

Kyrielle: What?

Trinte: I’ll sound like a wallowing depression pig if I say it.

Kyrielle: What is it?

Kyrielle: Trinte?

Kyrielle: Hello?

***

The Speed Dating Event

Trinte pulls out a stool for me at the bar before settling next to me, keeping his body turned toward mine. Leaning against an elbow, he appraises me with an intimidating intensity.

Self-conscious, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “What?”

With an open expression, he admits, “I squandered every minute, waiting to sit across from you. Ask me any of their names and I won’t be able to repeat a single one.”

The compliment flushes my cheeks. Spinning my glass on the bar top, I say, “Everyone else did seem rather forgettable.”

The bartender walks up. “Drinks?”

“Two Heimlocks,” Trinte says, not taking his eyes off me.

I crack a smile. “Is this going to be an inside joke now?”

“Maybe. Are you the type to enjoy an inside joke?”

Am I? Orliana and I have a couple, but not anyone else. “Actually, I’m not sure. I’ve always been …” I hesitate, looking out over the crowd. “I’ve always been more of a loner, to be honest.”

Chancing a glance to gauge his reaction, I’m surprised to see him nodding in agreement.

“Same. I find people so …”

“Disappointing?” I supply.

“That’s one word for it.”

We both smile. I down the rest of my martini. When he raises an eyebrow, I grin. “Just making space.”

Trinte graces me with the widest, brightest smile. It steals my breath. He eyes me critically. “You aren’t an alcoholic, are you?”

“Define alcoholic?”

“A psychopath who drinks martinis and beer at the same time.”

Pretending to be outraged, I point a finger at him. “Don’t be so judgmental!”

In a flash, my finger’s enveloped by his large hand. For a split second, I have the strangest hope he’s about to stick it into his mouth. The thought shoots pleasure straight to my core.

Lowering his voice, Trinte says, “Trust me, I'm very non-judgmental.”