Mark and Krista seemed oblivious to my agitation as they sat reading in their respective chairs. I watched them for a moment, admiring their ease. The phone sat where I had thrown it, taunting me. I couldn't help snatching it up again, forgetting my vow.
Five twenty-eight. "Damn."
I was literally in slow-time hell. I contemplated calling information like a dork to make sure the time was right on my phone, but Mark and Krista would think I was wacked. Tossing the phone back on the couch, a sudden thought dawned on me, making me hop to my feet. Maybe Emrys was here but was waiting for me outside, I thought as I strode toward the French doors.
"Your aunt would have told you if he was out there," Mark teased from behind me.
Damn, I'd forgotten about her built-in radar system.
"What time did you tell your friend to come over?" Krista asked, looking up from her Kindle.
"Um…" I started to say just as the doorbell rang. "Five thirty," I lied, saved by the bell.
"I'll get it," I said lamely, ignoring Mark's chuckles behind me.
"Behave," I heard Krista mutter to him as I pulled open the front door.
All breath escaped me when I took in Emrys's appearance. Emrys in jeans and a leather jacket equaled hot. Emrys in slacks and a button-down shirt equaled scorching.
CHAPTER TWELVE
"Wow, you clean up nice," I stuttered, holding open the front door like a moron as Emrys grinned confidently. "Lose the grin before I clothesline you, pretty boy," I threatened. I was done with him having the upper hand.
"Yes, ma'am," he replied with a grin still in place as he tried to stroll in past me like he owned the place.
Unable to resist, I stuck out my foot and smiled with satisfaction when he stumbled slightly. He looked back surprised and I feigned innocence, even going as far to hold up my hands innocently.
"Walk much," I teased, finally grinning back at him.
"Guess not," he said, laughing. "Maybe you should hold my hand to make sure I don't fall and hurt myself," he said, taking my hand in his before I could object.
"Smooth," I whispered, leading him into the family room.
Haniel had joined Krista and Mark by the time we walked in. All three of them were standing like soldiers. You could see the tension and unease in their posture, except for Haniel, who was as stoic as ever. Emrys, on the other hand, seemed to ooze casualness, standing in the middle of the room next to me like this was his own house. My hunch was dead on—tonight was going to be a bundle of fun.
Before the awkward silence could make things any more uncomfortable, I finally dragged Emrys over to Mark. "Um, Uncle Mark, this is Emrys. Emrys, this is my Uncle Mark," I said as Emrys reached out to shake Mark's hand in a very human way.
It was glaringly obvious that a handshake was a bad idea when both guys decided to test their strength against each other. Next, I guessed they'd whip out their you know whats and have a pissing contest, the way they were acting. I was debating whether to interject by giving them both a punch in the gut to make them stop when Krista stepped in deftly and held out her own hand.
"Emrys, it's nice to meet you. I'm Jordyn's Aunt Krista," Krista said, sticking her hand in front of Emrys's face.
He finally unclenched his hand from Mark's and turned to Krista with an amused look on his face. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said, shaking her hand more delicately and flashing her a devastating smile.
"Likewise," she answered, smiling at him as some of the unease disappeared from her face. Even as an Ascended, I guess she wasn't immune to his charm.
"Haniel, it's a treat as always to be in your great presence," Emrys said, turning to Haniel with a mocking smile.
"Soul Trader," Haniel greeted him evenly.
"Emrys," he corrected Haniel before dismissing him by turning back to me. "So, what's for dinner?" he asked, rubbing his hands together.
"Uh," I answered like a complete dip, thrown off by his question.
"I think he's joking," Krista said, sliding an arm around my shoulder.
"Right," I answered, glaring at Emrys. "Don't be a dick," I growled under my breath as I elbowed him in the ribs.
He grunted in pain making Mark laugh out right. "It's nice to see even you're not immune to Jordyn's strength," he said, settling into his chair as some of the tension left him.