Warped (Dueling Devils 4)

A few hours later, Monster did his best not to stare out the window and look for Symone’s car.

I can’t believe this. I’m this fucking nervous.

Candles were placed around the house strategically thanks to Chase; a bouquet of pink peonies waited on a table by the front door. A pan of warm lasagna and bread rested in the oven and a crisp salad rested in the fridge. He’d never run the dating gamut, so this was completely new and incredibly frightening. He didn’t dress up because it wasn’t him. He kept with his white t-shirt, vest, and jeans. The best part of Symone was she accepted him as is.

A knock came at the door.

Do or die time. He opened the door.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Her worried tone made him smile. “Yes, babe. I’m pissed, but I’ll work through it eventually. Right now, though, is about you.”

“What?”

“Come on in.” He guided her in and locked the door behind them.

“This should be about you, Monster.”

“No.”

“Hayes.”

The sound of his given name on her lips froze him into place.

“I need to know you’re okay.”

“You’re here with me, how could anything be wrong? I want to think about the good shit in my life right now. That means you.” He bent down and nipped her bottom lip.

Her eyes went soft and she leaned against him.

“There’s my girl.” He wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her to his body. “I have something for you.” He turned her toward the table and picked up the bundle of flowers.

“Oh my God.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “No one has ever done this for me.”

“Their loss.”

She took the flowers and inhaled. “You remembered my favorite.”

“I commit everything you say to memory, babe.” He led her through the house and into the kitchen.

Symone walked into the dimly lit room and gasped. Candles rested in the center of the table on top of fancy placemats. “Hayes,” she whispered.

He smirked. “I can’t take credit. Chase helped me with the set up.”

“But you asked her to and that is everything. You’re making my fucking life right now.” She placed her head against his chest.

He held her close. “How about you put those into a vase and I’ll serve up food…before you become the main course.”

Grinning, she raised her eyebrows. “Maybe I’d like that.”

“Tonight, babe.”

“Yes.” She nodded her agreement and turned to head to the sink.

He dished the food onto plates and took them to the table.

“I’m not sure what I did to warrant this, but thank you.”