Origin (Scales 'n' Spells 1)

But that was bad thinking. Alric was just a nice guy, and this had not been a date.

Nope, not a date.

And tomorrow was not a date.

Definitely wasn’t going to listen to any of Cassie’s suggestions either.

With all the willpower he could muster, Cameron turned and walked straight into the lobby, his mind still filled with visions of Alric. He clutched his blanket to his chest and allowed himself one more silly Disney princess sigh because Alric was so sigh-worthy.

Halfway to the elevators, a man stumbled across the floor and tumbled into him. Cameron grunted and stumbled a few steps under the man’s weight before catching himself on the wall. The smell of beer wafted around them, and a strange green flash of light came from something in the man’s hands. Definitely not a phone or a camera. Probably some light-up novelty purchased at the festival.

Before he could figure it out, the man pushed off him and continued toward the doors, swaying as he walked. Cameron quickly checked to make sure his phone and wallet were still in his pockets. All good. Not a crafty pickpocket. Just a drunken festival reveler.

It didn’t matter. Cameron continued on to the elevators and his own room. He had plans to curl up under his new blanket and dream about Alric’s smile until his appointment tomorrow.

“So wait.” Cassie held up a hand, her image a little dark on his tiny screen, reflective of their different time zones. It was well into the night where she was. “You’re telling me that Hot and Serious is coming to get you for a private tour of his castle?”

“That’s what I’m saying, yes. And he’s not all serious. Sometimes he cracks a joke with a perfectly straight face. You know I have a weakness for deadpan humor.”

“You also remember that it’s the funny guys you have to watch out for? Because they make you laugh and laugh and laugh and then boom! You’re naked.”

“Like magic, huh.” Cameron was amused by this warning of hers. It wasn’t like she would know from personal experience, as Cassie had never been on a date with a man in her life. “Do you think that if I laugh at all of his jokes, I can get him naked sooner?”

“I’d freaking hope so. You need to get laid, bro. And that guy you showed me has Daddy written all over him.”

“I’m not sure if I’m into spanking, but I’d sure let him try. And that’s rich coming from you, by the way. Who hasn’t had a date in a year?”

“To be fair, the last time I was on a date, it was a disaster. She invited me back to her place so she could watch me pee on a towel.”

“I remember that. I remember you faking an emergency and running out, too. But still, you can’t swear off dating entirely because of one bad blind date.”

“And now you’re sounding like Eomma.”

Cameron winced. Their mother had definite opinions about them getting married. She had a schedule for it. Eomma didn’t really mind they were gay, that was just how things were, but not getting married before thirty? Out of the question. “Was I really? Sorry. Bad mouth.”

“Very bad mouth. Smack it. Anyway, we got sidetracked from the point I wanted to make. You sure this is safe? What if you’re going into his evil lair?”

“Well, that’s why I’m shooting you his address. I emailed it to you five minutes ago. If you don’t hear from me in six hours, send in the police.”

“Good, be sensible. I mean, get nookie if at all possible, but be sensible too. You’re kind of cute, and for some reason I like you. I’d hate to have to replace you.”

“Wow, I’m just feeling all the love over here.”

“As you should.” There was a beat. “Does he have a sister, by any chance?”

“Not that he’s mentioned, but I’ll keep an eye out for a hot German woman for you, okay?”

“Deal.” She let out an expansive yawn.

“Isn’t it like two a.m. your time? Why are you still awake?”

“I couldn’t put down the greatness that is The King.”

“Which is…what? Your latest K-drama obsession?”

“It’s seriously freaking amazing. You should watch it. It has Lee Min Ho in it.”

“I was all set to say no until you said that name. Damn, that man’s fine.”

“I know,” Cassie purred. “I need to get to bed, though.”

A red MINI Cooper with white racing stripes pulled up to the curb, and Alric stepped out with a wave and a stunning smile. Cameron smiled back a little helplessly. “Yeah, I need to go. He’s here. Talk to you later.”

“Stay safe, get nookie!”

“Totally the game plan. Go to bed, you’re dry drunk. Love you, bye.” Shaking his head, he pocketed the phone. His joking with his sister aside, he didn’t actually anticipate any nookie happening. A vacation fling was totally outside of his expectations. But flirting never hurt anything, right?