“Who needs to wait until December, then?” she asked, closing the remaining space between them and wrapping her arms around his waist. “All kidding aside. Yes. I'd love to move in. I never sleep as well at my place as I do with you.”
His expression was soft when he said, “I hate the nights when you're gone. And I feel guilty about the fact that you have to travel back and forth so much.”
“I don't hold it against you,” she promised, resting her head against his chest. “I don't live in a Transfigured friendly complex. It was never really an issue for me before. I know you'd use the car service if you could, Magnus.”
“In a heartbeat. And I know you don't hold it against me. I worry, though, that one day all of the small compromises you have to make will be too much. That it's too much of a burden, or you'll just decide I'm not worth it,” he admitted, settling his chin.
He carried so many scars from his childhood that she didn't even think he realized when they came into view. Squeezing him, she explained, “It's not much of a burden living in my sexy boyfriend's fancy apartment that happens to be in the same building where I work, Magnus. You're a beautiful person, both inside and out. Anyone who doesn't see it is either blind or not paying attention.”
Magnus held on to her tightly until his phone alarm went off a moment later. “My timing is absolute rubbish. I need to head downstairs and check on the kitchen. Come with me?”
Reluctantly, she released him and said, “I suppose. I should check on the bar too. Make sure everything is under control.”
Magnus frowned at her neck and said, “Your bite mark. Perhaps I should pick a less obvious spot in the future. The necklace isn't covering it very well.”
“I wore the necklace because it went with the dress, not because I wanted to hide the bite mark. I'm not ashamed of it, and it's no one else's business, really,” she answered, sliding on her heels.
“You're fearless and I love you for it,” he said, as they made their way toward the front door.
****
Once they both made it downstairs, she lost track of Magnus until about the time that the guests began to arrive. When she was able to break away from the bar, she found him chatting with a woman in chef's whites who was obviously Transfigured as well. Part of her wondered if this was the one that he'd dated for a brief time. He'd mentioned someone from the kitchen staff when they'd talked about their dating histories.
She couldn't help but notice how striking they were together. She hated that, even when she knew she looked her best, her damned insecurities still cropped up. It was irrational. Silly, even. Magnus asked her to move in with him, for god’s sake.
As if on cue, Magnus looked up. “Caroline, love. I went looking for you but then I got waylaid. This is my friend and sous chef, Veronica. I don't know if you've met.”
Caroline smiled and said, “I don't think so. Nice to meet you.”
Veronica grinned and said, “So you're the reason Magnus has been in a good mood lately.”
Caroline flushed. “Thanks, I think.”
“I meant that in the best way possible! I promise. I've worked with him for years and I've never seen him happier,” Veronica explained. “He was turning into a grumpy old man.”
Magnus rolled his eyes and asked, “Don't you have kitchen things to do?”
Smiling coyly, Veronica seemed to consider before she said, “Nope. Under control. Caroline? Would you like to hear some embarrassing stories about Magnus? I've got plenty.”
“Oh, really,” Caroline asked. “Do tell—”
“Nope. Not doing this tonight!” He turned to face Veronica, mildly alarmed. He accused, “I thought you could be trusted!”
Veronica laughed and added, “It was nice to meet you. I'd love to chat sometime when I'm not picking up his slack.” She gave a quick tilt of her head toward Magnus.
“She used to be shy when I first met her. Quiet even,” Magnus said conversationally. “I don't know what happened.”
Veronica discreetly gave him the finger and then gave them both a cheerful wave as she walked back toward the kitchen.”
“You ruined my fun. I'll have to get lunch with her at some point soon.” Caroline studied him and asked, “Would she have perhaps been that someone from the kitchen you briefly dated?”
“Yes,” he admitted. “All it took was one date for me to realize we were better suited as friends. She was way too nice back then. A little fragile. I don't know what bloody happened to that.”
“Too nice? Fragile? As opposed to me. So mean and terrible,” she asked, particularly enjoying the way that Magnus seemed to be squirming.
“Now, love. You know that's not what I meant at all.”
“I know exactly what you meant,” she said, tugging on his tie. “It was just enjoyable watching you squirm.”