Nightfall (Grim Gate 1)

“Did you break your arm?”

He looks down. “Yeah, a couple of years ago. Had to have surgery to fix it.”

“That’s what I was going to ask next. I’ve never broken a bone, you know.”

“Even though you fall off your horse?”

“I don’t usually fall off my horse,” I press. “It was kind of my fault for not paying attention and letting my guard down. Usually, I can handle anything I ride.”

Ethan’s lips pull into a smile and his brows go up. “Really?”

I cover my face with my hand. “Any horse I can ride,” I laugh. “At least I didn’t say fifteen hands between my legs is no big deal.” I bring my hand down, resting it on the table. “Horses are measured in hands. Mystery is fifteen hands tall.”

“The more you know,” Ethan laughs. “That guy who said you’re un-bangable is a fucking dumbass, you know. Because you’re quite—”

“Anora?” Harrison stops short at our table. I didn’t even see him come into the café.

“Hey, Har.”

“Is everything okay?” He looks from me to Ethan.

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t it be?”

He raises an eyebrow. “You left hanging out with Laney early and asked me to come get you.”

“Right. I did.” I shrug. “Remember Travis what’s-his-face from school?”

“Travis Morrison?”

“Yeah. That’s the one. He’s an asshole,” I say with a sigh.

“He’s always been one. Why are you—did you run into him at the bar? Did he touch you?”

“Pshhh. He wishes. It’s fine. I’m fine now. Thanks to—oh, this is Ethan.” I motion to him. “He’s not a vampire. And he knows I’m not either because I bleed.”

“Hi,” Ethan says somewhat awkwardly.

“How much have you had to drink, Annie?” Harrison asks.

“More than I usually have,” I admit with a grimace. “Don’t be a Judge Judy.”

“I’m not,” he tries to assure me, standing at the table for another few seconds as he eyes Ethan. “I’m going to order some food to go. Do you want anything?” he asks me.

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Thanks, though.”

“It was nice to meet you,” Ethan tells Harrison, who grumbles a response and goes to the counter to order. “Your brother seems rather protective of you.”

“Yeah. He’s older than me by like ten seconds or however long it takes to grab the second baby during a c-section, and he takes being the older brother seriously.” I roll my eyes.

“Good,” Ethan says, surprising me a bit. “I have two sisters. Call me old fashioned, but I believe all brothers should look out for their sisters.”

“I look out for him more than he looks out for me.” I break off another piece of muffin and get chocolate all over my fingers. “He just doesn’t realize it.”

“Don’t ever tell him,” Ethan says with a grin. “I’m gonna take off. It was nice meeting you Anora.”

“Likewise.” Smiling, I hold his gaze. “Thanks again for helping me.”

“Of course. We both know you needed it.” He flashes that cocky grin again and my insides feel all squishy. “Goodnight, Anora.”

“Goodnight.”

He slides out of the booth and starts toward the door.

“Hate to see him go, but love to watch him leave, right?” I say to a waitress passing by. She gives me a forced smile paired with a weird look and keeps walking. I finish the muffin, which is evidence that I did have a lot to drink. Normally, I’m very picky about sharing food or drinks with anyone. It just grosses me out.

I take another sip of coffee, choking it down in hopes it will sober me up faster, and then sweep the crumbs off the table into my hand, putting them back on the plate. I waited tables in college and try to do my best to make life easier for the waitstaff. I leave a tip and then join Harrison while he waits for his food.

“Who the hell was that guy?” he asks as soon as I stand next to him.

“I thought you weren’t being a Judge Judy.”

“Asking who that was doesn’t make me a Judge Judy.”

I purse my lips and then laugh. “This is the first time you’ve had to pick me up drunk. Do you know how many times I picked up your drunk ass?”

He frowns. “Don’t change the subject. Who was that guy? Was he trying to take advantage of you because you’re wasted?”

“I’m drunk, not wasted,” I press. “And no. We just got to talking. He was nice and didn’t even touch me or even ask for my number, which I suppose I could take as an insult. I’m hot enough to be taken advantage of, aren’t I?”

“I’m not answering that. And I don’t know, Annie. The guy knew you were drunk. If I hadn’t shown up, he might have offered to take you home.”

“Okay Anthony Bridgerton. No one is good enough for sweet little Daphne.”

“What?” He looks at me, slowly shaking his head. “And fine, you sound easily swayed right now, so the guy just taking you to a cafe was a good move.”