Twelve Dates For Christmas

Chapter 7- Millie

The next morning, I woke feeling excited for whatever Laz had planned. I had to work at seven, but I had a feeling the demon knew that.

My morning after a long hot shower consisted of breakfast, laundry, and a video call to my parents. It was short since they were out gift shopping, but I hadn't realized just how much I missed seeing their cheery faces and hearing their voices.

"You look...happier," my mom had said, prompting me to blush.

I nodded. "I am. Things are working out, I think."

"Did you meet a boy?" my dad asked skeptically. My mother had elbowed him, which I only knew by him grunting and disappearing from the camera's view.

Not really knowing how to say I'd met three, I quickly changed the subject. But my mom's knowing smile was confirmation I'd royally screwed that one up. We hung up the call only a few minutes later, with my mom promising that my box was on its way.

I had gotten my parents a few small trinkets as well, and Ollie had taken them to the post office for me since I kept forgetting. Tonight, I'd have to face her, and I knew she'd ask about the three strange men. I'm not sure there was any safe version of the truth, but I'd have to come up with something. Especially if I decided to keep them around.

At just after eleven, I heard a knock. My stomach flipped; I could already feel his presence. I had to admit I liked it a little too much for someone trying to think of reasons not to bond to three supernaturals.

Allowing myself a quick, steadying breath, I strode for the front door and pulled it open. Laz leaned in the doorway, already sporting his million-dollar smile. His long wool coat was buttoned up to his chin, dark hair smoothed back.

"Good morning, witchlette," he purred.

"Demon," I greeted with feigned nonchalance. "What's on the agenda for today?"

He lifted the brown paper bag in his hand that I had somehow missed in my first appraisal. "Movie marathon," he explained.

I lifted a brow. "Movie marathon?"

He stepped forward, and I moved back in tandem, which he took as invitation to enter. Not that I was complaining. He stalked into the living room and dumped the contents of the bag onto the coffee table.

Microwavable packs of Butter Lovers popcorn. Boxes of movie-theater candy, from Sour Patch Kids to chocolate-covered raisins and Red Hots.

Laz glanced over at me, clearly feeling proud for such a spread.

"Wow," I nodded. "You know how to do a movie marathon, I'll give you that."

He smirked. "Should we get it poppin' in here?" His brows wiggled suggestively. I laughed, letting him grab two of the bags of popcorn. He breezed out of the living room and into the kitchen with the ease of a longtime friend.

I grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. Netflix was the only subscription I had, and DVDs were a thing of the past, so I hoped he was okay with the limited selection.

The telltale buzz of the microwave filled the background. I glanced at the cream-colored couch and the two dark-purple cushions sitting at either armrest. Biting my bottom lip, I lifted my hand and summoned my large, plaid blanket and the old T-shirt quilt I sewed back in high school, maneuvering them to drape over the sides.

I rarely ran the electric fireplace but since we were staying in, I turned it on with a flick of my fingers.

My mother would have scolded me for using magic to do things I could easily accomplish by hand, but nerves kept me rooted to the spot. In a few minutes, Laz would be back out here, and we'd sit in close proximity for hours under blankets.