Page 19 of King of Hollywood

“A date,” Winnie interjected from beside me, not even trying to contain her glee.

“A date?” Felix looked to me for confirmation again. He sucked in a breath, chewing on his lip, those lovely—oh so lovely—pointy teeth flashing. “I don’t know.”

My heart thudded unsteadily, I reached out, grabbed Winnie, and shoved her out of the way so that I was the one primarily in the doorway.

“Why not?” I asked. It was a valid question.

I’d never asked someone on a date before. I’d never wanted to. My palms were sweaty and I realized with a sickening lurch, just how badly I wanted Felix to say yes.

“Why not?” Felix had clearly not been expecting the question.

“Yes.”

“I…” Felix frowned, his dark eyes searching mine. Today they were nearly black. It was odd. I could’ve sworn the last time I’d seen them they’d been a far lighter color. He seemed at war with himself. His gaze flicked to my throat again. He swallowed. It felt like a century had passed before he finally nodded, conceding, “Okay.”

I blinked, surprised he’d folded so quickly.

Flattered though.

Apparently whatever hang-ups Felix had did not compare to his desire to date me.

“Next week?” Felix offered, chewing on his lip. He wouldn’t stop staring at me through his lashes. It was distracting. And god, that fucking lip. He was going to tear it up again if he kept that up. I made a mental note to buy him some chapstick.

“Why not tomorrow?” I was free. There was no need to wait.

“I…uh…have plans that I need to…um. Yes.” Felix was clearly lying, but I had no idea why. Either way, I’d gotten a date so I wasn’t about to question it. Felix’s nostrils flared, and his gaze snapped to my throat. He licked his lips, forcing his eyes back up, though he didn’t look like he wanted to.

“Friday? Next week,” I countered.

“Friday.” Felix agreed, sucking in a fortifying breath. A happy little smile spread across his face. “Friday,” he repeated, more excited this time. “Nine?”

It was a late starting time, but I wasn’t all that surprised. I hadn’t been lying when I told Winnie that I’d never seen him go out during the daylight. Nor had I been lying when I told him I didn’t mind staying up late. “Nine is great.”

“Swell!” Felix beamed up at me, his smile positively sunny. For a man that was allergic to daylight, he sure looked like the sun. My cheeks hurt, and I was suddenly quite certain I was smiling too.

“I won’t end up like your last date, will I?” I joked quietly, under my breath.

Felix’s eyes widened, a startled laugh escaping him.

It’d been a gamble, bringing it up.

But I figured…sharing a secret like this only gave me a better chance with him. We had something no one else did. A pact of silence. I licked my lips, suddenly desperate to smell the lemony shampoo he used or feel his fluffy hair against my lips. The damn hat was in the way though. I was lucky enough that he’d tipped the sunglasses far enough I could see his gaze.

“No hat,” I plucked the brim.

“No hat?” Felix snorted out a laugh. “You really hate them.”

“I really do.”

“Okay,” he agreed. “No hat.”

“Friday. Nine. I’ll come over.” I figured he’d be more comfortable in his own space, though I did eventually want to invite him over to my place. Mine was quite a bit less chaotic. I had no cats. No telescope either.

“Okay,” Felix beamed at me, flashing me his teeth again. God fucking dammit.

“Goodnight, Finley.”

“Goodnight, Marshall.”