Page 9 of Comforting the Grump
“It’s like everyone’s waiting for me to dull my sparkle. I can’t do it anymore. I need to cast my net wider.” His eyes met mine, pleading for understanding.
“Seattle’s not some magical land where the streets are paved with compatible, family-oriented guys,” I said, trying to inject a dose of reality without crushing his spirit.
“Maybe not, but it’s got more streets to try, doesn’t it?”
“The club scene is a minefield. It’s easy to step wrong and end up?—”
“Alone?” Ennio arched his eyebrow in a challenge. “How would that be any different from now?”
“I was about to say hurt.”
“Same difference. I owe it to myself to at least try, you know? If it weren’t so expensive, I’d stay in a hotel.”
A hotel? Then he’d have no one to check in on him at all. So not happening. “My guest room is yours.”
“I promise I’ll try not to cramp your bachelor style.”
“Alright.” I shook my head at his unwavering determination. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Those club guys can be sharks.”
“Sharks are misunderstood creatures, Marnin.” Ennio’s blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “Besides, I’ll have you as my land-locked lighthouse, keeping me safe from the rocky shores.”
“Flattering as that is,” I replied dryly, “I’m not going to be your chaperone. Just your roommate.”
“Deal!” he exclaimed, bounding forward to envelop me in a hug that felt like being wrapped in joy.
“Okay, enough,” I grumbled, though I didn’t immediately push him away. “And don’t you dare bring glitter into my apartment.”
“Glitter is my lifeline and my salvation.” Ennio pulled back with a mischievous wink. “So, no promises.”
As we rejoined the others, I felt a twinge of something like envy. Ennio had the courage to chase after what he wanted, no matter how elusive it might be. What would it be like to live with such abandon, to greet life with arms wide open instead of fists clenched tight? Maybe I could learn a thing or two from him. Or I’d end up picking up the pieces of his broken heart.
Either way, Seattle was about to get a whole lot more colorful.
4
ENNIO
Ibrushed a sweep of glitter over my cheekbone, watching as it caught the lamplight and sparkled like a distant star. The mirror reflected a man who was no stranger to color or the allure of shimmer, but tonight felt different. Electricity buzzed under my skin, a blend of anticipation and anxiety that made my hands tremble as I did the final touches on my makeup.
“You look amazing,” I murmured to my reflection, taking stock of the eye-catching blues and purples that made my eyes pop. “This is your night.”
A deep breath steadied my heartbeat, and I gave an encouraging nod before standing back to admire the full effect. My outfit was anything but subtle. A pair of shiny, sinfully tight silver shorts and a sheer top in a kaleidoscope of colors that clashed in the most beautiful way hugged my body with shameless confidence. If you looked closely, you could see the lines of the lace panties I was wearing. I really hoped they would see some action tonight. High-heeled purple ankle boots completed the look.
With one last glance at the mirror, I turned on my heel and strutted into the living room, where Marnin was immersed inthe same book he’d been reading an hour ago. How did people manage to sit still for that long? His eyes were hidden behind reading glasses perched precariously on the bridge of his nose.
“I’m ready to leave,” I said, needing to announce myself or risk being unseen, which was quite the feat, given my getup.
He glanced up, and I swear I heard the cogs in his brain grind to a halt. His gaze traveled from the tips of my boots up the length of my smooth legs to the expanse of rainbow fabrics to meet my expectant blue eyes. There was a pause—a moment suspended in time where I braced for a sarcastic quip or a dismissive grunt.
“Wow,” he finally said, and the word hung between us, surprisingly void of sarcasm. His eyes softened, and a ghost of a smile teased the corners of his mouth. “You look…amazing.”
The compliment, reluctant as it was, hit me like a wave of warmth on a cold winter night. Marnin’s usual armor of gruff indifference had been pierced, if only for a second, and a grin split my face.
“Thank you.” My voice was softer than I intended. “That means a lot coming from you.”
“Where are you off to?”
“Xtra.”