“Take, take.” The imp stopped by their legs and looked up at them, offering the tray. “Take, take.”
“No, thanks. We’re good.” Ethan held up his drink. He had only just gotten a couple of cocktails for them.
The imp didn’t like his response. It proceeded to kick Ethan in the shin. “Take, take,” it insisted.
“Might as well just grab another before he gets mad,” Ruby warned with a laugh.
“It isn’tmad?” Ethan asked with a laugh.
“This is the first imp you meet, isn’t it?”
He nodded.
“Yeah, just take another. It’ll save us a whole lot of time.”
Ethan complied. “Thanks.”
The imp held out its clawed hand and curled his fingers expectantly. “Gimme, gimme.”
“Fuck, I don’t know what I’m supposed to tip this thing.”
Ruby laughed. “Yeah, you really need to get to the gift shop and trade …”
“Human money for whatever terrifying tip this thing wants.”
Ethan saw the laughter in Ruby’s eyes. “It’s okay to laugh at me. I get it. I’m a little bit of a fish out of water.”
“You should tell Portia that this place needs some kind of brochure to explain to the lesser involved paranormal creatures how to be here without insulting everyone they run into.”
“That isn’t a terrible idea. If I had to talk to a vampire, I wouldn’t know how to behave.”
She giggled. “You really love your pack to be here and this much out of your comfort zone.”
“You’ve got no idea.”
“I’m starting to catch on. That’s a pretty noble thing you’re doing. You’re a good leader. Coming here yourself instead of sending someone else is a very good move, in my opinion.”
He chuckled. “Thanks for saying that.”
“Well, I mean it.”
“I figured you did, Ruby. You’re not at all what I would expect from a succubus. I know you say you’re not like the rest of your family, but I like who you are.”
He loved seeing the way she blushed at his words, and so he continued. “You’re very wise. Definitely perceptive. Those are some good instincts to have.”
Her brows arched into her hairline. “Oh. Yeah. I guess thosearegood things.”
“For sure. Do … “ There had to be something in the music. Something magical and witchy. Why else would Ethan suddenly be overtaken with the absolute urge to kiss Ruby?
“Are you okay?” she asked. “You didn’t finish your thought there.”
He cleared his throat. “No, I don’t even remember what I was going to say.”
“Don’t you just hate that when thoughts just fall out of your head?”
“Yeah,” he croaked without actually understanding that was even possible. “Would you like to dance?” Ethan held out his hand and motioned his head toward the little dance floor in the sand. “I’m a wonderful partner.”
She nodded as she slid her hand into his. Her fingers were soft and warm under his, and it sent a thrill up his spine. Taking the lead, he set their drinks on the table and then led them to the dance floor. He spun her around once and settled them into a sway to the music.