Grounded (Grounded #1) by Heather Young-Nichols

mom was right there and would hear either way.
    “Ah, I see. The future wife’s coming over. I guess the girlfriend should leave.”
    Jensen laughed loudly, though his mother didn’t seem to appreciate the comment. She looked like she’d been sucking on too many of those lemons anyway. I made a mental note to ask later if that was her normal disposition or something only I brought out. When he effectively dismissed his mother, Jensen walked me slowly to my car, a sticky arm around my shoulder.
    “It was the motorcycle, right?” Jensen’s hip nudged mine.
    “Course. Because I couldn’t find any other douche on a bike who’d have me.” I gave him a sharp elbow to the solar plexus, just hard enough for him to feel it. “Hey, could I pry you out of the shop for lunch Monday?”
    Alone, we’d probably get distracted and I’d never get around to telling him that he’s the prodigal son of a powerful Gremalian and needs to come home to help save our lives. It probably wouldn’t come up. Other things would, but not that.
    “I think I can make time for lunch with my girlfriend.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Just don’t think this means I’m open for business or anything.”
    He smirked back at me. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” I raised an eyebrow. “Okay, maybe I would dream of it, but I assume nothing.”
    Another elbow to his ribs got more laughter out of him. I could only shake my head.
     
    ***
     
    The thing I loved about Putnam Valley was that, compared to home, it was huge. I had actual options as to where I could eat. Back home, my only choice was the one family-run restaurant. Putnam Valley even had a Chinese restaurant, something you’d have to drive miles for in the Upper Peninsula.
    I chose the deli for my and Jensen’s lunch that Monday because they made the best sandwiches I’d ever eaten. Plus, most orders were take-out, so we would have some privacy. Jensen told me, as soon as we sat down, that he didn’t usually leave the shop for lunch unless it was just to grab everyone’s take out. He joked that his dad might think he and I are on the verge of marriage since I got him to go out.
    He ate. I pretended to, since I was feeling a little nauseous. It was time to explain everything, which was why I came to town in the first place. I was falling for him and the prospect of that beautiful man never wanting to see me again if he thought I lied to him or if he thought I was crazy was almost more than I could handle. I almost backed down, but I knew I’d been there too long to keep delaying. With the way he sometimes looked at me, I couldn’t imagine he’d say no. Or, at least, I hoped his feelings would be a factor in his decision. I hoped he wouldn’t think I was completely nuts even though I know I’d sound nuts.
    “I have to tell you something.”
    Our eyes didn’t meet because I made sure to avoid looking at him, but I could feel his on my face as I tore the corner of a paper napkin apart. I could honestly say I’d never been that uncomfortable in my life.
    I thought it would be easy. No sweat. I’d roll into town, make him take notice, get him alone and tell him who he really was. Instead, I fell for the guy. Now, not only was his return on the line, but a relationship was, too. I hadn’t seen that coming.
    “Why do I not like the sound of that?” he replied. The chair creaked as he sat back, folding his arms across the muscles in his chest. I tried not to notice. I didn’t want to be distracted, but the years working on cars had an excellent effect on his body, one I seemed to enjoy quite a lot.
    “It’s no big deal. I mean, it is, but it’s not, you know?”
    I couldn’t have made less sense if I were actually speaking Mandarin. What the hell was wrong with me? I once fought a six pack of evil fairies—really, just a bunch of overzealous high school boys with an awesome nickname, courtesy of me—on my own when I was fifteen, which impressed even our most experienced fighters since