The Raven

Chapter 34 Renaissance 1


Garmor smiled as he stared at the circle of elders. It was done. The problems that had arisen with the humans Mandy and Michelle had been wiped clean. The other powers had voted to take them back as far as they could in the timeline of life while still leaving enough room to alter tiny details about their lives. 2

Unfortunately, the furthest they could go was a little over a year ago but that didn’t matter. They were able to tweak events even further past that, giving the girls fresh starts. No longer would they be tied down to their mistakes. Now, they had a clean slate. 3

Garmor stood slowly, ready to head back to his home and savor the feel of victory over his long time advisory Muir.
Jody shook his head no and motioned for Garmor to be seated. Garmor watched, uneasy as Pavel, the elder from the catshifter tribes whispered something in Jody’s ear. Jody’s eyes widened. “That cannot be.” 4

“What?” Garmor asked, voicing the question he knew the others had as well.
Jody cleared his throat and stood. “It has come to my attention that our plan did not go as smoothly as we had hoped.”
There was a collective gasp and then complete and utter silence as Jody stared out and around the room full of elders. “Muir managed to bind Mandy to him, giving her even more of his power, his essence.” 5

“No,” Faro, the elder to the creatures of the dark said as he slammed his fist down on the white marble, circular meeting table. “That is not possible. We acted quickly. How did he know to do such a thing?” 6

Garmor glanced around the room and stopped when his gaze fell upon Tru. She blinked innocently and offered a soft smile. It was then Garmor knew she had somehow managed to alert Muir of the elders plans. He had no proof and to accuse another elder of interfering in a matter such as this and being wrong could lead to expulsion or even death. 7

“It is not known what prompted Muir to do what he did but the fact remains that he did.” Jody grit his teeth. “By doing so he had altered our plan to remove the others from Mandy and Michelle’s lives. Granted, the relationships are different now but they are not completely out of their lives. The extent at which they know each other in this new reality remains to be seen but it is safe to say that they either know one another or will cross paths. Let us hope that they simply move in different directions and follow the destiny we originally laid out for them.” 8

“We?” Tru said, sharply. “We did not lay out a destiny for either of them. They were part of the group that we left to chance. If certain someone’s,” she cast an angry look in Garmor’s direction, “did not take an interest in the chosen ones then none of this would be an issue now.” 9

“Do you have a point, Tur?” Garmor asked, doing his best not to send a lightning bolt directly at her. The damn pixie would most likely send it hurdling back at him so he didn’t bother. “I wonder how it was Muir knew to act so quickly.”
“Hmm,” she shrugged, “I have no idea. I can tell you that we’ve exhausted our ability to interfere magikally with their lives now. From here on out we either leave them alone or find ourselves subject to the laws and rules of humans.” 10

That sounded like a threat if Garmor ever heard one. He narrowed his gaze on her and nodded, accepting the challenge. “I have not walked among humans for centuries. Perhaps, it is time I started again.”
“I think the fresh air will do us all well,” Tru said, clearly refusing to back down. 11

~*****~12

Mandy blinked several times and the bright light dimmed, leaving her staring at a tiny lantern on a circle table. Looking around, she found herself sitting outside a small coffee shop with a pile of decorating books spread out before her. For a moment she couldn’t understand why she was there or how she’d even come to be there. 13

The chiffon summer dress she had on varied in color from shades of avocado green to a light blue giving it even more of an airy feel. It criss-crossed in the front emphasizing her cleavage to the point it was slightly obscene. She glanced down, taking note of the green slip-on thongs she wore and smiled when she realized they were Prada. 14

For some odd reason, Mandy had feared that something major had happened—a huge change perhaps. Now, finding herself outside of her favorite coffee shop and wearing shoes to die for, she took a calmly breath and relaxed a bit.
Armando. The name popped into her head but she didn’t recognize it. 15

“Yes?” 16

Looking up, Mandy found a tall, toned man with long black hair staring down at her. His sapphire blue eyes locked on her, making her heart skip a beat. His full rose-colored lips seemed to call to her and it took every ounce of her not to hop up and press her mouth to his. As if that wasn’t enough to drive her mad already, he clearly had a sense of style that could rival her own. 17

From the navy, white and gray striped, three-button Valentino suit to the light blue dress shirt and matching tie beneath it, the man looked like a high society socialite. Calling him a high roller would indicate that something about was off, a bit smarmy. Nothing about the man reminded Mandy of that. No. He was the real deal—a gentleman but he was also something else. Something she couldn’t put her finger on. 18

“Yes, what?” she asked, unsure why he had stopped to begin with. She wasn’t on the prowl tonight.
“You called my name,” he said, a clear Italian accent coming through.
Of course he’d have an accent. Why not?
Mandy thought about it and then shook her head. “I didn’t say your name. I don’t even know who you are, buddy.”
A slow smile spread over his handsome face. “I see. It appears I am hearing things in my old age.”
“Old age?” She snorted. “What are you, all of thirty-five?”
“Give or take several centuries,” he mused. 19

Mandy stiffened and accidentally sent her cup of coffee tumbling over. The sexy man in front her had the books lifted before the coffee could even reach them. Shocked by his speed and with the knowledge of his age, Mandy stared up at him. He was something. Whatever it was, he wasn’t human. 20

Thankfully, that didn’t bother her that much. She’d grown up surrounded by supernaturals of all sorts. Hell, she’d even dated a werewolf for some time. He’d broken her heart but that was beside the point. 21

The sexy, suave man before her glanced down at the spilled coffee still holding an armful of design books and chuckled. “Kitten, I do not wish to sound rude but do you think you wipe that up so I could set these down?” 22

“Kitten?” she asked, unsure why the man would call her that. 23

His brow furrowed. “My apologizes. I…” 24

Mandy shrugged. “No big deal. Normally people call me a bitch. That’s an interesting twist.” 25

“One you could get used to?” he asked, catching her a bit off guard. 26

“Umm, you’re welcome to join me if you want but I should warn you that if I decide to take you home, it will be for the night and that’s it.” 27

The man’s blue eyes widened. “I see. Are you this forward with every man you meet?”28

“No, only the ones I entertain fucking.” She smiled and headed towards the coffee shop for napkins. Stopping, she looked back at him. “Aside from suave and sexy, what do people call you?” 29

“Armando,” he answered, his accent thick. “And besides Kitten, what do you wish to be called?” 30

Mandy licked her lower lip and lowered her green gaze on him, hoping her ability to work the opposite sex applied to him as well. He shifted awkwardly and put the books in front of his pants. She bit back a laugh. Yep, it worked. 31

My, my, what are we hiding in there? 32

Armando’s cheeks flushed and the look he gave her made Mandy wonder if she’d asked that out loud. Sure that she hadn’t, she simply stared at him. “My name’s Mandy but I have to say that Kitten has a certain ring to it.” 33


~*****~34

Michelle stared at the strobe light a moment before looking away and blinking several times. Slightly disorientated, she put her hand out to steady herself. Something roared and she jumped backwards, clutching her chest as she went. Her hand ran over something firm and she looked down to find herself holding a camera.
“Michelle, you okay? I swear that Samsen will not eat you alive. He is tame. I assure you of this.” 35

Turning, Michelle found Conner, the man who had hired her for his latest project, standing there with a sexy smile on his face. Adjusting her shutter speed to compensate for her now shaky hands, Michelle took her position to continue shooting close-ups of the Bengal tiger before her. “Sorry about that. I just sort of zoned out a moment. I’m back now. Where were we?” 36

Conner moved towards her slowly, his long white-blond hair blew with the breeze, drawing attention to his narrow waist. His muscular upper body seemed to ripple beneath the emerald green silk shirt he wore. The black slacks he had on hugged him in all the right places, giving Michelle a wonderful view of all that he had to offer. 37

Suddenly a bit nervous, Michelle fiddled with her ponytail and double checked that her gray Wisconsin tee-shirt was free from coffee stains. Being well-known for her ability to drop just about anything down the front of herself, she was never too sure. Happy to find that she was free from anything embarrassing, she chanced a glance at him. 38

“You look lovely, Michelle.” 39

Her eyes widened. “Umm, uhh, thanks.” 40

“Shall we continue on?” he asked, unbuttoning his shirt slowly. 41

Michelle’s jaw dropped as Conner reveled more and more of his tawny chest. “That’s probably enough.” 42

Right. Naked would be great, idiot. Why are you telling him to stop undressing?
That was a good question. One Michelle didn’t have an answer for. As Conner continued to unbutton his shirt, even going as far as to remove it, Michelle’s insides tightened. The man was to die for. She couldn’t stop her hungry gaze from soaking him up. 43

Shifting awkwardly, Michelle closed her eyes to gather her bearings. An image of being wrapped in sheets, above a man with gray eyes hit her, instantly making her inner thighs tightened and her body burn with need. 44

Someone touched her upper arm, sending pleasure shooting throughout her. Gasping, she opened her eyes to find herself staring up at Conner. He smiled and brushed her cheek lightly with the back of his hand. “If this is too much for you, we can take a break.” 45

“Too much? Umm, no. It’s not too much. What gave you the idea it was too much?” she asked, hoping she didn’t sound as nervous as she felt. 46

Oh, gods, this is too much. 47

48

~*****~49


“So, you are an artist, interesting,” Armando said, watching the young beauty across the table from him. He had been running late for a meeting with his business partner and best friend, Dmitri but it had faded in importance next to getting to know more about Mandy. The various chains of nightclubs, restaurants that they owned will still be there another day. Tonight he wanted to take time for himself. Something he rarely, if ever, did. 50

Mandy nodded as she continued to flip through the decorating books. According to her, she was looking for just the right inspiration to do her living room. She purchased a Victorian home that had a gothic feel to it. Why he was so interested was beyond him. He paid people to decorate his home. Mandy seemed to be a strong women, not one who liked to let go of control. 51

“So, what is your latest project?” he asked, doing his best to keep the conversation going. She was dressed to bring a man to his knees but seemed to have little interest in doing much more than leafing through the books. That or she was incredibly good at hiding her emotions. 52

“A client came to me and asked me to do a portrait of his penis.” She smiled. “That’s my latest. How about you?” 53

“How about me?” Armando sat back in the seat, unsure how to respond to that. Of course he wanted to unveil himself to her but it was neither proper nor acceptable to allow her to do a painting depicting his penis. “I am…umm…I think I will have to pass, though the offer is most gracious.” 54

Mandy’s dark brows drew together and her nose wrinkled. “What offer?” 55

“You mean you were not offering to paint my…?” 56

She bit her lips instantly and did her best to hold her laughter in. “Sweetheart, I just wondered what it is that you do. Say the word and drop your trousers if you want ol’ Willy there captured in all his glory. I don’t mind.” 57

“Ol’ Willy?” 58

“Right,” Mandy winked, “You are certainly not a Willy. No. You’re more of a Stallion.” 59

“St-all-ion?” he muttered, his throat suddenly very dry. Taking a deep breath in, Armando pushed down the foreign feelings of uncertainty and fought hard to find his normal suave exterior. The second he latched onto it he knew it was only an act. The creature before him seemed to make him a babbling fool. That intrigued him. “Ah, an Italian Stallion I hope.” 60

“Cute, but you didn’t answer my question,” she said, as she began to gather her books up. 61

Leaning forward, Mandy provided Armando with a view straight down her thin dress. The swells of her tanned breasts called to him on a primitive level and he fought hard to keep the demon within caged. Never before had he had this response to a woman and he wasn’t sure he liked it. 62

Perhaps it was best to leave well enough alone and head his own way. Peeking at her lush body once more, Armando found his mind wandering to thoughts of taking her and making love to her on a sofa that he’d never seen before and countless nights of finding solace in her warm body. They seemed so real but that was impossible. He’d never laid eyes on her prior to this evening. Why did he feel so connected with her? 63

“It was nice to meet you, Armando,” Mandy said, books in hand and standing next to him. 64

He’d been so engrossed in the idea of being in her that he hadn’t notice her get up. That was rare. No. That never happened. Shaken by his sudden case of déjà vu, Armando rose slowly and locked gazes with Mandy. “It was a pleasure, Mandy. I was wondering if you might want to…” 65

She winked and shook her head. “I get the feeling you’re not a one night stander and unless you become a card carrying member of the club, we’ve got nothing more to talk about than decorating and coffee.” 66

She certainly was brass. That much was for sure. Armando did his best to keep his expression neutral when what he really wanted to do was laugh. “Then I dare say I am all ears when needed. Should you require the company of a male that you do not wish to use and discard, I can be found at the…” 67

Her cell phone rang a second before he was able to tell her that he could be found at one of his many clubs most nights of the week. Armando watched as she brought her tiny pink phone towards her lips. 68

“Muir, how did he manage to get out again?” she asked, huffing slightly.
Jealousy tore through Armando as he heard her talking with another man. He had no right to feel as he did and he knew it. Still, it hurt to know that she had someone in her life. 69

“I’m not about to run home to help you find him. He needs to be put on a lease.” She clicked her heeled thongs on the ground and rolled her eyes. “Okay, fine. But I want to win the neighbor of the year award.” 70

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Chapter 35 Now that’s a Fire! 82


“Buddug, stop it,” Mandy said, pushing the snorting bulldog off her leg. It made another attempt to return to its humping post but she snarled. “Muir, you have two seconds to get your dog off me before I turn it into glue.” 83

“Horses,” Michelle said from the sidelines. She dipped the painted brush back into the scarlet-colored paint. Wrinkling her nose, she stared at it. “Is there a reason you decided to go with something so… so, red for your dining room?” 84

“I got tired of hearing you and Muir bitch about the old color.” Mandy pointed at Michelle before she could get it out. “And, no. I am not repainting the front bathroom. I happen to like lime green walls with white woodwork. I only gave in here because you told me that it…” 85

“Looked like the chick from the Exorcist upchucked in here?” Michelle grinned and a stray strand of wheat-colored hair fell into her face. “Yeah, it was hard to digest my food with that on the walls. Since I don’t cook and you do, it’s important I feel comfortable when eating here.” 86

Mandy couldn’t help but laugh. “Tell me again why I let you talk me into coming to your cookout tonight?” 87

“Because you’re the one who bought me the grill and since I’m a virgin at it, I’ll need you on standby in case I set my yard on fire.” 88

Buddug went back to trying to hump Mandy’s leg and she growled as she thought about giving it a shove across the room. One swift kick in the fanny would no doubt teach it a lesson. “Off, now.” 89

“Don’t do it,” Michelle said, laughing softly. 90

“Don’t do what?” 91

Michelle snickered. “Don’t kick the dog.” 92

“Well, of all the things. I would never.” Mandy did her best offended innocent routine and wagged her brows. “Okay, I might have considered it. But, gawd, the thing keeps defiling my favorite shoes while they’re still on me. I swear that I’m going to throw him in the car and take him to get fixed.” 93

“Buddug,” Muir called, appearing in the archway to the dining room. “You better hide. If Mandy gets the notion in her head to see you be less of a man, I fear she will do it.” 94

Mandy laughed as she stared at Muir. Dressed in a black tee-shirt, faded blue jeans and black boots, he looked as though he was about to hop on his motorcycle. The fact that he had his long, jet black hair pulled back at the base of his neck told her that he planned on working. 95

He winked, drawing attention to his blue eyes. “I truly hope you are not staring at me with thoughts of getting me fixed as well dancing in that head of yours.”
Michelle laughed and made the sign for scissors with her hand as she smiled at Muir. He cupped himself quickly. “If she thinks she can get a deal by taking two of you in, she will.” 96

“I know,” Muir said, his smile wide. Glancing at the red painted portion of the wall, he arched a black brow. “That is an interesting color choice. Much better than the lime green.” 97

“Oy with the lime green already, people.” Mandy shook her head and headed towards the kitchen. “Give me just a minute. I need to mix up the salad I’m bringing with me tonight.” 98

“Salad?” Michelle asked, sounding slightly put off. “Don’t you trust me to provide a good meal?” 99

Muir let out a choked laugh. “You can never have enough salad.” 100

“Mmmhmm, what kind are you making, Mandy?” 101

She winked. “Country Pasta Salad. I figured since it had pasta in it you’d forgive me for cooking, too.” 102

“Have I told you lately that I love you?” Michelle asked, glancing towards the coffee pot. “I don’t suppose I could do my cute face and get you to make a new pot? I’d do it myself but you’re anal and snap at me every time I enter your precious kitchen. Maybe Buddug senses how territorial you are and feels a kinship with you.”103

Snorting, Mandy shook her head as she headed towards the refrigerator. She reached in and took the contents needed to mix the salad out and balanced them carefully. “That must be it. Here I thought he just had a thing for my shoes.”104

“Let me help,” Muir said, appearing behind her in a blink an eye. 105

Startled, Mandy tossed the salad ingredients upwards. Muir winked and they all froze, suspended in mid-air. “Muir.” 106

Grinning, he moved his mouth over a black olive, taking time to make the action incredibly erotic. As he swirled his tongue over it, before claiming it fully with his lush mouth, Mandy could think of little else than him repeating the very action in a southern direction. 107

“What are you thinking about?” Muir asked, no doubt knowing exactly what was running through her mind.108

Embarrassed to be caught daydreaming about having him all to herself, Mandy felt her cheeks flare and her heart speed. “I’m thinking about how I’m happy that the floor didn’t end up wearing what I spent this morning making.” 109

Muir’s magik ran up and over her, brushing past her nipples and making her gasp. He snickered as he made the ingredients mix in mid-air before dropping them into the large bowl she’d set out on the countertop earlier. “There. All done. Want me to use my power to paint your dining room, too?” 110

“Yes,” Michelle called out. 111

Mandy narrowed her gaze on him. “No. And you promised to stop using them all the time.” 112

“As I recall, Mandy,” Muir closed the distance between them, “I promised to stop using mine all the time if you started to use yours more.” 113

“And do what? Blow the salad up instead of catch it?” She laughed. “I think the world is a safer place without me thinking I can move mountains or mix salads magically.” 114

“I have to agree with her on this one, Muir.” Michelle peeked around the corner. The tiniest bit of red paint streaked her otherwise flawless cheek. “Remember when you tried to use a spell to keep fleas off Buddug?” 115

As if on cue, the bulldog rolled over on its back and played dead. Muir and Michelle burst into laughter. Mandy covered her eyes and shook her head. “Oh, like I purposely tried to kill him. Wait, come to think of it, he does like to hump my leg. Where is that spell again?” 116

Buddug rolled onto his stomach and practically fell over himself rushing towards the backdoor. Michelle rolled her blue eyes. “That’s just wrong. You know that, right?” 117

“Now, ask her if she cares.” Muir winked before taking the paint brush from Michelle’s hand. “You, my dear, should be thinking about that ever important question—what are you going to wear tonight?” 118

Her brow furrowed and Mandy had to bite back a laugh. “What do you mean? I’m wearing jeans and my Green Sleeves tee-shirt.” 119

“Only you would have a shirt about a song from centuries ago.” 120

Muir drew in his lower lip and did his best to look innocent. Mandy gave him a droll look. “You have one, too? Why am I not surprised?” 121

“Hey, someone want to tell me why I have to think about what I’m wearing tonight?” Michelle asked, completely ignoring the fact that she was being picked on. “Is the president showing up to my picnic or what?” 122

Muir gave Mandy a knowing look. She cleared her throat. “Well, I might have forgotten to mention that I extended an invite to Conner the other day. He seemed excited.” 123

Michelle’s jaw dropped. “You did what?” 124

“You already sent flyers out to the neighborhood. I didn’t think you’d mind one more person being there. Besides, he’s a cutie and it’s plain to see that he’s into you.” 125

Wiping her hand across her face nervously, Michelle left another streak of red paint on her. “What am I going to wear? I can’t see him in jeans and a tee shirt—again. Christ, I saw him naked. There is no way I can face him in…” 126

“You saw him naked?” Mandy asked, suddenly very interested in what her friend had to say. 127

Michelle blushed. “It was for a photo shoot.” 128

“Uh-huh, I’ve used that one before,” Mandy said, laughing.129

It was Muir’s turn to blush. “Yes, she has.” 130

“Oh, come on. I did not make up a photo shoot to the get the man naked.”
“I wasn’t accusing you of being the one to invent the need for pictures to be taken, Darling.” Mandy let a slow, lazy smile spread over her face. “Come on, I’ll help you pick something out to wear.” 131


~*****~ 132


Michelle pulled her hair back into a French twist and instantly began fidgeting with her neck, rubbing it slightly. The black, peasant skirt hung to her knees, fitting her hips just right and drawing more attention than she wanted to her waistline. Mandy had spent the greater portion of an hour trying to convince her that she looked beautiful and sexy but she was sure that Mandy wasn’t wearing her contacts. 133

When Muir had walked in and was unable to form a complete sentence, she assumed it was because he was doing his best not to laugh at her. Mandy said it was because he was stunned that Michelle was a woman under all of her pajama pants and loose fitting tee-shirts. The true test would come when Conner arrived.
If he arrived, she reminded herself. He’s probably off in some foreign country already, happy to be rid of me. 134

A soft rapping on her open bedroom door took her by surprise. Turning, she found Conner standing there, his long white-blond hair hung to his waist and for a moment, she could do nothing more than stare at the way his hips moved as he walked—so fluid, so rhythmic. Did he move that way in bed too?
Where the hell did that thought come from? 135

His grey eyes seemed to be soaking her in. Each place they fixated on began to burn with a heat Michelle was sure was just her imagination. For a moment, it felt as it Conner’s hands were moving over body, skimming it, caressing it. She gasped and took a tiny step back. 136

“Umm, Conner, I’m glad you could make it.” It was lame but all she had at the moment. 137

“Michelle, there was nothing that would keep me from coming.” The emphasis he put on the last word made her wonder if was talking about sex or showing up. Visions of clawing at bed sheets, thrusting her head back while Conner took her from behind hit her hard. Her breath caught and for a moment, she could do little more than stare helplessly at him. 138

He was in her room, so close to her bed that it was easy to picture what he’d look like in it. How many nights had she wondered what it would be like to be held by him, touched, taken to new heights of pleasure? How many nights had she chastised herself for those very thoughts? Too many to count.139

A small tug. A feeling that something was missing started in her stomach but it was easy to squash, thrust down and ignore. Her hardening nipples and eager body wasn’t so easy to push away. No. It wanted to have a photo op with Conner on her bed, now.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” he asked, his voice, soft, almost purr-like. 140

She whimpered. “No.” 141

“Michelle, why the hell is your grill on fire?” Mandy shouted, saving Michelle from herself. Whether or not that was a good thing remained to be seen. 142

Pushing past Conner, she ran down the long hallway to the staircase and crossed her fingers that she wouldn’t bite it on the way down. “I’m coming!” 143

As she made her way out of the back door, she found Mandy standing back, laughing as a gorgeous stranger got the grill fire under control. The man coughed several times before glancing over his shoulder. The first thing she noticed was his grayish-blue eyes. They were close to Conner’s color but held a bit more blue. 144

The idea of finding two men in the world with bodies and eyes exactly to her liking was a bit much for her to swallow. Arching a brow, she glanced at Mandy, afraid that her friend might have cast a spell to bring the perfect man into Michelle’s life again. 145

The last time she’d tried that, Michelle had ended up with six male kittens scratching at her back door. The stray half-way house got old fast. Hopefully, Mandy didn’t pull another stunt like that. 146

The stranger locked gazes with her and for a moment, she forgot how to function. The idea of drawing in air seemed foreign to her yet she knew it was vital. Passing out wasn’t an option. Not unless the hunk at the grill was willing to do mouth-to-mouth. 147

Mouth-to-mouth? Shit, I’m turning into Mandy. Next thing I know, I’ll be wanting to take my picture with a group of hot firemen who are showing off their poles.
She shuddered at the thought while the rest of her body lit with the idea of the man before her being involved. 148

“I should have guessed,” the man said, his voice deep. He hiked his navy blue sleeves up to his elbows and gave a cocksure smile that Michelle instantly wanted to smack off his face. “Blondes and flammables don’t mix.” 149

Her jaw dropped. “Excuse me?” 150

“You said your friend couldn’t cook,” he said, glancing towards Mandy. “You didn’t mention she was a hottie.” 151

A hottie? Was that supposed to impress her? Who the hell did this guy think he was? “Okay, Fire Marshall Smartass, thanks for all your help.” 152

He smiled wider, showing off a perfect set of teeth. Running a hand through his spiked, brown hair, he drew attention to the portions that were lightened to blond. He also managed to draw attention to a set of six pack abs that made her mouth water. “Sweetness, all you had to do to be allowed to stare at me was give a shout out. I live just down the street from you. You didn’t have to go and burn perfectly good pieces of meat.” 153

“I did not burn anything to…” Michelle stopped when she noticed Mandy doing her best to keep from laughing. “Oh, he’s one of the funny guys you’re always talking about, isn’t he?” 154

“He seems to think so,” Mandy said, making Michelle laugh. “He has a name. He even told me it but I forgot.” 155

“Dmitri,” the stranger said, putting his hand out. “And you are?” 156

Rolling her eyes, Michelle did her best not to flip him off. “Going inside to call for pizza.” 157

“There’s no need for that. We can make this work.” There was something about Dmitri’s voice that made her believe him. As silly as fixing a grilling problem was, she wanted to believe he’d make it better. Putting her faith in a cocky, smartass wasn’t something she was prone to doing.158