Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)(54)

“Oh, my God. That’s terrible.”

“That day my friend and her fiancé called the security guard company for me. He’s here for my protection.”

It was either that or tell him the truth, and the truth was too much to believe. She might as well give him a more believable and laughable story. The less people knew about demons, the better.

“Did you file a restraining order?”

Serah nodded. “He waits for the restraining order to expire then starts the madness all over again. It expires tonight.”

“And the cops won’t do anything?”

“I’ve tried, but until he acts again, they can’t be bothered.”

“That doesn’t sound right.”

“Tell me about it.”

Daniel reached out and grabbed her hand. “I’m sure Sally will understand. I’ll let her know what the deal is.”

“Thanks, Daniel.” She leaned over to place a kiss on his cheek. As if she were in a cheesy romantic comedy, Daniel chose that exact moment to move his head. Instead of brushing his cheek, she met his lips instead. And she always rolled her eyes at those parts. That never happened in real life, or so she thought. And then the hero and heroine knew in that precise instant that they loved each other. However, this was anything but romantic. Awkward was an understatement.

Daniel made a sound similar to a dying cow and she squeaked against his just-as-surprised lips. Birds did not sing and there were no butterflies or any romantic ballads. There were no sparks or zaps—absolutely nothing. It was like she was kissing a cousin or brother.

Daniel pulled back and quickly wiped his lips. “Wow. That’s a first.”

“You’ve never been kissed on the lips?”

“No. I’ve never been kissed on the lips by a guest.” A nervous chuckle burst from his lips. “Did it do anything for you?”

Serah moved from one leg to the other and twirled a finger around a curl. Aww heck. She’d lose the show before they even started shooting. However, honesty was always the best policy. “No, not really.”

“Whew, me either.” Daniel giggled. “I hate saying this, because you’re truly lovely, but it was like I was kissing my mom.”

Serah winced. “Good thing your name isn’t Oedipus, then.”

“You know Oedipus?”

“Yeah, he’s a complex character.”

Daniel burst out laughing. Finally, someone got her joke. “That’s a good one.”

“Yeah, what can I say. I try.”

“You’re smarter than you let on, aren’t you?”

Serah shrugged. “I like to read, but all that math and science stuff drives me crazy. Those are more Lucy’s expertise.”

“Lucy?”

“My best friend. She and her fiancé will be here any minute.”

“Oh. We can’t have too many people here. You know what they say?” Daniel flashed a soft smile.

“What’s that?”

“Too many cooks spoil the broth, you know?”

She never was much for those old proverbs. “Oh, yeah. That.” She felt her cheeks warm as a blush took over.

“It makes for a better show when it’s a more intimate setting. Plus the kitchen can get kind of crowded, even if it’s only two.”

“Don’t worry about Lucy or Matthias.” Serah covered her mouth and giggled. “Lucy can’t even boil a pot of water, and Matthias? Let’s just say he almost burned down my house. Neither of them will be anywhere near the kitchen, so don’t worry about intimacy issues.”

A wide smile spread across his lips. “The show is somewhat scripted too. To sort of draw on some of that intimacy. Is that okay with you?”

“Scripted? I didn’t know I was signing up for a production of Shakespeare in the Park. Jeez. Now you tell me.” She blew out a sarcastic sigh.

“Even reality shows follow some sort of script. Did you know that?”

Serah snorted. It didn’t surprise her one bit. “They need to hire better writers, then.”

“I won’t disagree there. Since I write most of my scripts, I will assume you’re not talking about my show?”

“No, I’m talking about any un-real housewife in any big town. Where’s the Real Housewives of the Midwest?” Serah threw up her fists in frustration. “And don’t even get me started on those guidos and guidettes down in New Jersey. Is this where entertainment is taking us? Steroid-popping, orange-skinned idiots?”

Daniel shrugged. “I am one of those stars you know.”

Serah’s mouth fell open and she gasped. “Oh. But Princes and Paupers was a great show. I could see how real you all were. And I can tell the difference between fake bake and a real tan. This stuff now? It’s just crap.”

“People watch it, though.”

“I know. It’s just that… I’d rather keep up with a turtle than… well you know.”

“It’s the days of fifteen minutes of fame, what can I say?”

“To each his own. YouTube doesn’t help much either.” Fingering the diamond-encrusted locket around her neck, she flashed a smile. He was as friendly off camera as he was on camera.

“Some good musicians have been discovered that way.”