“When the last guy you dated turned evil for reasons you can't explain it makes the prospect of even a casual coffee date seem far from appealing.”

“Soph, I really don't think this is a good idea. I'm at a point in my life where dating is more hazardous than helpful."She held her hand up and made it move like a chattering puppet. "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Say what you want. We had a deal. I picked a guy for you to talk to. Now you're gonna sashay your fanny over there and be the very definition of charming and beguiling.""Shows what you know," I grumbled under my breath. "I don't even know what beguiling means.”

“Why? Why are you asking me out?"His expression was equal parts amusement and confusion. "Because if I don't ask ya the chance of ya actually showin' up on the date in highly unlikely, isn't it?"An abrupt--and incredibly loud--laugh erupted out of me. "True. But why? Why would you ask out the freaky purring girl?""Yar laugh is amazin'." He grinned. Another wave of heat rushed through me. "And because from the moment I laid eyes on ya I knew there was somethin' different about ya. The purrin' just supported the theory. So, would ya like to go out with me?""Yes, I'd like to. Go on a date. With you. Please."Smooth, huh?”

“Truth be known, I found it right flatterin'. And, it gives me the confidence tah ask ya out for Saturday."My head snapped up and my cheeks burned. "Wha...?!" Picture of eloquence. That's me."Saturday. A date. You, me, dinner? Yah've heard of this concept, yeah?”

“Keni's eyes widened. "You purred at a guy? Really? Why?""Because he scratched me behind the ears, and I liked it.""Huh?”

“Uh, did you run this by Alaina?""I tried." Keni gave a little shrug. "But I don't think she heard me. She was busy trying to figure out the "mystical forces" that make the microwave work.”

“I just got told off by a demon. Hello, rock-bottom. We meet at last.”