Dark Callings (Phoenix Intelligence Agency) by Taige Crenshaw Read Free Book Online Page A

dream.
    “Ebony will love this kitchen,” Harmony said.
    “She’s a good baker. Love her caramel cookies.”
    “Which kind?” Harmony asked.
    Ebony had recently started making a variety of caramel cookies. Harmony hadn’t known there were so many variations you could make. They both enjoyed caramel, but not so much that Ebony should be making so many types. Harmony remembered the team-building event—Lennox had brought her a plate heavy on the caramel desserts they had laid out. Ebony had convinced her to make more caramel-based desserts than she’d planned to.
    “All of them,” Lennox answered.
    “Did you ever mention to Ebony you love caramel?”
    “I did. Every time she brought more types of cookies. Why?” Lennox looked curious.
    “I don’t think you have to concern yourself with how she’ll react to us dating. She’s been bribing you with cookies. I think that means she likes you.” Harmony chuckled.
    “She makes cookies for the unit,” he pointed out.
    “But only you get the caramel ones.”
    Lennox’s forehead wrinkled, then he grinned. “She’s just like her mama—a schemer.”
    “Planner. We plan.”
    “Keep trying to convince yourself of that.” Lennox moved them along across the kitchen to the glass door and opened it.
    “Hey, where is my garment bag?”
    “I hung it on the coat rack by the door. You won’t need it until later.”
    She nodded, then stepped outside. The view was even more breathtaking than the front. She moved to the stone lattice railing of the patio. Behind her, she heard Lennox moving in the kitchen. Harmony breathed deeply. The tinge of flowers and fresh earth filled her senses.
    “Come eat.” Lennox spoke behind her.
    “You keep trying to feed me.” Harmony made her way to where Lennox now stood beside an eight-seat patio table.
    On the surface were dome-covered plates, pitchers of juice, a teapot, a bowl with fruit salad and condiments. He held out a chair, seating her before sitting himself at the head of the table beside her.
    “You can easily hold more than a hundred-people party on this patio.”
    “Probably. Never have. I like my privacy. There’s a ballroom that’s big, too.”
    “This is a lot of space. Is it an immortal thing, that you all have such massive homes and estates?” Harmony asked.
    “Most beings enjoy space. It’s as vital as breathing. With some, it’s necessary for what they are. For myself, I don’t like people around me. Makes me twitchy. Thus, all this space, where I created an oasis to have a place for myself.”
    “I enjoy having family and friends around me.”
    “Those aren’t what I meant when I say people. Family and friends aren’t just people.”
    Harmony smiled, pleased. “What do you have to feed me?”
    “Food,” he replied deadpan.
    Harmony laughed. Lennox winked, removing the dome on her plate, then his. Harmony’s mouth watered as the aroma of eggs and bacon rose in the air. She viewed the plate that also included French toast covered with slivers of coconut, blueberries and strawberries. She picked up the container with syrup and poured some over the slices. When she tasted the French toast, cinnamon and all the other flavours burst across her tongue.
    “Delicious.”
    Lennox made a humming sound and they ate in companionable silence. When they’d finished, they enjoyed their beverages.
    “This is turning out to be a great date. Relaxed and fed.” Harmony took a sip of her cinnamon stick-flavoured tea.
    “You’re an easy date.”
    “I know what I enjoy.” She smiled, then studied the view.
    “I have much more planned for the day. So drink up, and let’s get going.”
    “Leisurely, Lennox. Not everything needs to be rush, rush.” She touched his hand.
    “I know all about some things which are best done leisurely.” He turned his hand palm up and caught hers, then raised it to his lips, kissing it softly.
    His silver gaze was locked on hers. Harmony shivered, moaning. “Are you attempting