Descent (Black Heart Romance presents Heaven & Hell)

Chapter Forty Three
Hallie
Calvin decides that since I have good news to share with Charity and they haven’t had a chance
to meet, we’ll have a small engagement party to celebrate. Just a small gathering with a few close
friends.
The party is set for a Saturday night, so I’m not surprised during the day when people show up at
the apartment while he’s at work.
A party planner comes with her team to decorate and move furniture in the rooms where we
expect to entertain.
Chef Ryan comes early and brings a helper since Calvin only likes tastes of things and ordered a
dozen hors d'oeuvres.
But then there’s one that surprises me.
I’m sitting at the island, shamelessly sampling the appetizers Ryan has finished making. Calvin
planned more of a Mediterranean theme for the food tonight and I am here for it.
“Mm,” I murmur, stuffing another chicken and pesto pastry puff into my mouth. I chew slowly to
savor it, then look up at Chef Ryan as I swallow. “I know you probably get this a lot, but will you
marry me?”
Ryan smirks. Before he can answer, a surprise guests appears behind me noiselessly like a
creature out of someone’s nightmares.
“I believe you’re already spoken for.”
I recognize that brash voice now. I turn to look at Arson. “Um. What are you doing in my house?”
Another guy is with him. He takes off down the hall while I stare, mouth agape.
“Excuse me,” I call after the guy, then look at Arson. “What are you doing?”
“Don’t worry, Calvin knows we’re here. We’re checking the place for bugs.” Seeing my face, he
adds, “Not that kind of bugs. Jesus. The kind a tech genius might hide if he wanted to listen to people
without them knowing it.” He looks at Chef Ryan and shakes his head. “Can you believe this chick?
Thinks I’m in here looking for cockroaches or something. What do I look like, the fucking
exterminator?” He, too, reaches over and nabs one of the delicious pastry puffs, but he steals one off
the plate Ryan gave me.
“Why would you steal my snack?” I ask, as if genuinely hurt. “That was so mean.”
“Life hurts, sweetheart, get used to it.” Then he steals another one.