She forced a smile. “Yes, it is.”
Leslie was seriously over doing it!
“Well, you certainly seem to have long term goals,” Leslie added with approval. “You have a job which means you’re financially stable. A definite plus! And I’m not being nosy in the least. But, are you married, single, or gay? Hell, let’s cut to the chase, are you available?”
Oh. My. Gosh. Did she seriously just go there, she fumed, barely restraining herself from giving Leslie a real hard smack. The hot heat flooded her face. Where was an escape route when you needed one---and she needed it fast!
Nearly stumbling, she came up fast, and her words were abrupt. Then, she bumped her none-to-gently. “Okay, Leslie, time for you to go. Like now.”
“But, I just got here,” her friend protested. “I’m sure that Mr.--”
“Sullivan,” Xander offered, and she detected the amusement in his tone. “Xander Sullivan.”
“Sullivan,” Leslie went on, “doesn’t mind if we all get a little acquainted.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t,” she said with a false smile. “But, it is time for you to go. Remember that appointment you have?”
Like the appointment where she’d blast her for placing her in the line of fire! And oh, it’d come much later!
Fuming, Leslie blew an exasperated breath, and probably, her hazel brown eyes were spitting fire, she deduced, especially since her matchmaking efforts had been thwarted.
“Oh, yes, my appointment. Silly me,” Leslie said, standing. “I had forgotten all about it.”
As Leslie mumbled a hasty goodbye, she ushered her to the door.
“I can take a hint,” Leslie hissed as soon as they were an earshot away. “What are you doing? We were making some serious headway until you turned into a big chicken!”
“I must have been crazy, listening to you in the first place,” she hissed back. “You have no right to interrogate the man! Not to mention the fact that you’re making me seem like an obsessed stalker! You’ve pulled some pretty low stunts in your time, but this is the worst!”
“Don’t play all innocent with me! You can lie to me, but at least don’t do it to yourself! You wanted to find out about the guy, just admit it! And you went along with my plan quite willingly, I must add. Deny everything if you want!” Again, her words came fast. “Well? Aren’t you going to ask me?”
“Ask you, what?” she screeched back. “There’s nothing to---”
“Nicole, you’re seriously working my patience, right now.” Grabbing her arm, Leslie edged closer before her voice dropped lower. “Don’t you want to know how he looks?”
“I have no interest---”
“Oh, stop lying! You’re practically hyperventilating.” Then, female approval laced her tone. “Don’t get angry, and forgive me for saying this. But, he’s fine as hell!”
“Shhhh!” she whispered, though excitement drummed through her. “Keep your voice down, or he’ll hear you.”
“Anyone would kill for a cover shot of that man! Those chiseled features, midnight black hair, and piercing gray eyes are a photographer’s wet dream. Trust me on this one, Nicole. He’s a living, breathing, walking package of sweet, sensual sin!”
Face flaming hotter, she clamped her lips together. But, still she couldn’t tamper her own interest. He’d been described just as she’d imagined!
Sexy, hot, handsome, and dangerous…
Then, she sobered.
Someone totally out of her league.
Even before the accident, her dates typically rated extremely low on the hotness scale.
“Trust me on this. The guy is interested---he can’t take his eyes off you. And he’s just as taken with you,” Leslie whispered. Then, she turned serious. “Earlier, when he charged from his apartment, the wild look of desperation on his face was shocking. I mean, he was literally scared to death for you. And I feel a little guilty about that part, but we had to find out, didn’t we?” Briefly, she paused to catch her breath. “I almost felt guilty watching the two of you---it was such an intimate moment. It was like the both of you had a true awakening to each other.” She gave a sneaky laugh. “Girl, you’re a goner---that man’s got his hooks in you! I’ve never seen you lust after a man like that or ever. Talk about lousy time on my part! I was so not needed here to interrupt the blossoming of this impending love affair.”
She gasped in surprise. “Again, you’re blowing things way out of proportion. I don’t know what you think you saw, but you’re wrong. Obviously, you’re watching too many of those sappy, love stories on cable TV or rather too much soft porn.”
“Hey, don’t take it out on me just because you’re feeling the stirrings of real lust for the first time. And on this one, I can’t blame you,” Leslie laughed softly.
Tensing, she felt the hot heat as it spread through her.
Had she been that obvious?
The man literally awakened every forbidden, sensual pleasure within her.
But, still, she wondered with niggling hope.
Could it be true?
Was he actually attracted to her?
She shook her head.
That thought wasn’t even fathomable.
“Leslie, I know you have my best interests at heart. But, let’s just drop this, okay? No more matchmaking schemes or anything for me and Xander, or anyone else for that matter.”
Her friend’s tone was serious. “Nicole, don’t be afraid of taking chances. And I have a deep feeling that this is one that’s worth taking.”
“Goodbye, Leslie,” she said, resigned. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, I’ll go. But, remember what I said. Call me later, okay? Love you.”
“I love you, too, and I’ll call,” she promised, returning her hug.
Pausing, she listened until Leslie’s steps faded, and instead of closing the door, she left it standing open. Turning, she treaded back to the living room, and his presence almost stifled her. “Once again, I appreciate your coming to help,” she said stiffly, stopping short of the sofa. “But, I won’t keep you.”
“Did anyone ever tell you that you need to brush up on your hosting skills?” he drawled sexily, humor playing in his voice. “Being short and abrupt generally isn’t the best way to entertain a guest.”
She arched a brow. “Really? What gives you the idea that I’m supposed to entertain you?”
“That’s usually customary when you invite someone to your home.”
A flush stained her cheeks. “I didn’t realize asking for help was the same as offering an invitation.”
Leslie and her stupid schemes!
“Surely, my ‘heroic’ efforts constitute at least friendly conversation.”
A shiver skated down her spine as his sexy timbre washed over her.
“If you’re after stimulating conversation, you’re in the wrong place,” she said smartly, trying to mask her nervousness as she fluffed the pillow before returning it to its place.
She edged towards the kitchen and wasn’t surprised when he followed. As she passed through the arched entryway, she couldn’t dispel the excitement. Not knowing what else to do, keeping her back to him, she stopped before the cabinets. Doing the first thing that came to mind, she took out the jar of peanut butter. Maybe that would calm her jittery nerves. With a quick twist, she popped the lid off. “You can put your superhero cape away,” she muttered, swiping a finger into the peanut butter. “I don’t need saving any longer, and I’m sure that there’s someone else in need of your heroic services.”
“You really know the way to a man’s ego, don’t you?” he asked humorously. “Luckily for me, I have a tough skin.”
“Yeah, lucky for you,” she agreed dryly, licking her finger. The peanut butter spread along the cavity of her mouth quickly, yet she hardly noticed its taste. Right now, the only thing she could concentrate on was the incessant beating of her heart. Or rather the mind blowing effect that he was having on her senses.
Since whe
n did peanut butter become a sensual aphrodisiac, he pondered, mesmerized as he watched her. Again, he struggled to control his reaction to her.
And her movements----they were as graceful as a ballerina’s.
Finger in…finger out…
Shaking his head, he tried to clear it.
But, still, he was caught within the sensual spell.
And even she seemed lost, he mulled, staring at her.
There was no describing the lost look of her face now.
She puckered her mouth before closing it around her finger. Then, slowly, using her tongue, she lathed it with an erotic innocence.
He took a shaky breath.
Oh, hell, she had him.
He was hung.
Like a moth, he was drawn to the forbidden flames, and they’d probably scorch him to cinders.
Run like hell and never look back, his inner voice warned.
But, since when had he ever done anything logical?
He wasn’t even logical.
Her soft voice caressed his senses as she spoke again.
“Where are my manners? Since I’m your hostess, can I offer you some?” she asked sweetly--as a matter of fact, too sweetly. Arching a perfect brow, she extended the jar, fully expecting him to refuse.
And since when did he run from a challenge?
“Don’t mind if I do,” he said huskily, his voice dropping low.
Her eyes widened as he approached, but then her expression became guarded. As he stopped before her, she took in a sharp breath.
The electricity charged through them both as he closed his large hands over hers. Her hands trembled under his as she grasped the jar and with a subtle smoothness, he steadied it. Slowly, he delved his forefinger into the delectable creamy treat before removing it. Mesmerized, he watched as her eyes deepened to a darker hue.
He licked the smooth cream from his finger, and his actions only heightened the erotic nature of the moment.
And so, in the middle of her kitchen, they stood, drawn together by their magnetic attraction. Speechless, they inched closer until a breath separated them. For weren’t they speaking a silent language that they both understood?
Her lips parted.
And then he knew……
She wanted more.
He wanted more.
Things are spiraling out of control, he argued mentally, staring into her upturned face. And didn’t he already know the dangers he’d pose to her if he were to get closer? Sobering, body growing rigid, he dropped his hand from the jar before stepping back. “I have to go.”
A look of confusion played along her face, but then, her disappointment showed. She stiffened as her beautiful face froze into a mask. She moved back and her tone was business-like as she addressed him. “I guess that I’m not so unsociable after all.”
“I suppose you’re right,” he agreed before turning away. “I guess I better get going,”
“Wait,” she called out.
“What?”
“Thanks again,” she said shyly.
“Don’t mention it.”
With those words, he departed.
Seconds later, the door closed behind him.
She released her pent-up breath, and with shaky hands, she placed the jar onto the marbled countertop. “That was intense,” she whispered quietly, laying a hand over her thundering heartbeat. She released a pent-up sigh. “Dear heavens, what kind of spell are you casting over me, Xander Sullivan?”
Why did he evoke these powerful feelings within her, she mulled, leaning against the counter. The very fact that he did left her confused in many ways. It was both thrilling and scary at the same time.
She’d almost stopped breathing as he’d moved in closer. The moment he had, she’d been swept in a sensual storm of feelings. His masculine scent had swept over her. It’d been heady, containing a mixture of musk and spice, evidently one of today’s popular cologne brands. She could smell the mint on his breath since he’d been standing so close. And she was willing to bet that his teeth were pearly white and perfectly edged in a straight row.
Her hand fluttered to her chest.
What would have ensued if she’d been daring enough to move closer?
Would he have responded or turned away?
Until now, she’d never considered being intimate with any man.
So, how was it possible that she wanted to explore these wondrous feelings with a man she barely knew?
“What’s wrong with me? Xander Sullivan and I are neighbors and nothing more. I just have to get that through my thick skull,” she berated herself, snatching the peanut butter jar from the counter, and headed back to the living room. “Besides, he probably has a string of women from here to New York anyway. A womanizer isn’t the kind of man that I’m interested in. So, libido, it’s time to get back to reality!”
She sat down on the sofa before turning on the TV.
Soon, the newscaster was reporting the evening news.
Seconds later, Macy heavy tracks padded into the living room as she trailed across it. Then, she jumped onto the sofa beside her.
“Nap time over, huh?” she asked, petting her. “Macy, I’ve had the most exciting and disappointing day of my life. A hot, gorgeous man is living next door and he’s just not that ‘into’ me---bummer right? Too bad I’m not flirty and carefree like the women in those contemporary romance novels. Nothing ever bothers them---not even rejection. I guess you can’t always get what you want, right?”
Where she was concerned, that was always the case, she mulled, turning her attention to the news reports.
“A serial killer is on a rampage in our peaceful city,” the reporter said briskly. “The victim was found near Brookridge Park, and authorities claim that her injuries are similar to those of victims found earlier in the week…”
The woman continued, “………strange, deep puncture wounds covered the base of their necks…..but, the serial killer is leaving behind one crucial clue…….authorities have issued a statement clarifying the madman’s mark……”
No sound came from her as pure shock impaled her.
The jar tumbled from her hands onto the floor.
She scrambled up from the sofa, nearly stumbling as the woman’s words sank through.
Then, a startling revelation dawned.
She’d come face to face with the serial killer, and evidently, she was on his hit list.
She was a dead woman walking.
***
Again, it was way past midnight.
And like usual, he was perched on her alcove.
Acting as her protector…
The crazed vamp had yet to physically show. Xander mulled, sweeping his gaze past the dark alleys that bridged alongside the abandoned shops and offices. But, ever so often, the vamp’s vile scent floated in the air.
Which made things much worse, he thought, biting back a curse.
That meant, the vamp still lingered close, and he’d use another tactic to assault her.
“But, you’ll never get that chance,” he vowed. “That’s a promise.”
He turned his attention to the streets below.
The streets were practically deserted except for the taxi cab that combed it for potential riders. And unfortunately, the cabby probably wouldn’t have that much business tonight, not at this late hour.
His sharp gaze lifted to the darkened skies.
Not even the moon shone tonight and not a single star marked the sky. Only a thin hazy film of gray clouds added a decorative touch to the black backdrop.
And how many more nights would he gaze upon the heavens from earth? And what would happen when he finally returned home? Would he have the same satisfaction that he felt with the life that he’d built here?
Agitated, he turned away from the black void.
He peered through the sheer white drapes.
Or would he forever long the woman he’d leave behind?
“Nicole,” he whispered, shaken.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way---she’s the one, his conscience whispered.
Her soft cry broke his thoughts.
“No, I won’t go,” Nicole cried out softly, writhing beneath the sheets. “I won’t.”
Just as I thought, he raged, straightening. The vamp had decided to attack mentally rather than physically and invade her dreams.
But, he could counteract with his own presence.
Slowly, he opened her portal and entered her dream.
And within the black void, their connection was forged.
“Baby, don’t be afraid.”
“Xander,” she whispered, sensing him. “You’re here.”
“I won’t let him hurt you.”
“Why won’t he go away, Xander? What does he want from me?” she asked frantically. “I’m scared. I’m so scared.”
“You’re safe, Nicole. Believe that. Don’t let him win.”
Momentarily, she stilled before relaxing in the bed.
On the alcove, body shaking, he operated between the two states.
In a battle of supernatural proportions, he struggled against the vamp’s conscience.
And within the dark realm, he heard her screams.
Struggling to maintain control, the vamp’s cry was violent. “You,” the crazed vamp raged. “Why are you here? She belongs to me!”
“Leave! You have no place here!” he yelled over the pulsating noise. “I won’t let you destroy her!”
“Xander, no, he’ll hurt you,” she whispered, weakened. “Please go---”
Again, he was stunned.
Even now, she was putting his needs above her own, he mulled.
Spurred by that knowledge, his drive strengthened.
An intense power surged through him, and the crazed vamp was hardly a match against it. In a quick flourish, the vamp’s presence dissipated, and then, he was alone with Nicole within the dark mind-space. Her soft pleas met him again, but at once, the force-field intensified, and he had no choice but to flee.
Breathing fast, his own violent cry filled the night as he broke free of the dream. Yet, it didn’t hinder his determination to be with her in some sense. While he strode towards her bedroom, the need to protect her only intensified. As he passed through the partially cracked door, the soft drapes brushed against him, and his steps were light as he crossed the room. The semi-darkness cloaked him well since his attire matched it---black tee, black trousers, and black boots. Only his piercing gray eyes remained unconcealed as they swept the room cautiously.
Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale Page 8