Take Back the Night

by Annie Harland Creek

  “You can concentrate on getting better,” Anna told her. “Your happiness is important to us.”

  “And, keep Palmer on his toes,” David added. “With you there, he’s less likely to slacken off.”

  Suddenly, working at the agency seemed like a bad idea. A chill ran down the length of her body and her stomach cramped. How had her plan backfired so royally? She’d decided to move in order to put distance between her and Terry Palmer. How could she do that at the agency, working side by side, five days a week? Maybe it wasn’t too late to change her mind?

  “I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me.” Anna squealed as she hugged her again. “I’ve been so worried about you. Now I can sleep knowing that you’re not only on the road to recovery, you’re making the house a home again. Dad would be so happy to know you’re living in the house. He’d love the idea.” She tightened her grip, almost cutting off Susie’s oxygen. “You’ve made my day. Hell, you’ve made my year.”

  “Ca-an’t breathe.” She gasped as the realization hit home. Damn. No backing out now.

  “Are you coming to bed, woman?”

  The booming voice resounded through the house as Derrick ascended the stairs.

  Anna blushed. “I guess that’s my cue to leave. I’ll make a few calls later and have the electricity and phone reconnected today, but there’s no hurry. Move in whenever you want.” She blew Susie a kiss as she rushed up the stairs to her husband, leaving Susie alone with David.

  “Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked, his playful smile replaced with a look of concern. “I can hear your heart beating a mile a minute. Nothing is set in stone, Susie. You have nothing to prove to anyone.”

  She bit her bottom lip and considered his words. “I’m not sure if I can do this, but I have to try.”

  “You’re the gutsiest woman I’ve ever met, Susie Lister, but, if you tell Meaghan I said that, I’ll deny it.” He grinned as he touched her arm briefly before placing his hand in his pocket to produce a set of keys. “For the time being, here is my set of keys to the office. I’ll get Palmer to get another set cut for you. The password for the computer is—”

  “Let me guess … kitten?”

  He tilted his head to one side and raised his right eyebrow. “How did you know?”

  “I’ve heard you call Meaghan that almost every day since I’ve lived here,” she reminded him. “It’s kinda cute.”

  “I think you’re kinda cute,” David told her, tapping the tip of her nose with his finger before he headed toward the door. “You’ll be a great asset to our agency. Work whatever hours suit you. Get home before dark. I’ll email your job description to the agency so you’re up to date with what’s been happening.”

  With that, he disappeared up the stairs, leaving Susie alone with her thoughts. What did I get myself into?

  ****

  Terry hung up the office phone and plopped down on his chair. At least this time Corel had used the conventional way of communication to give him the heads up on Susie rather than use his telepathy shit. That man had a way of getting inside his head, even without the psychic connection. Last night had been a disaster. He’d let Corel rile him up. Made him act like a complete ass. Any progress he’d made with Susie had flown out the window. He could still remember the shattered look on her face before she retired for the night. She must have felt threatened by their testosterone-fueled anger. Frightened by their barbaric behavior. Why else would she have shut down like that?

  Movement on the other side of the glass door drew his attention, followed by the click of a key turning in the lock. The door slowly opened and a woman stepped inside. His breath caught in his throat as his eyes followed a path from the black stiletto shoes, up the curve of her stockinged calf, to the mid-length tight pencil skirt, and higher. The beige silk blouse billowed around her ample breasts, drawing attention to her cleavage. He swallowed the lump in his throat and squirmed in his seat, suddenly constricted by the tightness in the crotch of his jeans. How the fuck was he going to be able to conceal a bulge like this in his pants?

  She paused by the reception area, oblivious to his presence as she turned on the computer, and placed her handbag on the ground beside the desk. As she leaned down, her soft curls covered her face and she flicked the unruly strands of gold behind her ear before turning her attention back to the computer. He watched her in silence, reluctant to inform her of his presence, unprepared to give up his advantage. For the first time since they’d met, he could see what others had told him about her when they described a bubbly personality. She appeared confident as she typed away at the keyboard, almost happy. Suddenly, her hazel eyes widened and her hand shot to her mouth.

  “Holy crap.”

  He faked a cough, drawing her attention. She did a double take and leaned back in her seat.

  “I didn’t see you there.”

  “Yeah, I noticed that.” He rubbed the back of his neck, stalling while he formulated an excuse. “I thought I might startle you.”

  She shrugged and frowned. The corner of her mouth curled as she sighed. “I have that effect on people.”

  That’s not the only effect you have on people, he wanted to say as he prayed his erection would subside before he reached her desk, carrying a strategically place file.

  “Did you get bad news?” he asked, standing behind a chair.

  She tilted her head and frowned. “Why do you ask?”

  He motioned to the monitor. “You sounded … surprised.”

  Her shoulders rose in a shrug. “You mean the cussing? Sorry. I thought I was alone.”

  “I think I’ve heard worse than ‘holy crap.’ Give me a few days, no, scratch that … hours, and you’ll be getting a real education on foul words. I’ll apologize in advance.” After a quick downward glance at his crotch to be sure it was safe to move, he half-sat on the corner of the desk and asked, “So, you didn’t answer the question. Bad news?”

  “Actually, good news … I guess.”

  “Sounds ominous.”

  “I just received my job description and a two-week advance on my salary. It’s more than what I’d make in one month at the gym and I thought that was a great job.”

  “As much as it pains me to say it, Corel does pay considerably above the basic rate. I’ve made more in the last few weeks here than I did in six months on the force.” He moved a few papers around on the desk, avoiding making eye contact as he added, “I could even afford to take someone out for a nice dinner.”

  “That’s nice.” Her focus returned to the computer screen. He’d been shut down. Never one to give up on the first try, he persisted.

  “There’s a great pub down the road from here. They do a great steak and fries. Maybe you’d like to—”

  “I really should be reading these documents, Terry.” She turned her head to face him. “I’m sure you’ve got your own work to do.”

  Despite the stern expression on her face, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Those eyes. So unusual a color. Were they green or brown? He wasn’t sure how to describe them, and try as he might, he couldn’t tear himself away, even when her brows knit and her lips tightened into a thin line of soft-pink lipstick.

  “What are you staring at?”

  Sprung! He lowered his chin and scratched the back of his neck. “Your eyes. The color is so unusual.”

  “My mother had green eyes and my dad had brown. I inherited a strange mess of both colors. Weird, right?” She looked down at her keyboard with a flutter of long, black lashes, and he gasped. How could she not know how beautiful they were? How beautiful she was?

  “Are you kidding?” he almost shouted. “They remind me of a dish of caramel ice cream, swirled with milk chocolate sauce and just the right quantity of mint sprinkles. They’re not only beautiful, they look delicious. When I look at them, I want to eat you all up.”

  Her mouth dropped open with a gasp and her eyes widened to almost double their size.

  Immediately, he realize
d his mistake.

  “Fuck! I’m sorry, Susie. Wrong choice of words. I didn’t mean to remind you—”

  A laugh erupted from her lips and reverberated down her throat, making her chest expand and contract in short, sharp bursts. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gripped the armrests of her chair.

  “Is your mind always on food?” She chuckled as she tried to control her breathing. “Or are you the big, bad wolf in disguise? Eat me up? How poetic. The ladies must swoon.”

  He wiped his brow with the back of his hand. Phew! Nearly blew it again.

  “I thought—”

  She reached out and touched his hand. Briefly. Tenderly. His heart did a flip-flop in response.

  “I know what you thought,” she told him with a warm smile. “And I appreciate your concern, but I haven’t completely lost my sense of humor.” Wiping away a stray tear, she added, “And that was really lovely, what you said. Funny, but lovely.”

  “I do my best.” He chuckled, grateful for the second chance. “And, for the record, I’ve never had the occasion to use that line before now. You really are unique. I’d love the opportunity to get to know you better.”

  Before she could answer, the front door opened to reveal a courier holding a few packages.

  “Ms. Lister?”

  “Yes.”

  He held out an electrical device and stylus.

  “Sign here please. And here too.”

  He handed her a box and an official-looking A4 size envelope. “Have a nice day,” he told her, but his gaze remained focused on her cleavage. When their eyes met, he blushed and after nodding briefly to Terry, he left the office.

  Terry leaned over to read the envelope. “Nigel O’Brien and Partners law offices. Looks official. Have you been a naughty girl?”

  “No more than usual,” she teased back. Breaking the seal on the envelope, she lifted out the contents and blew out a long breath. “You’ve got to be shitting me.”

  “I think we’re going to need a swear jar.” Terry laughed as he waited for Susie to comment on the letter.

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” she agreed absently as she focused on the documents.

  Her expression troubled him. “Is everything okay?”

  “What?” She briefly closed her eyes and shook her head slightly, taking a moment before continuing. “I can’t believe she did this.”

  “Who did what?”

  “Anna. She had the deeds to her father’s, I mean, her house transferred into my name. She gave me a house, for Christ’s sake. Can you believe it?”

  “I’ve gotta get me some better friends.” He flopped back into the nearest chair with a groan. “I thought the watch Corel gave me was something. A house? That’s something else. Shit. I think you’ve just won the lottery.” He motioned to the box. “You’d better open that. It may be a Ferrari.”

  She screwed up her nose and squinted. “A little small for a car. Maybe it’s a hamburger? You do still have that hungry look in your eyes.”

  A tremble shook his body. Was it that obvious? Yes, he was hungry all right, but not for food. As their conversation had relaxed, his dick had hardened. Damn, she had a fine body. He could almost taste the salty goodness of her breasts. Feel the soft contours of her flesh under his hands.

  Snatching his files back off the desk, he held them to his crotch as he excused himself.

  “Well, I’d better let you get back to your work.” He turned his back and called over his shoulder, “Call me if you need me.”

  ****

  Did I offend him? Susie wondered when Terry abruptly ended their conversation and returned to his office, closing the door behind him. Guess it’s the house. He’d mentioned that he grew up in an orphanage. Nice one, Susie. Make him feel inferior when he was going out of his way to make you comfortable. For a moment, she considered knocking on his door to apologize but thought better of it. Just let it go. You’d only embarrass him further if you draw attention to it. She sat back in her swivel chair and twirled the seat from side to side as she examined the contents of the box, but she couldn’t concentrate on the task. She bit her bottom lip. Her tongue slipped between her lips, moistening them as her thoughts reflected on his expression when he told her about her eyes. They’re not only beautiful, they look delicious. When I look at them, I want to eat you all up. Not the words of a man mooning over another man’s wife.

  Her body tensed. If only she’d met Terry before the vampire attack, before Patrick. Damn that slimy bastard. He’d taken everything. Her trust, her confidence, her ability to feel. But, if she’d really lost the ability to feel, why did Terry’s words send a wave of molten heat through her blood stream and cause her womb to clench? Why did the hairs on her arms stand on end each time he brushed past, and why did her heart ache a little when he closed the door between them?

  ****

  Keep it in your pants, Terry reminded himself as he flopped down on his swivel chair. It was too soon to come on so strong. She wasn’t ready. Or is she? Her pupils had dilated when he gazed into her gorgeous amber eyes, or was that his imagination? He ran his fingers through his hair, cursing himself for allowing the thoughts into his head. You sound like a serial stalker. The door between them blocked out his view but not his desire. If only he could stop thinking about her.

  “I could help you with that, Palmer.”

  “Damn you, David.” He kicked the wastepaper basket across the room. “If I’d known you would keep intruding on my thoughts, I never would have let you give me your blood.”

  “If that’s your way of thanking me for saving your life, you’re most welcome.”

  “You tricked me! I never would have agreed if I’d known what you planned to do.”

  David’s laugh reverberated in Terry’s head. “It’s not my fault that you assumed Meaghan would be the voice of reason you’d forever hear in that thick skull of yours. Do you really believe I’d allow my woman to have access to your thoughts? Your very male thoughts. At the time, most of your fantasies involved her. They seem to have changed, of late.”

  Terry dragged both hands through his hair, tugging at the roots. As much as he hated to admit it, David was right. Meaghan had already chosen David over him when she convinced him to agree to a blood exchange. Chosen to become a vampire despite her blood phobia in order to be part of David Corel’s non-life. If he’d refused, he’d have died in that hospital bed, never to have met Susie. Never to have been given the chance at a real relationship.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Okay, okay. As much as it pains me to ask, if you’re going to set up residency in my brain, could you at least give me some advice on how to win the girl? And don’t say patience because I’m getting blue balls here. Is there any way you could find out how she feels about me? Has she mentioned me?”

  “Did I miss something? Are we in high school?”

  “David, so help me, vampire or not, I’ll fuck you up if you keep yanking my chain. I need help.”

  “Calm down, Palmer. You have Corel blood in your veins now. It may only be a small amount, but Corel charisma is legendary. All kidding aside, I’ll speak to Anna. Find out if Susie has any feelings for you besides thinking you have a nice ass.”

  “What? She thinks I have a great ass?”

  “Correction, nice ass. She let her guard down the last night you were at our home. I was able to read her thoughts for the time it took for her to ogle you. It’s a shame you can’t do something about your face.”

  “Oh, fuck off, Corel.”

  After a final chuckle, David broke the connection, leaving Terry alone with his thoughts.

  So, she likes my butt. That’s a start, anyway. If he could just convince her to like his other parts, he might have a chance. David’s other comment rang in his ears. It’s a shame you can’t do something about your face. Not much he could do about that, but he could make improvements to the rest of him. He grabbed his jacket from the hook, swung the door open, and marched past Susie’s
desk, calling out as he reached the front door. “I’ll be back in an hour or so. Call me on my cell if you need anything.”

  ****

  One hour came and went with no sign of Terry and Susie began to worry. Not so much for his safety, because, damn that man looked to be in good physical condition, but for any hope of a relationship with him. Had he gone out to meet another woman? Of course he has. Why would he wait around for a frigid mouse like her? He had needs. Physical needs that his clipboard had failed to conceal. She blew out a breath, remembering the impressive bulge in his jeans. Recalling the urge to cup her hand over that bulge and squeeze. The urge to do more than that. Much more. Her hand flew to her mouth. Susie Lister, you slut.

  As time dragged on, she kept busy by familiarizing herself with the office and taking phone calls. Many phone calls from concerned families. Still no Terry. Her anxiety escalated to anger. How could you let them win? You have feelings for this man. Don’t allow the evil to steal your chance of happiness. Tell him. Tell him how you feel. Show him that he’s gained your trust.

  With a sigh, she resigned herself to the hard fact. It was closing time. He wasn’t coming back tonight. By morning, she’d have talked herself out of admitting her attraction to him as she’d done every night since their lunch on the beach. Since she’d realized how much she craved his touch. The empty office darkened her mood but the thought of a new client arriving after hours and keeping her late, seemed worse. She marched over to lock the door and was almost knocked over as Terry strolled through. At least he looked like Terry.

  “Sorry I’m so late,” he apologized as he entered the office. “I didn’t realize how long it would take.”

  “Your hair,” she gasped as she realized why she’d barely recognized him.

  “Do you like it?” he asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

  She reached out and ran her fingers through his hair, trying to hide her disappointment. She’d imagined threading her fingers through his soft waves. Now, she’d never have the opportunity.

  “Your curls.”

  He shrugged and screwed up his face. “I know. They made me look like a dickhead, right?”