“That’s reassuring.”
He laughed. “Okay, that sounds worse than it is. And she’s not always that silent. But she knows everything that goes on in this town, trust me. She’d never let it slide when she found out I had a woman staying with me.”
Desi’s eyes narrowed as she peeled the wrapper off her straw. “You didn’t answer the last question.”
He sighed. He couldn’t lie to her. He wouldn’t lie to her. “Yes, I told her we were married. Extenuating circumstances is all I can say about that. But look, it’s going to be fine. It’ll be a small, overly formal dinner for the three of us. Maybe four if her assistant joins us. But she’s my grandmother—”
“And your sire,” Desi whispered.
“Right. So what do you say?”
“Of course, I’ll go.”
Because she was obligated? With all Julian was doing for her, he wondered if that was her reasoning. Didn’t matter, though. She’d agreed, and Didi would be satisfied, which meant his grandmother would get Alice to make Desi an amulet. “Thank you.”
“It’s a little nerve-racking, I have to say. About meeting her, I mean.”
He nodded. “I understand. But you’re a strong woman. Like her. You two will find you have a lot in common. And I’ll be there with you, so if the conversation turns too personal, I’ll redirect.” He smiled broadly. “I’m the baby of the family, so I get away with a lot, being the favorite and all.”
“Oh great, you’re the favorite. No additional pressure at all.”
“She’s going to love you. I promise.”
Desi snorted. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re her favorite. How is any woman going to be good enough for you?” She fiddled with her paper napkin. “Especially one who already plans to divorce you.” She glanced up. “Didn’t tell her that part, did you?”
“Actually, I did. I figured she needed to know so as not to get her expectations up.”
“Really?” Desi straightened. “And she still wanted to meet me?”
“Yep.”
She sipped her soda. “Oddly, that takes a little of the pressure off.”
Tim returned with another server in tow, each of them carrying a large pizza. Tim also had a metal contraption slung over one arm. He set that down first while balancing the pizza dish in the other hand. “This is our double-decker pizza stand. Without this, I don’t know where we’d put the other pie.”
He slid the king pizza onto the bottom rung, then the second server added the queen to the top. Tim stood back. “Good to go?”
“Good to go,” Julian answered.
“All right. I’ll be back to check on you in a bit.”
Tim took off, leaving them and the pizzas alone.
Desi’s eyes were wide. “That’s a lot of pizza. And it smells amazing.”
“Wait until you taste it.” He picked up the serving spatula. “Which one do you want to start with?”
She held up her plate. “Let’s not play games. One of each.”
“That’s my girl.” He served her. The slices overlapped and draped over the plate at both ends.
He started with a single slice of the loaded king pie. He lifted it to his mouth, ready to take a bite, but Desi’s low moan of pleasure stopped him.
He lowered the slice to see her better. Her eyes were closed in ecstasy.
She finished chewing, swallowed, and looked at him. “This is not like any pizza I’ve ever had before. It tastes exactly like what you think pizza should taste like, but never quite does.” She looked around. “Is this place famous? Because it should be.”
He nodded, unable to take his eyes off the way her tongue swiped across her bottom lip before she took a bite of the second slice. Then he realized she’d said something else. “What?”
“I said I don’t know which I like better, the king or the queen.”
“No, me either.” He was mesmerized by her. Watching a woman like Desdemona eat pizza shouldn’t be a revelatory experience, but it was. Maybe it was her vampire nature, or maybe it was her way of living life out loud, but she ate with such enjoyment that the simple meal seemed like a celebration.
He devoured his first slice, his appetite suddenly insatiable, then quickly moved on to his second in an attempt to catch up to her.
By the time Tim came to check on them, both pies were half gone. “Wow, you two are like pizza-eating professionals. I’ll be right back with drink refills.”
Desi smiled and shook her head as she reached for another slice.
“What?” Julian asked.
“I’m just having a good time. And I didn’t expect that. I guess I kind of forgot how nice it is just to be a regular person.”
“You mean a non-famous person?”
“Something like that.” She took a sip of her soda. “What can we do after dinner?”
“Anything you want. Walk around, look in the shops, go for a drink, get some dessert, or if you’re really feeling adventurous, there’s bowling.”
“Hah! I don’t know if I’m quite there yet.” She bit the point off her slice. “Do you have a movie theater?”
“No. You have to go to the next town over for that. It’s not far, though.”
She leaned in. “No movie theater?” She gave him a disapproving look. “You guys have this great town and yet your visitors have to leave if they want to see a movie? Think of the money they’re spending in that other town. Who’s in charge of business development?”
He snorted. “I am.”
“Was there ever a theater here?”
“Yes, but it was closed long before we bought the town. That building was torn down to make room for the new fire station.” He thought a little. “There is space for a theater near the lake. I’ve talked to my brothers about building there. A little outdoor retail area. The theater would be a nice anchor along with some restaurants and some shops.”
“That sounds nice.”
“It would be.” He picked up his slice. “Thanks for the kick in the pants.”
She laughed. “You’re welcome. And I’m only asking fifteen percent of the profits.”
“You’re such a giver.”
They bantered and ate and laughed and had such a good time that Julian momentarily forgot she wanted to divorce him as soon as possible. He almost didn’t even care because things were so good between them, it felt like they’d always been this way, and might stay this way.
If it weren’t for the undercurrent of reality and how soon their time would be over, he might have let himself fall completely into the fantasy that they were truly man and wife. But Desi had made it clear. This was a temporary, and indulgent, situation.
Tim brought the check. “Man, you guys ought to win an award for finishing off both of those pies.”
Desi smiled up at him, dazzling him with a grin that made the kid redden. “Maybe we really are pizza-eating professionals.”
He chuckled and stammered as he took Julian’s credit card. “Yeah, well, you, uh, you should be. I’ll, uh, be right back.”
He left and Julian snickered. “Someone has a crush on you.”
She smirked. “What can I say? I’m adorable.”
“That’s not the word I’d use.”
“Oh? What then?” Her gaze tapered down, like he’d better choose his words carefully.
He leaned closer and took her hand. “Irresistible. Magnetic.” He laced his fingers through hers. “Sexy.”
Her eyes took on a soft glow, and she swallowed. “Oh.” Then she slipped her hand from his and tucked both of them away on her lap. “That’s sweet of you to say.”
Had he just seen a glimmer of desire in her? For him? Something deep within him stirred. Hope, maybe. But he hadn’t felt that particular emotion in so long he wasn’t sure he could still identify it.
Tim returned with the check for Julian to sign and a plate of desserts. “Mr. Brunetti sent these cannoli and zeppoli for you,
Mr. Ellingham, and said he’s very pleased you dined with us this evening.”
“Tell him that wasn’t necessary, but very gracious of him and they look delicious.”
“I will. Have a good night.”
As Tim left, Desi’s brows rose. “Well, look at you getting free dessert, Mr. My-Name-Had-Nothing-To-Do-With-It.” She picked up one of the little fried dough balls. “I don’t know what zeppoli are, but that won’t stop me from eating one.”
He took one for himself. “They’re like Italian doughnuts.” These were covered with powdered sugar, and from experience, he knew they’d have a hint of lemon.
“Mmm…” Desi answered, her lush mouth already sporting a dusting of sugar. “Boy, you sure know how to impress a girl.”
He took a bite of the zeppoli, but his mouth was watering for a different reason. He wanted to kiss Desi more than anything in that moment. To take her in his arms and kiss her like there was no reason to stop.
But that would only upset her. She didn’t love him. Couldn’t love him. And was never going to reciprocate his feelings. So what was the point? It would be a self-serving action. And the last thing he wanted was to give her a reason to speed up the divorce.
“Anything important?”
Desi shook her head as she read the message on her phone. Her arm was hooked through Julian’s so she let him lead while she walked beside him on autopilot. “Just Sam texting to say she got the flowers I sent.”
“That’s it? No new threats.”
“Nope. She did mention how cute she thinks Harlan is.” She laughed and put the phone away. “You may have started something there.”
“He’d better be paying attention to keeping her safe and not just flirting.”
She fluttered her lashes at him. “Isn’t it possible to do both?”
He made a face. “Did you just bat your lashes at me?”
She shrugged. “It’s all those carbs and that sugar. I feel like I’m drunk from it. I can’t be held responsible for my actions right now.”
“Oh, so I’m worth flirting with when you’re intoxicated,” he teased.
“That is how we ended up married.” But he was right. When her guard was down, she had a tendency to forget her own rules. It was so easy to do around Julian. He was everything she’d want in a man. If she wanted a man. Which she didn’t. “Speaking of sugar, I saw what was in your pantry. Is all that candy for you?”
“Maybe.” He laughed. “Hey, we all have our addictions.”
“You might need a twelve-step program.”
Still laughing, he held tight to her arm. “I’m glad we came out tonight.”
“Me, too. This is exactly what I needed. Especially since tomorrow night is going to be a lot more stressful.”
He patted her arm. “I promise, if my grandmother makes you uncomfortable, I’ll come up with an excuse and we’ll leave early.”
“Thanks.” That was Julian. Always understanding. Always willing to put her needs first. Always ready with the right words or response. He was perfect. Too bad she wasn’t, thanks to Alonso. She sighed, then forced herself to veer from that mental path. “What are you wearing to dinner?”
“A suit. My grandmother’s a little old-fashioned. She likes people to dress up.” He glanced at her. “How about you?”
“I don’t want you to think I’m caving to pressure, but I’ll probably go with a little black dress.”
His eyes widened. “Do you even own one of those? I thought everything in your wardrobe was neon or leopard.”
“Hey, I’m wearing jeans.”
“With bright purple boots.”
She looked down. “Oh, yeah.” She shrugged. “I have something suitable.”
“I don’t care if she likes what you have on or not. Wear what you want. Be you.” He gave her a little nudge. “Never stop being you. It’s what made me fall for you.”
She slanted her eyes at him. He was staring at her mouth. She’d been around long enough to know what that meant.
He wanted to kiss her.
And why shouldn’t he? He was her husband. He was in love with her. With all he was doing for her, the man deserved a little something for his troubles. There was a park up ahead in the center of the road. It divided Main Street. If she remembered correctly from the drive into town, there was a big fountain in the center.
She shifted direction toward it. “Let’s go see the park.”
“Sure.”
They crossed the street and walked in.
“This is really pretty. I love this spot of green right in the center of town.”
“Nocturne Falls has a lot of parks, but most of them are in the residential areas. This one is really for the tourists, and to give some of our locals who need the contact with nature a place to go while they’re on break from the shops.”
They strolled toward the fountain. There was no one around. Perfect.
She stopped and pulled away from Julian, then held out her hand. “Do you have a coin? I want to make a wish.”
“I think I can manage that.” He dug into his pocket and came out with a quarter. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” She took it, turned toward the fountain, and tossed it in.
Julian stepped next to her. “What did you wish for?”
“If I tell you, it won’t come true.” She gathered her courage, hoping what she was about to do wasn’t the dumbest decision she’d ever made. It was just going to be a show of her appreciation. That was all. “But I will tell you this. I don’t know how to properly thank you for everything you’ve done for me, so while we’re alone, I want to show you.”
“But we’re not—”
She put her hands on his forearms, leaned in, and kissed him, putting an end to whatever he’d been about to say.
He sucked in a breath as their mouths collided. His lips were soft and velvety, and the sweetness of the cannoli and zeppoli lingered. She knew she’d completely caught him off guard. She smiled against his mouth and was about to break contact, figuring she’d made her point, when he got over his shock.
And kissed her back.
His hands went to her hips and he bent into her, hungry for her in a way that shot dangerous spikes of desire through her. A low growl vibrated out of his throat and his hands gripped tighter. Possessively.
His fangs raked her lower lip, and the sensation sent a shiver of pleasure through her. He was an excellent kisser. So good she was powerless to stop the heat curling through her bones or the soft whimper that escaped her throat.
In response, he pulled her against him, and the solid planes of muscle beneath his clothing became instantly apparent. Her hands slid to his chest. More hard muscle. More undeniable maleness.
She’d held him at arm’s length for so long that it had become easy to think of him as just a friend.
But the person kissing her right now was one hundred percent man and one hundred percent vampire.
Her head spun as his tongue brushed hers. For a brief, blinding moment, she considered giving in to the deepest, darkest part of her that wanted to love again. Julian wouldn’t hurt her, would he?
But she’d thought the same thing about Alonso and he’d tried to kill her.
She flattened her palms on Julian’s chest and pushed away. His eyes were glowing like stars and his fangs gleamed in the park’s streetlamps. If she was still human, she would have been very, very afraid. As a vampire, she understood that the creature in front of her was being driven by his emotions and what she was seeing was pure, unadulterated desire. “I shouldn’t have…”
“But you did,” Julian said.
“Because we’re alone. And I wanted to say thank you.”
He raked his hand through his hair. “We’re not alone.”
She blinked at him. “We’re not?”
“I tried to tell you.” He looked toward the fountain. “Nick?”
She followed his line of sight in time to see the gargoyle statue move.
She backed
up. “What the hell?”
The gargoyle shrugged. “It’s my job.” Then he nodded at Julian. “Evening.”
Julian frowned. “Keep this to yourself.”
“You got it, boss. I didn’t see a thing.” He went still again. Ironically, like a statue.
Julian put his hand on the small of her back and got them moving forward. “We need to talk.”
“I didn’t know he was real.”
“Not about that.”
He didn’t say another word until they were back in his car in the town parking lot. She wasn’t ready to go home, but then, staying out with someone giving you the silent treatment wasn’t exactly buckets of fun either.
She let out a long sigh before he started the car. “You want to tell me what I did wrong?”
He turned to her, leaning his arm on the steering wheel. “You kissed me.”
“To say thank you for everything you’re doing for me.” She thought she’d made that clear.
He dropped his head. “Des, I am in love with you. I don’t know how else to say it so that it sinks in.” He lifted his head again, sadness bracketing his gaze. “You cannot kiss me like that. Not unless you’ve had some miraculous change of heart and you want to stay married. Or at the very least, stay involved. And I don’t mean as friends.”
He fell back into his seat and stared out the windshield at the parking lot. “I can’t take it. I’m not some unemotional rock of a man. I was the baby of the family. I didn’t have the responsibilities my brothers had, nor the need to school my emotions in front of others like them. They’re great at hiding their emotions. Or maybe they just turn them off, I don’t know, but I feel things very deeply.”
His words stung. She’d hurt him. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just thought you deserved a kiss.”
He barked out a short, hard laugh. “I do. From a woman who loves me.”
“Ouch.” She held her hands up. “I earned that.”
He shook his head. “No, you didn’t.” He smiled, a little half smile that was clearly about making her feel better, because that’s what Julian did. “Let’s just put it behind us, okay?”
The Vampire's Accidental Wife (Nocturne Falls Book 8) Page 11