“Don’t worry about me. I’m happy with the blue plate special, whatever it is. Meatloaf, fried chicken, hot turkey sandwich. It’s all good.”
“You might have just talked me out of that Greek salad. What’s the special today? Do you know?”
“No, but I’ll call the house phone when I get there.”
“Wait. You have to leave to pick this up? This isn’t delivery?”
“No, miss, I’m sorry. Would you rather I stay then? I understand not wanting to be alone in the house with Evangeline. I’m sure there’s something in the house we can eat.”
She’d seen the fridge when she’d made breakfast. It was pitifully bare, except for the take out containers. Greaves and Sebastian lived like bachelors. Which they were. “No, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“You’re worried about her.” It was a statement, not a question.
Tessa shrugged. She didn’t want to upset the normal routine. “She’s asleep. How much trouble can she be? Go. Get us some lunch. I’ll be fine.”
“You’re sure?”
She wasn’t. “Absolutely. But let’s exchange phone numbers first. Then you’ll have my cell and I’ll have yours.”
“Very good.”
She gave him her number, which he entered into his contacts, then she took his down. “I’m going to run upstairs, check on the baby, and grab my cell phone. I’ll keep it with me so I can answer as soon as you call.”
“All right. I’ll be quick.” He headed out through the mudroom.
She went back up to the bedroom. Duncan was still fast asleep. She took her phone out of her purse only to realize she didn’t really have a place to put it. A second later, she was changing into the new jeans she’d bought. Skinny jeans. Jenna would be proud. She added a cute printed top and one of the new cardigans that went with it.
She tucked the phone in her back pocket and went to check herself out in the mirror. Wow, what a difference an outfit could make. She looked less like someone’s mom and more like a fun girl to hang out with. Which she totally was. She was really starting to see why Jenna had bugged her to dress more currently for so long.
She owed her sister a spa day after this was over with. Nocturne Falls had to have a spa, didn’t it?
She checked on Duncan one more time, then went down to the library to peruse the books some more and see what Sebastian considered worthy of being in his collection. Her phone rang as she was looking at an impressive shelf of first editions.
“Hi Greaves. What’s for lunch?”
“The special today is open-faced roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes or French fries and glazed carrots. I feel it’s only fair to mention they have coconut cream pie on offer today as well. It’s very good, if I do say so.”
“I’m in. On everything. Mashed potatoes for me with the roast beef.”
“Excellent. I’ll order and be home forthwith.”
“I’ll be waiting.” She hung up and went back to the books, picking out a volume of world mythology that looked interesting.
“All alone, are we?”
Tessa’s blood chilled at the sound of Evangeline’s voice. She hugged the book to her chest as she turned to see the woman standing in the doorway. Blocking the exit, essentially. Tessa decided not to answer the question, countering with, “Good afternoon. I hope you slept well.”
That sounded like a thing the woman of the house would say, right?
Evangeline smiled. “Your concern is touching.”
“We wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable.” Even though Evangeline was putting off all sorts of defensive vibes right now.
“I think Sebastian might argue with that.” She strolled into the room, wearing the same silky black nightgown and feathered slippers she’d had on the night before. Apparently, she thought being a vampire entitled her to dress like an aging movie starlet. “Speaking of, where is my husband?”
Tessa bristled but did her best not to show it. She tried to think of Evangeline like a noisy patron who needed shushing. Start with tact first. With that in mind, Tessa chose her words carefully. “Sebastian should be home any moment. He had a meeting with Julian this morning.”
Evangeline stopped just short of the sunbeam Tessa stood in. “And Greaves is out, too, isn’t he? Probably getting you lunch. The man never did learn to cook, did he?”
A good guess or the woman had been eavesdropping. Not surprising. But her defenses seemed to be dropping now that she knew Sebastian wasn’t around. “Yes, he’s picking up lunch. He should also be back soon. Is there something I can help you with?”
Evangeline leaned her back against the shelves and studied her long, pointed fingernails. They were painted deep red. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
Those nails were such a cliché, Tessa thought. But the fact that the woman was frustrated with something came through loud and clear.
Evangeline stretched her fingers out, admiring the polish. Or whatever. “Aren’t you worried about Sebastian?”
Tessa held the mythology book in front of her like a shield, which wasn’t an item valkyrie were equipped with unless they were headed into battle. Even then, it was more for show. Valkyrie were fairly invincible. That fact gave her some comfort. “Worried about him in what way?”
Evangeline stopped looking at her nails and turned her gaze to Tessa. “He’s out there in all that…” She waved her hand at the light streaming through the windows and genuine fear radiated off the vampiress. “Sun.”
Tessa glanced toward the sunlight. It was a bright, beautiful day outside. She couldn’t imagine being afraid of something so ordinary. “I guess he’s one of those vampires who is immune.”
Evangeline snorted. “There’s no such thing as a vampire who’s immune to the sun.”
“Well, he is.”
“He’s not. None of us are.”
“Oh.” Evangeline wasn’t lying, Tessa could tell. So how was Sebastian able to brave the daylight then? “Maybe he’s…staying in the shadows.”
“I suppose.” Evangeline smiled. “That’s a pretty cardigan you’ve got on.” She reached out to touch the sweater, moving her hand into the sunbeam surrounding Tessa. Smoke curled off her finger and her skin started to bubble. With a soft cry, she yanked her hand back and pressed it to her chest. “Damn sun. Do you see what I mean about sunlight and vampires?”
Tessa recoiled. “Yes. Are you all right?”
“I’ll heal.” Evangeline hugged her hand against her body, pain and fear blocking Tessa’s abilities to read anything else off her. “But Sebastian had better be careful or there will be nothing left of him. Nothing ruins a wedding like having your fiancé turned into a pile of ash.”
Tessa shook her head. “Why would he go out in the sun if it’s that deadly?”
Evangeline glared at her. “Do you think that was some trick I just pulled? Did you see my hand? Do you want me to show you again?”
“No. Please don’t. I’m just saying Sebastian is a careful, cautious man. He wouldn’t take that kind of risk.”
“Well, maybe you should talk to him about it.”
Tessa nodded, trying to appease Evangeline’s anger. “Maybe I should. I’d hate for anything to happen to him.”
Evangeline sighed and seemed to relax. “So would I. I know you two are in love. I see that now. But you must understand that I will never stop caring for Sebastian in my own way. We’ve been a part of each other’s lives too long for me to just forget him.”
“Of course.”
Evangeline’s gaze softened. “Please make sure he’s not taking any sort of unnecessary chances.”
“I will.” Tessa doubted Evangeline’s concern but maybe that was petty. It was possible the woman genuinely didn’t want harm to come to Sebastian.
Evangeline smiled. “I know he’s in good hands with you. I see the way you look at him. You love him, don’t you?”
“Yes. I wouldn’t have agreed to marry him otherwise.” Good thing vampires couldn’t read people t
he way valkyries could or Evangeline would know what a lie that was. Tessa cared for Sebastian, but love? That wasn’t something she was ready to commit to. Yet.
Evangeline’s smile dissipated and real concern filled her eyes. “If you could talk to him and let me know that everything is okay, that he’s not risking death every time he steps outside of this house, I promise I will leave before the week is out so that you two can get back to your life. Dissolution papers signed.”
“I can’t promise he’ll tell me—”
“Surely he doesn’t keep secrets from you, the woman he’s committed to spend the rest of his life with.”
“No, of course not. I’ll see what I can find out.” Tessa knew as she spoke the words that she wasn’t about to do anything for Evangeline. She would talk to Sebastian about him going out in the sun, but it would strictly be because Tessa wanted to be sure he was all right. If Evangeline really wanted to know that as well, she could talk to Sebastian on her own.
“Thank you. That’s all I want. To know that he’s protecting himself. You should want to know that too.”
“I do.” Especially because Evangeline was reading very truthfully. She was genuinely concerned about Sebastian. Probably because if anything happened to him, her constant flow of cash would dry up.
Evangeline leaned in conspiratorially, as though they’d just become friends. Which they had not. “Make sure he’s not relying on cheap magic to protect him. I lost a good friend in Paris that way. Went up like a bonfire.” She shook her head and sniffed. “Terrible way to go. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
Tessa grimaced, an image of Sebastian on fire flashing through her mind. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Just like she’d continue to ponder Evangeline’s curiousness about Sebastian’s well-being.
“Miss? I’m home.” Greaves voice rang out from the other side of the house.
Tessa swallowed, thankful for the interruption. “My lunch is here. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Of course. I’ll be in the theater for the rest of the day. Greaves told me about it last night and I can’t resist. It’s not often you get a theater to yourself so I’m going to indulge and catch up on some movies. That’ll keep me out of your hair for a while, too. I’m sure it must be a huge bother having me here.”
“It’s no bother, really.”
“All the same, I have movies to watch.” With a little nod of her head, Evangeline left.
Tessa stared after her, the fiery image she’d conjured up still lingering. Why would Sebastian go into the sun if it could kill him? The answer was, he wouldn’t. Sebastian wasn’t the type to take chances like that, which meant he must have a way to protect himself when he was outside. Curiosity burned within her. She had to know. After all, she cared about him and whatever happened between them after this, she knew they’d remain friends.
Unless he wasn’t around to be friends with.
As Evangeline disappeared out of sight, the urge to protect Sebastian strengthened in Tessa. What on earth was Evangeline up to? She wanted to know that as much as she wanted to know how Sebastian didn’t go up in flames during daylight hours.
What Tessa did know was that if Evangeline was headed to the theater, she wouldn’t be in her room.
Tessa went upstairs, straight into the guest room. She stood at the door, filled with the sort of bravery she hadn’t felt since her days at battle camp.
She stepped into the room. Evangeline’s things were everywhere. Neatness wasn’t high on her priority list apparently. Tessa had no idea what she was looking for, but there had to be some clue in here as to Evangeline’s true motives.
She found Evangeline’s purse. If the woman was hiding something, it might be in there. But a quick riffle through determined the handbag held nothing but the usual stuff. Tessa glanced toward the door every minute or so, hoping Evangeline really was ensconced in a good movie.
Tessa stood and looked around the room, trying to think like a vampire. A traveling vampire.
Her gaze shifted to the suitcases. There were three of them in descending sizes, matching hard shells on rolling wheels. Sleek black carbon. Very modern. The largest one looked big enough to hold a person.
Tessa went closer. Did Evangeline ever use it to take shelter from the sun? In a pinch, it might do. She stared at the thing, wondering what else the suitcases might be used to hide.
She stuck her head out of the room to look for Evangeline. No sign of her.
Tessa grabbed the big suitcase, unzipped it and had a look. The bag was lined with charcoal nylon printed with the company’s logo. And it was empty.
She moved on to the medium one with the same result. Nothing inside. With another check for Evangeline, Tessa unzipped the smallest one, probably a carry on. It was empty too.
She sighed in frustration and was about to zip it back up, when something white caught her eye.
The edge of a piece of paper.
It stuck out from a hidden zipper in the lining. Tessa ran her fingers over that part of the nylon. There was definitely something under it.
She released that zipper and freed the paper caught in it. Then she reached in and pulled out a thin sheaf of papers. They all had dates scrawled on them. A span of the last ten years or so. And each paper held a copy of a newspaper article that had been clipped from the Nocturne Falls Tombstone.
Every article was about something happening in town. Many of them were about the charity events that Sebastian had told her about. One showed the dedication of the new blood bank. Another the opening of a business. But all of them had two things in common. They were all accompanied by pictures.
And all the pictures had Sebastian in them.
Sebastian’s meeting with Julian went well. His brother was in an odd mood. Almost contemplative, which wasn’t a state Sebastian was used to seeing Julian in. Whatever the reason, it had made Julian easier than usual to talk to and they’d agreed upon a budget in less an hour, which was probably a family record.
Nocturne Falls was about to get its first wedding chapel. Technically, it was already operational, but once the grand opening took place, it would be in full swing. New businesses were always good for the town, and while Sebastian had his doubts about the necessity of this one, Julian felt strongly that it would succeed.
Sebastian hoped that was true, but with the budget done, his part was over. It was Julian’s to deal with now.
Sebastian pulled into his driveway, past the main entrance and into the first garage. He locked the Aston Martin, a habit even though the car was inside, and went into the house.
He heard Tessa and Greaves in the kitchen. He passed through the mudroom and joined them. Both had slices of custard pie in front of them and a Mummy’s Diner shopping bag sat on the other counter. “Don’t tell me you’re having pie for lunch?”
“No,” Tessa said. “We had actual food first.”
Greaves tipped his head toward the refrigerator. “There’s a steak sandwich in the icebox if you’re hungry.”
Sebastian glanced at their empty take-away containers. “What did you two have?”
“Open-faced roast beef sandwiches,” Tessa answered. “They were so good. That diner is a winner.”
“It’s very popular with tourists and locals. We order from there often enough.” Sebastian checked the floor. “Where is that small furry thing you like to call baby?”
She grinned. “He’s upstairs. Possibly sleeping. Possibly shredding your ties.” She shrugged. “Hard to say.”
He frowned at her. “I believe Duncan and I have come to an understanding. If he shreds those ties, it’s at his own peril.” He gave her his sternest expression. “If I have to banish him to the guest house, I will.”
She laughed, then rolled her eyes. “I wish you could banish someone else out there.”
A sense of concern filled him. “Did something happen while I was gone?”
“Nothing major. I’m just making conversation.” She shot a quick look at Greaves,
then went back to her pie.
Sebastian got the sense that she wanted to talk but not in front of the rook. “I have a few things to finish up in my office. Tessa, when you’re done with your pie, come see me.”
“I’m done now. I’m stuffed.” She closed the clamshell container it was in. “I’ll save the rest for later.”
“I’ll clean up and put things away,” Greaves offered. “You two go talk.”
“Thanks.” She smiled up at Sebastian, but something darker lingered in her eyes. “To the office, then?”
He grunted a response, his mind already calculating what Evangeline might have done.
She walked with him. “Everything go all right with Julian?”
“Very well. We came to an agreement on the budget. There’s a lot of heavy lifting yet to do, but that’s on him.”
“Are you worried he won’t get it done?”
Sebastian unlocked the door. “No. When it comes to his pet projects he makes them happen. Despite my distaste for my brother’s Casanova ways, I must admit that when he sets his mind to something, he accomplishes it. Unfortunately, I believe that’s his approach to women as well.”
“He probably hasn’t met the right one yet.”
Sebastian pushed the office door open for her. “How would he know? He doesn’t keep any of them long enough to find out.”
“That could be a problem.”
He went in behind her, then shut the door and locked it so they wouldn’t be interrupted. “What didn’t you tell me in the kitchen?”
She turned, and took one of the chairs across from his desk. “I’m not sure where to start.”
“The beginning is always the best place.”
She laughed softly. “I suppose it is.” Then she sighed and her smile disappeared.
Instead of going behind his desk, he sat next to her. “Did Evangeline do something to you? Threaten you? Because I will not stand for that.”
Tessa waved her hand. “No, nothing like that. But she did get me thinking about something. It might not be a bit of a personal matter.”
“What? You can ask me anything.”
She folded one hand over the other, her fingers tracing the scar on her knuckles with the sort of absentmindedness that told him that scar had been there a long time. “How is it that you can go out into the sun and not be harmed?”
The Vampire's Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls Book 5) Page 14