Shades of Amber

by Morgan Smith

  “I’m sure you do.”

  “What if I was a predator out to get you?”

  “I’d tell you to get in line.” I slid the key into the deadbolt as his voice drew closer.

  “What did you do today?”

  “Why so intense?” I stepped inside and flipped the light switch. Goosebumps lined my arms, despite the warmth of the house.

  Troy leaned against the doorjamb, filling the space with his broad shoulders. “I’m always intense, cher.”

  “You still haven’t told me how long you’ve been here.” The garment bag fell twice as I tried to find the coat rack without taking my eyes off him. The longer I looked, the more I wanted to run my hands beneath his black blazer and navy V-neck.

  He chuckled. “And you haven’t told me what you did today. Did you go shopping?”

  My lips curved up as I shrugged.

  We were at a standstill.

  “I asked you first,” I said as I placed my hand near his.

  “Let me come in before the heat escapes.”

  I laughed, “I don’t think so.”

  Troy lifted his hand, tracing the curve of my cheek as if we weren’t separated by the three magical inches of my parents’ threshold.

  “You wouldn’t tease me if we were at your house.”

  I simply smiled.

  “Come on, cher. Just say the words.” His voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket, urging me to abide. My blood warmed as I considered inviting him inside.

  We could lay on the couch and I could let him….

  I shook my head. “This is my parents’ house, I can’t invite you in.”

  His ring sparked as he held my gaze. “Of course you can.”

  “No, I can’t. You’ve been invited into my house. What if I need some alone time? This is my only refuge if I need to escape you.”

  “Are you tired of me already, cher?”

  I looked at his mouth, remembering how good it felt when he kissed me. “No, I just need a place to put my costume. I also have to water the plants. My parents are on vacation.”

  “Why can’t you leave the costume at your house?”

  “I don’t want you to see it before tomorrow,” I said, blocking the bag from his sight.

  “And why is that?”

  “I want it to be a surprise.”

  “Alright, I won’t peek. Come to dinner with me.”

  The tone of his voice made me step back. “Is it just me or do you get more intense every day?”

  “Hmm, I think it’s just you,” he whispered.

  My hands twitched as I considered running them along his abdomen. “I see what this is.” I covered my ears. “You’re trying to seduce me.”

  “It will work eventually.” He smirked. “I’m very persistent.”

  “I have to water the plants!”

  “If you invite me in I won’t rush you. You can even give me a tour. How are the Nightingales?”

  “They’re fine, and you’ve seen the house. It hasn’t changed since you went away.” I pointed toward the street. “Go get your Ferrari. You probably parked a block or two away, didn’t you?”

  Instead of addressing my words, he put his hands in his pockets and backed away. “Don’t try to escape, cher.”

  I opened the door five minutes later and backed right into him as I closed it. “I thought you were worried about how cold it is,” I said as I locked the door and put the key into my pocket.

  “You’re the only thing I need to warm up,” he said.

  I turned around. “Don’t you mean, ‘You’re the only thing I need to warm me up?”

  “No.” He pulled me against his chest. “You need to be warmed up, you’re shaking.”

  “Being around you still makes me nervous.”

  “Why?”

  “Sometimes I think I’ll wake up and find out that you’re really dead. Remember when I thought you were a ghost?”

  “How could I forget?” He brushed my cheek as I got into the passenger seat. “How did you explain my return to your friends?”

  “I said even Obit writers make mistakes, and that you had to deal with someone sabotaging your family’s fortune. We also agreed that it was insane to accuse you of being a vampire because that was total non-sense.”

  “What name did you say?” he asked as he started the engine.

  “Trey Montag,” I shrugged. “It was rather clever, I think.”

  He laughed for a second before turning serious. “But did they believe it?”

  I nodded. “Everyone except Amelia, but she won’t say a word. She’s just curious to know what other make believe things really exist.”

  He smiled as he started the car. “Not as many as she probably thinks.”

  Chapter 28

  “Did your house become a five star restaurant in the last 48 hours?” I glared at the imposing structure, expecting gargoyles to manifest.

  There was a brief chuckle as he emerged from the car. Every step seemed effortless as he made his way to my side. I peered at him through the tinted glass, wishing I had the strength to let go of my inhibitions.

  “Relax. I’m going to cook for you.”

  I bit my lip as he took my hand. “Then take me home?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” My feet moved without hesitation as he led me to the front door. “What exactly do you do for a living?”

  “Whatever I like.”

  My curiosity was in overdrive. I wanted to know every piece of him, but I was afraid of his candor.

  “For now, I manage the finances for my father’s company; he’s into yachts.” His warm breath tickled my neck as he removed my coat.

  “So that’s temporary?” I followed him through a doorway, and was quickly distracted by the sleek kitchen. Several rows of overhead lights bounced off the stainless steel appliances and marble counters. “I know you can cook, but this is impressive.”

  “Cooking hasn’t been as much fun without you.”

  “What did your dad do before he went into boats?”

  He smiled and washed his hands as I peeked in the cupboards. “My father possesses many skills and enjoys using them in different ventures.”

  There was the cryptic answer I’d been expecting.

  I bumped him out of the way and collected a dollop of soap. “Sounds familiar.”

  While he collected the pork chops and other ingredients, I leaned against the counter in awe. His culinary skills had always trumped mine, but watching him reminded me of how much I missed his lessons.

  Jazz floated through hidden speakers as he slid the tray into the oven. I took a sip of my sparkling water, trying not to choke as he ambled toward me. He’d ditched the blazer and rolled his sleeves up, exposing his smooth forearms. I watched him over the rim of my glass until he set it aside.

  Sliding his hands into my hair, he tipped my head back to expose my throat. “I’ve missed this.”

  My muscles clenched as his lips skimmed my neck.

  Would I scream and fight or would I surrender?

  The fear vanished when he licked my skin. “Me too.” I wrapped my arms around his neck as he lifted me onto the counter. Every inch of his body melded with mine as our lips and tongues battled for control.

  It felt as if time didn’t exist—until the clock buzzed.

  “Go, take a seat, cher,” he whispered as he eased me to my feet. Grabbing my water, I moved into the dining area and sat at the square table.

  I tapped my fingers against my mouth as I took in my surroundings. Although I hadn’t noticed Troy’s connections in the past, I couldn’t overlook them this time. He was a well-tailored beast in more than just the vampire sense, and I was in love with him.

  My fingers brushed the black tablecloth as the centerpiece caught my eye. The longer I looked, the higher the flame danced.

  How did my life get to this point?

  “I know you still feel overwhelmed, but it’ll get easier.” Troy rubbed my shoulders. “Why don’t
you give your brain a rest?” His sudden appearance almost sent my glass crashing to the floor.

  He sat next to me and smiled. “You are so cute when you’re on edge.”

  The pork chops, roasted potatoes, and asparagus spears stole my focus as I looked at our plates.

  “What’s wrong?” He raised an eyebrow. “Have you lost your appetite?

  “No.” I rubbed my forehead. “You still eat food?”

  He laughed and slid his arm around my chair. “Yes, cher, it’s part of the curse. I can eat food, but I have to drink blood.”

  “You have to drink blood,” I muttered after several moments.

  “Jade?”

  My mind raced as I picked up my fork. “I was just thinking… If this is a curse, shouldn’t there be a cure?”

  “There are rumors, but who knows.”

  My fork slipped from my fingers.

  Rumors were a good thing.

  I took his hand and brought it to my chest. “What if you could become mortal again?”

  “I would do anything as long as I have you.”

  I pondered the possibilities as we ate. It was nice that some things hadn’t changed. Troy was still a phenomenal cook and despite his need for blood, his appetite hadn’t diminished.

  What were the odds of finding the right cure?

  Troy sighed. “It would be like finding a grain of rice in a blizzard.”

  “Oh.” I followed as he cleared the table and filled the dishwasher. “What do you think we’ll have to do?”

  The corner of his mouth lifted. “We?”

  “Of course.” I squealed as he picked me up. Once we reached the couch, I slid down his body until I was on my feet. I played with his hair as we fell onto the couch. “I’m going with you.”

  He me against his chest. “It will take a lot of digging. There’s no telling how long that could take.”

  “I know, but we have to try if there’s a chance.”

  He nodded and kissed me until I forgot all about curses cures, and everything but him. Our lips touched—gentle, yet passionate until we were feverous with desire.

  Eternity

  Eternity with you

  Is way too long,

  A lifetime…

  That doesn’t sound so strong.

  I could never imagine

  Living forever

  And I’d better not have to

  If we’re to be together.

  We are in fact

  From different sides,

  But you never told me

  Our worlds would collide.

  Now,

  I find myself

  Thinking about time;

  Wondering what if…

  We had the forever kind.

  -Jade

  Chapter 29

  I reached for a blanket when goose bumps assaulted my skin. The moment my fingers met the material, it fell over me, warming my core. I nestled deeper until I noticed hard muscle where cushions should’ve been.

  How long would it take me to stop feeling so disoriented after I fell asleep?

  I opened my eyes, when applause filled the room. Some infomercial stole my attention until I caught sight of Troy’s silver watch. I pulled his wrist closer as I struggled to make out the time.

  Was it noon already?

  I tilted my head back, noting the sunlight. Sun plus vampire equaled me stranded until sundown… unless I could get one of my friends to drive up the mountain.

  The last thing I remembered was his smile after he finally got the dessert he’d craved since our first dinner date.

  I rubbed my eyes and looked up, surprised to find him watching me. I pulled the blanket to my neck.

  He swept my hair away from my eyes. “It’s a little late to be shy, cher.”

  I covered my face with my hands and exhaled.

  “Why don’t you want to stay?” he asked as his amber eyes bore into mine.

  “Your masquerade party is tonight. How can I get ready if I’m here until sundown without my stuff?”

  He kissed my forehead. “Relax. Charles can bring it back here.”

  I leaned on my elbow and glared at him. “No. Charles can take me home, though.”

  He shook his head and tried to kiss me again.

  I held up my hand and got off the couch. “I don’t have to get a ride. I can call a cab from outside,” I said as I got dressed. Dropping to my knees, I searched for my purse until he moved toward the door.

  When he motioned me over, I sat on the couch and stared at the plush white carpet.

  “I found what you were looking for.”

  Troy had my purse, which meant I had no cell phone, no money—I couldn’t get a cab without that stuff.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I can’t go anywhere without my purse.”

  “That’s why I got it for you.” He knelt down and put it in my hands.

  “And you’re just giving it to me?”

  He laughed and twisted a lock of my hair around his finger. “I know you’re coming back, cher, and the longer I keep you, the later you’ll be for the party.”

  I smiled at him. “I like when you’re not super intense.”

  He chuckled. “I know.”

  “Then why do you do it?”

  “It hurt that you would rather make yourself unhappy than let me back into your life. I wanted you to see how much it hurts to fight with yourself.”

  I stared at him. “You make it sound like you know from experience.”

  He traced my palm with his index finger. “Maybe I do.”

  “Tell me, please.” I bit my lip as I waited for his reply.

  “I fought myself when I wanted to come back for you, until one day my heart won over my head.”

  I leaned forward and kissed him. “I’m glad you came back for me.”

  He pulled me into his arms as we neared the door. “I love you,” he whispered before moving behind it.

  “I love you.” I sighed as I stepped outside and found a white cab waiting.

  The passenger side window rolled down as a slender woman called out. “Miss Nightingale?”

  “That’s me.”

  The sun glimmered through the trees as we descended the winding road. No matter what Troy was, having him in my life was better than having him in the ground.

  My Love

  Every time I look at her

  I see the girl I saw before.

  Beautiful and headstrong,

  She is at heart.

  My life,

  My love,

  My fresh start.

  For when I think of

  The future we’ll have,

  I find myself unbelievably glad.

  To be with you for the rest of time has

  Always been a dream of mine.

  -Troy

  Chapter 30

  It was a little past seven when I got back to Troy’s. I rang the bell and smoothed my shaking hands from the top of my champagne corset to the black tulle skirt. It was ridiculous, but the thought of being around so many of his acquaintances made me uncomfortable.

  What if my dress was too formal? Would I draw too much attention? Had he invited other vampires?

  Anyone else would’ve rang again, but I could barely contain myself. I stared at the floor, following the cracks in the wood to regulate my racing heart.

  “Jade.” Troy’s voice drifted over me as his black shoes and trousers came into view. “I thought that was you.” He moved closer and lifted my chin.

  It took all my strength to keep from swooning as his leather-clad finger slid down my neck. My gaze drifted over his dress coat, up his white vest and cravat, until I spotted the white half mask. “How did you know?”

  He moved the mask on top of his head and smirked. “Great minds think alike, I guess.”

  We stared at each other until he pulled me into his arms.

  “I’m not sure I believe you.”

  His cool gloves trailed my back, sending tingles along my
skin as he kissed my neck.

  In that moment, it was easy to forget what Troy was, but no matter how gentle a caress or tempting the kiss, reality was never far behind.

  I removed my hands from his hair and kissed him one more time. “You should probably return to your guests.”

  “You’re probably right.” He chuckled and caught my hand before I could move toward the door. “Always, so eager for an escape, cher.” He spun me until I landed with my back at his front.

  “It’s your party,” I murmured as his fingertips traced the top of my bodice.

  “Sweet Jade, ever ready with an excuse.” His words caressed my ear. “But you forget I can read every unedited thought that enters your mind.”

  His words were like ice water to my mood. “I could never forget.”

  It wasn’t too hard to accept this new Troy, but what worried me most was his newfound insight. The fear that he might use it to steer me to his whim made me second think everything about our relationship, no matter how many times I laid out the pros and cons.

  For a moment, I closed my eyes, imaging what might have happened if I’d had the strength to move away. I might’ve never learned the truth.

  “I would have found you no matter what.” He turned me slowly. “Nothing would ever keep us apart because I love you with everything I am, mortal or not. You’ve had my heart and soul since the moment I found you humming as you searched for that book.”

  I rubbed my hand along my throat, absently touching the necklace. “I love you; I just wish you were more contained.”

  With his hands clasped behind his back, he bent until our lips almost touched. “If I love a bit too hard, hold you a bit too long, then I would hope that in my absence, you’d crave me—as I have you, all along.”

  I leaned closer as he spoke.

  Who was I to dissect his motives? No one had ever come close to loving me as much as he did, so how could I let fear destroy my chance at happiness.