“In all the wrong places?” Matt supplied, unable to resist.
“Wrong song, son,” Frank said heartily.
Soon they turned onto the road that led to the bed and breakfast. As they pulled into the huge yard already filled with cars, Matt spotted Kimmie talking to Hayden. They exited the car, and Matt took Natalie by the elbow. She turned to Frank. “Thank you so much for the ride.”
“You’re welcome, little mama.” He helped them unload the car, and then he wandered away.
“Mom!”
Matt and Natalie turned. An excited Kimmie and Jenny rushed to them. “I can’t believe this! It’s so great.” She danced a jig around Natalie and hugged her mother.
Then Matt found Kimmie’s arms wrapped around him. “Mr. Dennison is gonna be my stepdad!”
Chapter Nine
Natalie felt an icy wave of dread wash over her. They’d taken this fake engagement way too far. Why hadn’t it occurred to her that Kimmie would know about the engagement? She glanced at Matt and saw his shock. Their little white lie had coalesced into a huge catastrophe. The excitement dancing in Kimmie’s eyes inflated Natalie’s guilt.
“Lovebirds!” trilled Bettie. “We have so much to discuss.” The tiny old woman was attached to Frank’s chubby arm. “This man is not only a devoted fan of the King, he’s got a night club act...and he’s a preacher. Isn’t this fabulous? Why, Matt and Natalie, you’re going to be married by Elvis at the Little People fertility festival! It’s all so perfect!”
Frank struck a pose. “Uh thank ya, thank ya very much.”
Natalie gaped with shock then started to laugh. She couldn’t stop, and she knew she sounded like an out-of-control clown, but the ridiculous situation overwhelmed her. This is hysteria, she told herself, but aloud she said, “It gets worse and worse, doesn’t it?” And she laughed some more. So hard, in fact, she snorted and tears leaked from her eyes.
“Mom? Are you okay?”
“Kimmie, go get your mother some water,” Matt said. He lifted her onto the Caddy’s trunk. “Are you all right, Natalie?” he murmured, pushing her hair behind her ear.
“Nope.”
Bettie, Frank, and Jenny crowded around Matt. Natalie closed her eyes against their concerned expressions. She’d been such an idiot. Why had she let it get this far? She opened her eyes just as Kimmie appeared with a paper cup of water. She gratefully drank the water and handed the cup back to her daughter.
She didn’t know what to say, what to do. She looked at Matt.
He turned around. “Everything’s fine,” he said. “Please don’t be concerned. Its just pre-wedding jitters.”
Everyone nodded and dispersed except for Kimmie. Natalie squeezed her daughter’s shoulder. “It’s okay, “she told Kimmie, “Go on. I’ll talk to you later.”
Kimmie kissed Natalie on the cheek. “I love you, Mom. I just want you to be happy.”
Natalie looked at her only child’s sweet face and felt her heart turn over in her chest.
“I’ll take care of her,” Matt said softly. His words gutted Natalie. They were breaking up tonight, and here he was telling her daughter he’d take care of her. It was impossible. The whole situation.
Kimmie nodded and walked toward the garage sale, looking back at Natalie every few steps. Her daughter’s obvious concern tore at her.
Matt put his arms around Natalie. She snuggled into his warm embrace, feeling like a leech sucking out all his comfort, but she couldn’t pull away. Matt didn’t seem in any hurry to end the hug either, so she stayed against his chest remembering how good his body had felt against hers and listening to the sound of his thudding heart.
Natalie thought about the days after her ex-husband had left. After she’d gotten over the shock of his abandonment so he could join Children of the Night, AKA a vampire cult, she’d felt a vast relief. She’d savored having a Ronald-free life. Her and Kimmie started building new memories, better experiences. Then Ronald went and ruined it by kidnapping Natalie and handing her over to Phil the vampire as a sacrifice.
Dark One, my ass. Phil had been a ridiculous man, all self-important and pompous because he’d found a bunch of jerk humans who would worship his undead ass. She didn’t feel one bit bad that Ash, the detective who freed her, killed the bastard, for the second and last time, good and dead.
She looked at Matt and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.” He looked startled, but then kissed her lightly on the lips.
“I know it’s important that we end this marriage facade, but I don’t want to fight. Not tonight.”
Natalie didn’t want to stage a fight, either. Not ever. She wanted to live in this new place she’d found with the psychic, but she couldn’t expect him to give up his life to be with her. He was alive, and she was undead. Even if he wanted to date her, how could she expect him choose between becoming a vampire or growing old when she could not?
The garage sale closed. Natalie and Matt had separated, though it seemed every time she sought him in the crowds, she found his gaze directed at her. He’d smile and she’d smile, too, feeling like a giddy teenager.
Speaking of giddy teenagers, Natalie realized Hayden—son of Dr. Wickham—was the object of her daughter’s affections if the way they flirted was any indication. And that meant Jack-hole was not her daughter’s crush. Yay.
The barbecue geared up, and Natalie, for the first time this night, was told to go away and stop helping. Her fake, impending marriage had sent the town into a weird frenzy. She’d received congratulations and advice all evening, and she was sure Matt had received the same. It worried her. She squared her shoulders. She’d made her bed—she’d damn well lie in it. Especially if Matt was in it with her.
Matt. He had her twisted inside and out. She knew he cared for her, and she knew he wanted her. She couldn’t help but think about what life, or unlife, would be like with Matt. She envisioned laughter. Hot sex. Cozy nights. Affection. Support.
Love.
To her ex-husband, she’d always been a wife, a homemaker. He’d never seen her as a true partner, he’d never given her credit for her intellect or asked about her dreams or tried to understand what was in her heart.
But Matt did all those things without even trying.
Matt watched Natalie bend over the table, tugging at the edge of the vinyl cover. Once again, the dress fluttered provocatively, and now that he knew just what pleasures awaited him under that dress, his response was sudden and embarrassing.
He wanted her. In so many ways. When she wiggled, he couldn’t stand not being next to her, not touching her, anymore. Looking around, he noticed almost everyone except Kimmie and Jenny had convened to the backyard for the barbecue. Then that kid Hayden appeared and escorted the girls around the house.
Natalie was alone. Finally.
He walked next to her and put his arms around her. He trailed soft kisses on her neck.
Her head lolled back, giving him better access. “You taste good,” he murmured. He pushed his arousal into her stomach and cupped her buttocks, pulling her to him even closer.
She pressed tiny kisses on his jaw and neck. Each touch from Natalie was torture. And he loved it.
Matt pressed his lips against hers, and she opened her mouth to him, her hands creeping up into his hair. After a long moment of drinking from her, of tasting her, Matt dragged himself away.
Natalie’s dazed smile ripped at his flagging control.
Matt grabbed her hand. “Let’s go eat before I do something stupid.”
“Yes,” she agreed, but he could see the reluctance in her eyes.
“Maybe we could...”
Unfortunately, before he could say more, well-meaning folks separated Matt and Natalie and dragged them toward the picnic. Natalie managed to escape first, and she gestured to a secluded area. He nodded and tried, in vain, to push through the group of well-wishers.
“Thanks, everyone, really,” Matt said. “But I need to get some food.”
He tur
ned, not liking the knowing grins he received. How would these people react when he and Natalie ended their engagement? An unsettling emotion niggled at him. The townspeople would eventually accept that he and Natalie were not getting married. He headed toward the buffet table, his stomach growling. The smells of roasted chicken, baked beans, and mustard potato salad made him salivate. He saw Natalie on the other side of the table with two plates. She indicated one plate was his. Then she smiled that same smile he’d seen all day. She had secrets in her eyes—secrets only he knew. It pleased him—far too much.
Kimmie stepped into his path. “Mr. Dennison?”
He gestured toward the wooded area close by. “We can talk over there.”
They walked to the edge of the forest. At least hundred people milled about, eating, drinking, talking, and laughing. Men and women engaged in a horseshoe contest. Children played tag. Babies cried. Strung-up paper lamps lighted the yard. Matt enjoyed watching the activities for a moment, and inhaled the scents of the night. Any outsider who might happen upon this gathering wouldn’t suspect that these townsfolk were vampires, werewolves, fairies, and witches.
“What’s up, Kimmie?”
She withdrew a small bag from her pocket and handed it to him. “I made this for Mom. I was hoping you would give it to her.” She glanced behind her, and said, “Do you think she’s okay?”
“Yes,” Matt replied. “What is this?” He glanced at the tiny silk bag sitting in his palm.
“My friend Tilda says it brings luck.” Kimmie shrugged. “I thought maybe Mom would like it.”
“So why don’t you give it to her?”
Kimmie’s gaze skittered away. “It’s better if you do. Mr. Dennison, I just wanted her to be happy. I didn’t know you two were dating already. Mom never said anything.”
Matt felt his gut clenched. No wonder Natalie had second thoughts about the fake fight. What would Kimmie do when she realized Natalie and Matt weren’t bonding at all? He looked down at the bag. What would it hurt to bring Kimmie’s gift to her mother?
“I’ll take it to her,” said Matt.
“Thanks.” Kimmie smiled shyly at him. “I don’t know how you guys got together—but I’m glad. Mom’s had a rough go. My dad...” Her words trailed off, but he could see shame and guilt in Kimmie’s expression. Shame and guilt she hadn’t earned, but still felt. Sometimes that happened when the people we loved or were supposed to love us turned out to be terrible and awful. With his ex-fiancé, he’d felt some of that responsibility as well.
Matt felt shamed now. Damn. Natalie had been right—the situation kept worsening. What had started out as a little lie to deflect an amorous ghost had turned into a complete catastrophe. He didn’t want to hurt any one with their deception. Not the excited townsfolk, not Kimmie, and most of all, not Natalie.
Kimmie gave his arm a quick squeeze, and with a little wave, she took off. He watched her join Jenny and Tilda. All three girls looked at him expectantly. Then they turned away and bent their heads together, having some kind of whispered conference.
Matt pocketed the luck bag.
Reminding him, teenagers were weird.
“Hi, Natalie,”
Natalie looked up, a chicken leg poised before her lips. Jerry floated above her, smiling shyly. He looked different—less sad, she supposed. She put the leg down and gestured for him to sit on the blanket she’d arranged for her and Matt—far away from everyone else.
“I figured you’d be here,” he said as he sat beside her. He floated a few inches above the ground. He avoided looking at her, instead directing his gaze at the people milling around the yard. “I wanted to tell you that I think you and the flesh-freak make a good couple.” He glanced at her. “Dottie set me straight, you know.” He blushed. “She’s quite wonderful.”
“So you and Dottie…”
His doughy face reddened as he blushed harder.
Natalie pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Poor Jerry was adorable in his own pathetic way. She patted his shoulder. “I’m happy for you. Does that mean you’re staying?”
“Dottie’s working it out with the queen. She says Patsy will probably agree to me hanging around since it’ll mean Dottie won’t bug her as much.”
This time, Natalie laughed.
Jerry snickered, too. He shook his head. Then his expression turned somber. “I really don’t know how many of us escape through the portal,” he said. “But I do know that something else came with us. Ghosts aren’t all harmless, you know.”
Natalie thought of the disgusting Tony. “We’ve dealt with one of those already.”
Jerry nodded. “The portal’s closed. I mean, Patsy has the ability to send us back to limbo, but who knows how many ghosts even stayed around here.”
“You mean some of them left Broken Heart?”
Jerry shrugged. “You asked for a love life and said you wanted dead guys. That was enough to have several of us lining up.”
“But I didn’t ask for any of those things. I didn’t open a portal. And I didn’t want a love life.”
“Looks like you found one anyway.” Jerry offered her another shy smile as he cast a furtive glance in Matt’s direction. “Just be careful, Natalie.”
“I will.” She squeezed Jerry’s hand. “I’m happy for you and Dottie.”
“Thanks.” He floated into a standing position. “Good-bye, Natalie. See you around.”
She nodded her good-bye then picked up the chicken leg. After taking a bite, she put it on the plate, kicked off her shoes, and stretched out. She wasn’t hungry anymore. The idea of her and Matt’s charade ending now left her empty ... like a hole that could never be filled. Where was Matt? She’d been sitting there for half an hour, anticipating his arrival.
She set aside her plate of food and tried not think about ghosts, dating, or portals. The area she’d picked was isolated enough to hear nature over the dull conversations coming from the other picnickers. She stretched out on the blanket, closed her eyes, and listened to the chirping of crickets and the wind rustling through the trees.
And tried to shake off the foreboding that squeezed her stomach.
Kimmie settled against the tree, morosely watching everyone enjoy themselves. Man, she’d screwed things up. She wiped the tears from her eyes. Mom would probably kill her for trying to use magic to create a love life for her. The idea seemed dumb now.
“What’s wrong, Kim?”
Hayden sank down beside her, his concern evident in his brown eyes.
“Nothing,” she said, turning away. Figures he shows up when I’m bawling like a big baby. “Just go away.”
He touched her cheek. “You’re crying.”
“Duh,” Kimmie said. “You’ve discovered the secret of the century.”
Hayden chuckled. “I love it when you do that.”
Kimmie swiped at her face. “Do what?”
“Use sarcasm. It means something’s got your goat.”
His grin flashed in the darkness. Kimmie felt the bottom drop out of her stomach. He was so cute. Darn him, anyway. Why couldn’t he go away and let her be miserable? “You’ve got me all figured out, Hayden.”
“No, not really.” He leaned forward, brushing the hair from her eyes. “I don’t have you figured out at all. But I’d like to.” He caressed her cheek, closing in until his lips were a mere inch from hers. “I’ve been meaning to ask you—”
“Yes,” Kim breathed.
Hayden looked surprised, then pleased. His grin returned. “Do you even know what you said yes to?”
Kimmie’s heart pounded. Boys! Didn’t he know how close he was? Didn’t he know she didn’t care about words right now? Didn’t he know she wanted him to kiss her?
“I said yes to the school dance... and to Shaun of the Dead,” Kimmie said. “Now shut up and kiss me.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he whispered, and then brushed his lips across hers. His mouth felt warm and soft and gentle. She sighed when he moved away. His hand found her
s, and they sat in silence. Hayden scooted closer and put his arm around her. Kim snuggled against his shoulder.
“So how do you know I wasn’t asking to go steady with you?”
Kimmie looked up at him. “Go steady? What is this, the 1950s?”
“Go steady,” he reiterated. “Girlfriend, boyfriend. Dates. Necking.” He wagged his eyebrows, but she saw his nervousness.
She pretended to think about it. “I don’t know...”
“Don’t say anything yet,” he interrupted. “Think about it. I can wait.”
“Oh, Hayden.” She laughed. “I’ve been waiting months for you to notice me. I’d like for us to be a couple.”
“Wow,” he said. “I’ve never not noticed you.”
Kimmie felt his rapid heartbeat when she hugged him, her own heart bursting with joy.
Hayden leaned down and kissed her again.
“Wow,” she said, echoing his earlier sentiment. “Just wow.” Happiness danced through her. Hayden was her boyfriend. She felt so...weird.
“So what were you crying about? Can I help?”
Misery crushed her joy. Hayden might have to wait until graduation to see her again once Mom figured out everything she’d done.
“We have a problem.”
Kimmie and Hayden looked up. Tilda stood there, arms akimbo, her expression panicked. Jenny was right beside her, and she looked upset, too.
“What happened?” asked Kimmie.
“There’s a disturbance in the force,” said Jenny.
Hayden laughed. He stopped when he noticed the girls were not joining in. “You make a Star Wars joke, and I’m supposed to take that seriously?”
“I’ll meet up with you later,” said Kimmie, popping to her feet. She, Tilda, and Jenny hurried away, leaving behind a very confused boy.
Something wet and ticklish licked her feet.
Natalie sat up, yanking her legs away from the offender.
She stared, and then yelled, “You!”
“Moo,” said the ghost cow. “Moooooo.”
You’ll Understand When You’re Dead: Broken Heart Vampires Book 12 Page 7