“Perry? What are you doing?” John asked.
John was scowling, but Sarah breathed easier.
Perry sat back, looking like a kid caught with his dad’s Playboy. “I wasn’t doing anything. I happened to spot this gorgeous thing sitting here all by herself and thought I would visit. Is there a law against that?”
“I thought you left,” John said through clenched teeth.
“I changed my mind. I was curious.” Perry looked back and forth between John and Sarah; he raised his eyebrows and then asked, “Oh! Is this her? Shouldn’t you introduce us?”
Her face heated up. John had talked about her? With Perry? The guy was a creep.
John took a deep breath as if resigning himself to some horrible fate. “Sarah, this is Perry Davenport; Perry, Sarah Daugherty.”
Perry extended his hand. She lifted hers, expecting to shake, when he took it and kissed the back of it, his lips lingering. A faint electrical-type current ran up her arm and his eyes widened.
“How do you do, Sarah? What a pleasure to meet you.” His voice flowed like honey, and her heart fluttered. First the glimmering eyes, now the electricity. Was it the bar or just these two? She snatched her hand back.
“Now that I’ve introduced you, can I talk to you in private?” John said.
Perry’s lower lip stuck out a bit. “Sure, Johnny, I suppose so.” When he stood, he bent and placed his mouth near her ear. His breath wasn’t exactly cold, but it wasn’t as warm as she expected. He slowly inhaled.
“Mmm, just like home.” His sultry voice gave her goose bumps. “So lovely to meet you, Sarah. Maybe we’ll get a chance to talk some other time?” He straightened and motioned for John to lead the way.
John leaned over the bar and whispered to Sarah, “Sorry to do this to you again. I won’t be long. You’ll wait?”
She smiled and nodded. Oh yeah. For him, she’d wait.
* * * *
At this rate, John would never get that date with Sarah. She’d get tired of waiting for him. Or wonder what kind of friends he had. Leave it to Perry to spoil things.
John walked through the back door and headed for his office. He waited for Perry to enter before closing the door and lashing out. “What the hell were you doing?”
Perry rubbed his mouth. “Oh my God, Johnny. Where did you find her?”
John stretched his neck first to the right then to the left. He couldn’t afford to lose it, not at the bar. “Why did you come back? You said you’d leave.”
“No, I didn’t say any such thing. It just looked like I left. You really think I would leave knowing you were meeting a girl?” Perry cackled. “I thought you knew me better than that.”
John shook his head. No one else to blame but himself, if he’d only kept his mouth shut.
“But don’t worry, Johnny. Now that I’ve seen her, I’ll leave. She is quite a find, though. I can only imagine what she must taste like. If it’s anything like she smells—”
He shoved Perry in the shoulder. “You wouldn’t dare….”
Perry raised his arms in defense. “Relax, Johnny. I know what you must think of me, but I won’t do it. I’ll be good. But aren’t you even curious?”
John was curious about a lot of things regarding Sarah, but her blood wasn’t one of those things. “She’s not food to me.”
“We’re vampires. They’re all food to us. When are you going to get that through your head?”
John folded his arms across his chest. He wasn’t having this discussion again. Feeding from people he knew was weird, plain and simple.
“Hey, I didn’t come here to argue. I really only wanted to see who captured your attention. You have good taste. Maybe in more ways than one,” Perry said with a chuckle.
Sure, he had his faults, but he’d been there when John needed someone. John eased the tension in his shoulders. Maybe he had overreacted a bit.
“Better get on back out there before someone steals her away. I’ll let myself out. See ya later, Johnny!”
John made sure his friend left for good this time. He rubbed his face. He needed to get it together. Sarah was waiting.
She sat hunched over her drink, sipping on the straw. When she had entered earlier, he hadn’t paid attention to her outfit because he was too busy unzipping her coat and avoiding her scent. Now with the coat off, her black slacks and long-sleeved, maroon blouse were in full view. As were her socks—gray with pink pigs. So, the penguins weren’t an anomaly. With the exception of her socks, she looked very businesslike. And very feminine. He was getting hard just looking at her. For over fifty years, his penis never twitched. Now it wouldn’t shut up and it was all because of her.
He walked behind the bar, using it to hide his erection. He needed to get his libido under control, especially if they ended up dating. Not that she would discover his secret, but he’d like for her to think he was a gentleman and not some horny bastard.
She still hadn’t noticed his return, but walking on light feet was part of the perks of being a damn vampire. He leaned onto the bar and whispered, “So, what did you have in mind?”
* * * *
The question and nearness of John’s voice startled Sarah and she looked up at his handsome, smiling face. God, he was beautiful. Quiet, too. Lost in his eyes, she suddenly realized he’d said yes.
All thoughts left her head. How did he make her forget everything? She had asked him out, the hard part was over. Right?
“I-I-I don’t know. I guess I didn’t think that far in advance,” she said with a nervous laugh. “Do you like movies? We could see a movie.”
“Yeah, I like movies. Was there one in particular you wanted to see?”
His smile melted her insides, along with her brain. How on Earth could she remember what movies were playing when she could barely remember her name?
He seemed to notice her problem and pulled a paper from underneath the bar. “Will this help?”
She smiled and nodded. Good thing his brain worked, hers had certainly disintegrated.
“What night works best for you?” she asked.
“I’m available any night. How about tomorrow?”
“What do you mean you’re available any night? Don’t you have to work?”
“Not really. Well, I do. You see, I own this place, which means I can come and go as I please, as long as I make arrangements. I trust my employees to take care of things here.”
“I’ve been here before. How come I’ve never seen you?” She never would have forgotten meeting someone like him.
“That’s probably because I’ve only owned it a few months. So, is tomorrow okay with you?”
Was this really happening? Was she actually planning a date? Her heart pounded with pleasure at the thought. She nodded, afraid her voice would crack and give her away.
She hovered over the paper, her head nearly touching John’s, and tried concentrating on the movie times, but his closeness nearly did her in. Whatever musky, woodsy cologne he wore, he smelled better than any man had a right to smell.
“How about the eight-thirty showing?” He moved back and her head cleared.
She nodded. Sure, it was a work night, but suddenly work didn’t matter.
“What time should I pick you up?” he asked.
“I asked you out, I should pick you up.”
“Maybe. Where do you live?”
Irrational fear glued her lips shut. She didn’t know this guy, but if she couldn’t trust him, why ask him out? She swept her paranoia aside. “At Patterson and Far Hills.”
“Then you’re on the way. I’ll pick you up.” He found a pen and piece of paper and slid them across the bar. “Write your address down, along with your phone number. In case I run late.”
Maybe he was right. She was on the way. Certainly not worth an argument, why get him mad before they even went out?
He stuffed the paper in his back pocket. “I’ll be there at eight. That’
ll give us plenty of time to get there. Do you have someplace to be tonight, or can you stay awhile?”
A frozen dinner waited at home. An empty home. John’s company alone beat that easily. Only one problem: it was getting late. Who knew what waited for her outside? Her enemy—fear—reared its ugly head.
“I need to get home,” she said, her heart hurting a little. Baby steps, that’s what she needed. She’d taken one big step tonight. That had to be enough.
He frowned, but nodded as if he understood. “Hold on and I’ll walk you to your car.”
The night was turning out better than she ever imagined. If she had known he would offer to walk her, she might have stayed. Now it would look strange if she changed her mind. She donned her coat and scarf while he left to inform someone he’d be gone. When he returned, he held the door open for her.
She glanced at his hand. Would he object if she held it? Probably not, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Still… Now that they were outside, would she feel the electricity?
With a push on her fob, she unlocked her door and he opened it for her. She glanced at his eyes. Even outside they glimmered, so it wasn’t the bar lights. How strange, yet wonderful. The most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen.
Sarah slid behind the wheel and John wouldn’t close the door until she buckled her seat belt. He wished her a goodnight.
Excitement built up inside her as she drove through each intersection on her way home. She actually had a date. Lori would be so proud of her!
Chapter 4
The night seemed clearer, the stars brighter and John’s spirits soared. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt such joy. Real joy. Not that crap Danielle had sprung on him prior to his turning.
He banished all thoughts of the bitch who had ruined his life and concentrated on Sarah instead. Sweet, beautiful, Sarah. Sure, her scent intoxicated him and her touch gave him back what he’d lost long ago, but there was more to her than that. Around her, he felt human. Normal.
The drive to her apartment complex only took a few minutes. He parked the Xterra and slowly got out. Butterflies flitted in a stomach perpetually empty and if he could sweat, he’d probably be soaked. The bar had introduced him back to the mortal world and Sarah opened the door to the possibility of companionship, however brief. But he must be careful. If she even suspected he was different, he’d wipe her memory and leave her. He prayed it wouldn’t come to that.
He found her building and took the stairs two at a time, stopping on the second floor. First door on the right. He knocked, anticipating the beginning of something wonderful.
Sarah opened the door and smiled, lighting up her whole face. It took a tremendous amount of control not to pull her into his arms and kiss her.
“Hi,” she said and stepped aside. “Come on in.” She wore jeans and a pink sweater. Thank goodness she didn’t feel the need to dress up for a movie.
“Good evening. You look lovely tonight.” As he walked past her, he snuck a look at her feet, but her socks were hidden. Maybe he’d get a peek in the car.
“Thank you,” she said, shutting the door. “Let me get my coat so we can go.”
Her living room was small, but orderly. A loveseat stood against the right wall with a coffee table between it and an overstuffed chair. To the side of the seating arrangement, a bookcase displayed an assortment of paperbacks. He pulled out one. Then another, and another. Since when did people write romances about vampires?
She returned with a scarf around her neck and carrying her coat. “Uh oh. Looks like you found my guilty pleasure.”
“You like vampires?”
“Well… Who doesn’t love a good fantasy?”
Fantasy. Right. Because the real thing was just too scary. He returned the books, then took her coat and held it up. She stared at it a moment before slipping her arms inside.
“You live here long?” he asked.
She zipped the coat to the top, as if she was afraid something would get inside. “A few months, why?”
“Most people have knick knacks and pictures.” Of course, he wouldn’t tell her his place looked pretty much the same. Pictures weren’t a good thing for him to have around.
“I don’t like to dust.”
His expression must have looked funny because Sarah laughed. It was light, airy, musical.
“Am I supposed to know what that means?” he asked.
“Sorry,” she said, putting on a more serious expression. Oh no, he didn’t want her to do that. He would have to watch what he said. “When I was married, it seemed all I did was dust the artwork Steven insisted on displaying. I decided this place wasn’t going to be like a museum. You ready to go?”
More than ready. He opened the door and sweeping his hand out, bowed. “After you.”
He waited while she locked her door. Should he take her hand? Better if he waited until they were in the darkened theater. Then she wouldn’t notice if he looked dreamy-eyed.
He led the way. After he opened the passenger door for her, she paused and stared at his SUV with her mouth agape.
“What’s the matter?” He glanced inside. He’d made sure the seat was clean before he left.
“You own The Bumblebee?” she asked, shivering.
“The bumblebee?”
Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry. That’s what I call it. Do you live at your bar?”
“Well, technically, yes. I live in the apartment above it. You work near Wings?” He knew the answer, but she didn’t know he knew.
“Yeah. In the building above the garage. Small world, huh?” She climbed into the SUV and he closed the door.
It was a small world all right. If she only knew.
He pulled out of the parking lot and cranked up the heat. It amused him how much she hated the cold. She couldn’t shove her hands any deeper into her pockets if she tried.
“Are those cows?” he blurted as he pointed toward her feet.
She looked down and turned her foot. “You noticed my socks? I don’t think anyone ever noticed my socks before.”
John shrugged. What could he say? He had eyes like a vampire?
“Are you from around here?” she asked. “I mean, did you grow up here?”
Her scent intensified inside the vehicle and he had to know, because if this date didn’t work out, he would buy a gallon of the stuff. “What kind of perfume are you wearing?”
“What? I… I’m not wearing any perfume.” She lowered her head and discreetly sniffed herself.
“Oh. Well, don’t worry, you smell nice.” Okay, he’d screwed that up. What else would he do wrong? “To answer your question, I grew up about forty miles northeast of here, in Urbana. I left after I graduated high school and it’s only recently I returned to the area. In fact, I moved to Dayton when I bought the bar, since the drive was too far to make daily.”
“You have family in Urbana?”
“No, not anymore. How about you, you have family around here?”
She shook her head. “Not in the Dayton area. I’m originally from Cambridge. While at college, I met Steven and Lori. They’re from Dayton, and of course, I came here with Steven. After the divorce, I didn’t want to go back to Cambridge and since Lori was still here, I stayed. Is Perry your friend?”
Sarah didn’t appear to like Perry, which was strange. No woman had ever resisted his charm, but maybe there was a first for everything. John smiled. “Yes, I hope you don’t hold that against me.”
“No, I wouldn’t do that.” Her laughter filled the interior of the SUV with music. He needed to make sure she laughed often. It was the loveliest sound.
John pulled into the theater’s parking lot and found a slot. He exited the Xterra and walked around to open Sarah’s door for her, but she was already out by the time he arrived. Sure, times were different, but it still bothered him. She was a lady and he would treat her like one.
“I heard it was a really good movie,” sh
e said as they stood in line to purchase the tickets.
Frankly, he didn’t care what movie they saw. He just liked being near her.
He accompanied Sarah to the next open window and she placed their order. He pulled out his wallet, but she shook her head.
“Put that away. I invited you, I pay.” She slid her money to the cashier.
His mother had always told him a gentleman paid. He picked up the two tens and gave them back to her. “I insist.”
“But—”
“No buts.” He paid the cashier and took the tickets. When he handed one over to Sarah, she frowned. What had he done wrong?
“Can I at least get you something from the concession stand?” she asked.
Food. Now that would be a problem. “No, thank you. I ate a large meal.”
And had he ever. He made sure he’d fed well before the date. Sure, he could wipe her memory if he went and lost his mind and actually sampled her—regardless of what he’d told Perry, he was tempted—but he’d rather not resort to those tricks. A gentleman behaved accordingly and he would, too, no matter how great she smelled.
“Oh,” she said.
Another frown. He certainly wasn’t off to a very good start.
While the previews were playing, Sarah took his hand and interlaced her fingers with his. A rush of warmth traveled up his arm through his body and ended at his groin. He nearly gasped in pleasure. Shit, if he wasn’t careful, he’d end up coming in his pants. Yeah, it’d been over fifty years since his last orgasm, but that was no excuse for losing it like a virgin.
He concentrated on her as her warm hand became lost inside his. Her pulse raced. Maybe she felt something, too?
So what was she thinking? He could read her and find out. Nothing deep into her consciousness—that would be rude—just enough to understand her frown earlier so he wouldn’t make the same mistake. That would be okay. Right?
He concentrated, but came up blank. That was strange. He concentrated harder. Still nothing. He’d never had any problem reading another person.
Until now.
Maybe prompting would help. “Tell me how you feel.”
No reaction. Had she heard him at all?
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