by Tiffany Dawn
“Yes, of course—I’ll be adopting him.” Dorian noted her visible sigh of relief.
“That’s wonderful. I can’t believe what some people will do to these dogs just because they’re white.”
“What do you mean?”
“Some very unscrupulous backyard breeders will kill any all-white boxer puppies. There’s an old wives’ tale that such dogs are deaf or prone to cancer. It’s not true, but as you’ve now seen, people can be cruel.” She shook her head sadly and made a final notation in the medical file.
“Why don’t I make a deposit on the bill, and then perhaps I could offer you dinner out in thanks for your stellar care for, umm, Dempsey, here?” He motioned toward the now dozing puppy.
“Dempsey? Where did that come from? I’ve never heard that one before,” she asked, smiling shyly. Oh, how he would like to elicit more responses from her. She was a treasure trove of honest expression.
“It’s the name of a famous boxer from the 1920s. It just sort of came to me.” If only she knew he’d seen him fight a dozen times back in the day. There were some interesting benefits to being immortal. He watched her add the puppy’s name to the file and cleared his throat to get her attention.
“So, about that dinner?”
“I, well, um, that really isn’t necessary, I’m just doing my job, but thank you so much for the offer,” she stammered, blushing prettily. Not that he was going to accept her turning down his offer. He was intoxicated with her scent and wanted to spend a bit more time basking in her pure aura.
“Oh, that just won’t do. I absolutely insist. Besides, you wouldn’t want me to have to dine out alone, would you?” He smiled in his most panty-dropping way and sent a light burst of incubus energy toward her. She sucked in her breath, swaying slightly on her feet before righting her balance and nodding softly. As if in a semi trance, Shari led him to the reception area and put a five hundred dollar hold on his credit card. Before she could get her wits back, he made arrangements to pick her up at six and was off to reschedule his missed morning meeting. A little surge of incubi pheromones was a wondrous thing. Today had thus far turned around quite nicely. Maybe an evening with Shari would allow him to get over his infatuation. He needed to clear his mind and finalize his business with the masters. He couldn’t afford to let any softness toward Gabriel matter. This young woman might be just the distraction to do the job and finally get his long-awaited soul.
Chapter 9
What had she gotten herself into? She was in no position to go on a dinner date with Dorian Black. He was so far out of her league he might as well be an alien visitor. He was beautiful and smooth; every word he uttered seemed to sing its way through her body, leaving her humming and, well, aroused. It was something more than his chiseled good looks. It was as if the man exuded super sex. She had tried so hard to say no to his dinner invitation only to wind up nodding her acceptance like a simpleton.
Maybe having been alone these last months was taking its toll. Shari never had a ton of male attention thrown her way. Her cheating ex was her only serious boyfriend. Dates before Johnny were childish attempts to get Gabriel to notice her. This was different though. Carpe diem.
Well, if he wanted to take her out for a thank-you dinner, then she should just go and be appreciative. It was probably just a kind gesture. He wasn’t actually interested in her romantically—she figured that by the way he said she smelled at the grocery. It would be fine. She’d grab a quick dinner at one of the local diners and be back at her cottage in time to feed her cat—the kitten was commuting to work with her for feedings. It would be fun not to have to eat a microwave dinner and he must be a nice guy. Serial killers didn’t rescue dumped puppies, right?
What if he didn’t show up though? What if he went on with his day, realized how unnecessary a thank-you dinner was, and just blew her off? Superhot guys with Black Cards didn’t chat her up. That would be a bit embarrassing, especially since Dr. Burke must have heard their conversation and knew she was supposed to be going out.
Maybe Gabriel was right—she was too nice. He would have no problem going after what he wanted. Too bad he didn’t want her. Maybe her attraction to Dorian would finally get her over those pesky unrequited feelings she harbored for Gabe. Sure, because a two-year relationship with her cheating ex had done so much to cool her ardor for her stepbrother.
The rest of the day went by as slow as molasses. She kept looking at the clock every ten minutes with a sense of excited trepidation. Finally, six o’clock rolled around, and she ditched her scrubs for a pair of jeans and short-sleeved blouse. She ran a brush through her hair and put on some lip gloss. It was the best she could do considering she didn’t have time to run home for other clothes and makeup.
Dorian was right on time. He came into the reception area, no longer in his dark suit of this morning but looking relaxed and almost boyish in faded jeans and linen shirt. The sight of him set the butterflies loose in her belly. He was too yummy looking for her sensibilities. She pulled his dog’s file to her chest like a shield. Calm down. This is not your first rodeo.
“Shari. You look lovely. How is Dempsey fairing?” Dorian asked smoothly, giving her that smile that sent the butterflies swirling. She swallowed, trying to get herself under control.
“He’s doing well. He can go home tomorrow if you will be around to carry him outside and give him his medication. Otherwise he could day board here and I’d treat him during the day.” She flipped the file open to stall but didn’t need to read any of her notations to give a full report.
“That’s great news. Yes, it would be best to have him cared for here. I could drop him in the morning and pick up later in the day.” He smiled, drawing her eye to a dimple on his left cheek. She turned back to place the file on the desk. “Well, let’s get going, I made a dinner reservation for seven at Tidewater’s.” He gestured toward the door.
Crap. She was nowhere near dressed up enough for Tidewater’s. It was a beachfront resort restaurant that catered to the big spenders along the Gulf coast. Not only was a dinner there dressy but it also cost a fortune. Next to Dorian’s male runway model looks, she would certainly appear frumpy. Great.
* * * *
After a few words and nods, Shari was escorted past the main dining room and into a quieter dining room where only a few lonely tables sat draped in brilliant white linen. I don’t belong here. She needed to banish such thoughts. She should be enjoying herself; she hadn’t been out to a fancy dinner in forever and to be taken by someone as attractive and kind as Dorian was a once in her lifetime opportunity.
A very attentive waiter—cute, too, if truth be told—brought ice water, a selection of rolls, and a very intimidating wine menu. What should she even order? The prices next to the bottles of wine on the list were scary, and she’d never even heard of any of the vineyards Hell, she didn’t even know if Dorian liked wine. Why did the waiter have to put the menu in front of her? She could feel her face heating.
Dorian cleared his throat. “Do you drink wine?”
“Yes, but I don’t know any of these,” Shari shyly confessed.
“If you would allow me, I have some familiarity with the more well-known brands.” He smiled, making her suck a breath in, and then ordered a bottle of chardonnay that cost more money than she made in a forty-hour week. She sure hoped he didn’t pull a “forgot my wallet at home” move like her ex generally did because this place would set her over her credit limit.
He was far too smooth. He shouldn’t be out with her, gratitude or not. But the package was still so perfect she couldn’t believe she was the one he was smiling at. The whole thing made her want to turn around to see if there was some model or Hollywood actress sitting behind her. He just looked too happy to see her for this to be real. What was wrong with him that he was bothering with her? Stop it! Nothing was wrong with him—he was obviously an extraordinarily kind person.
He spoke up, pulling her from her racing insecurities. “So, Shari, were you r
aised in Florida?”
“Actually, no, my mom remarried and her new husband moved us from Ohio. I’ve lived down here for about four years though.” She looked down at her empty plate, trying to stop fidgeting with her hands in her lap. What to talk about?
“Do you live with your family?”
“No, they passed away a few years ago. I’m pretty much on my own, well except for my cats.” Oh my God, did I just say I lived alone with cats? What is wrong with me?
His smooth voice interjected, “I’m sorry for your loss. I too moved to Florida from other parts,” he replied.
The waiter broke up the awkward somber pause by pouring them both wine and taking their dinner orders.
“So, what do you do?” Shari asked, not wanting the unnerving quiet to continue. Dorian studied her carefully, making her cheeks heat once more. He put his glass to his lips and licked the rim, sending a shiver of awareness down between her thighs. This man was far too sophisticated in his manners and flirtations for her to be dining with.
“I do financial advising and investing. It’s rather dull but the hours are flexible. And you, have you always worked with animals?” He spun the delicate glass in his large hand.
“I love animals, have ever since I was a kid. I used to want to be a veterinarian, but more schooling wasn’t really possible so I do the closest thing. Maybe someday.” Shari sipped her glass of wine, savoring the dry, fruity aroma. “Do you have other pets at home?”
Dorian chuckled a bit. “Home is pretty empty, so the little boxer puppy will be nice. I like animals, always felt a connection with them, but it has been a while since I had a pet in my life. No wife or girlfriend either. In case you were wondering.” He broke into a wide grin, his gray eyes twinkling. Finally, the conversation began to flow, and soon Dorian had her laughing until tears ran down her face over his childhood antics with a certain dog at his side.
“So you really had to return the wallet your dog stole? Did the man even believe you?” she asked, enthralled with his story.
“Not in the least. I got a hiding that day, but at least the constable wasn’t called.”
She tilted her head, confused.
“Sorry, the police. I’ve moved around a bit over the years, different places, different titles, same job.”
The ever-efficient waiter was back clearing their dinner plates and offering a tempting tray of desserts and coffees. Shari pulled her willpower together and declined the treats. Dorian handed over his card without even examining the bill.
“Well, it’s getting a bit late, I should probably get home. Thank you for a lovely dinner out.” Her voice came out softer than she planned. There was a genuine sadness that she’d likely never spend any more time basking in his attention.
“If you are sure I can’t tempt you with anything else, I will drop you back to your car. I do hope we can do this again?” His deep voice hinted at delights beyond a dessert.
Shari nodded politely, not for a second believing that she would ever see Dorian outside of the veterinarian’s office. He was polite and funny and a superhot, successful businessman, not someone who would take much notice of a nobody like her. He guided her out the main doors and to his car, pausing to unlock her door. She was about to slide into the passenger seat when he stilled her movement with a soft brush of his hand against her hip. She froze like a deer caught in the headlights. She looked up into his gray eyes and watched a small smile spread across his beautiful face. He grazed his hand from her hip to a spot just above her mound that had her holding her breath and clenching her thighs together. Did he really want to kiss her? He pulled her chin up and leaned in to first sniff her hair then lick a spot on her neck. He let out a low growl that made her whole body light on fire.
“I’ve never smelled a woman as intoxicating as you are.” She trembled and allowed her head to be repositioned. If only she could believe he found her desirable. Doubt flowed thickly through her veins.
He slid his lips from her neck up to her jawline, teasing and tasting. When his mouth met hers, her knees buckled and Dorian had to support her weight. He tasted of wine and fruit. She wanted to suck every last flavor from his mouth as he worked his tongue over her lips and teeth. She moaned her long-suppressed passion into his heady kiss and let the earth-shattering sensations flow over her body.
Her body rolled against his as if drawn by a magnet. She clutched her hands around his neck, fingers sliding through his silky hair. This is what she’d been craving but never had before. He stoked the raw need in her like an inferno to be released. This was real. For once, this passion was happening and not a sinful fantasy of Gabriel touching her. Flesh and blood Dorian Black was about to make her come from a kiss.
After what seemed just a splinter of time, Dorian pulled away from her, his eyes wide and brow creased. Had she done something wrong? She’d never been kissed so passionately before. Did she mess things up? Despite the humid night, a cold wave of air chilled her aroused skin. Of course he didn’t truly desire her—he’d given her a friendly good-night kiss and she’d taken it too far. She’d acted like a starving refugee at a buffet.
She touched her finger to her kiss-swollen lips and watched him relax his expression. Don’t make a fool of yourself; stay detached. She fixed her attention to the door handle. Mortification burned through her veins.
He ran his hand through his dark hair. “I’m sorry. I let that get a bit too far. I’ll escort you to your car,” he spoke formally and kept his body away from hers. She longed for the heat of his touch again but feared any more time in his presence. Dorian was not for the likes of her, and she would be well served to remember that. She should go back to pining for someone she could never have rather than put her sorry self out there for someone that was beyond her.
* * * *
What the hell was he doing? Shari had been a delightful dinner companion—easy to talk to, quick to distract him from his burdens. He’d hoped the evening would douse his growing infatuation for Gabriel and get his curiosity over Shari out of his system. The evening failed miserably on both counts. Being around her, watching her laugh and relax only fueled his interest. He glanced over at her waiting patiently for him to unlock the car door. He planned a chaste kiss. Surely when no sparks flew, he’d accept letting her go. She was too kind and refreshing for the likes of him.
He leaned in with a gentle smile, ready to brush his lips over hers and politely end the evening. Perhaps he would go assuage his lust with Gabriel. His plan went to hell. Her pure scent was a siren call. He gave her slender neck a quick taste. The simple act woke a ravenous hunger in him. His lips touched hers and shock waves rocked his body. She pressed against his length, all passion and trust. He slid his tongue into her mouth, stroking her with it the way he wished his cock could. Her muffled moan had nearly undone him. Every fiber of his twisted half-demon being longed to sink balls deep into her sweet cunt and be joined to her. He had to push her away. He needed to keep his focus. He had one more soul to collect and then maybe. Then, maybe what? More? Even if he had a soul and could be with her, it wouldn’t work. He knew she craved something beyond what he could ever offer.
Forcing his voice to a politely aloof tone to end the evening required all of his willpower. He kept his distance for the brief drive to where her car was parked. It would be a long lonely night for him. Perhaps there would be many long nights for him before he would be able to get these mortals out of his mind. To think—it was his greatest hope to become one himself—to be like his human mother. She’d miraculously survived his birth but had died before he reached manhood. She was beautiful, too beautiful for her time. Back then, a woman’s beauty was a coveted asset, and hers was coveted by the wrong sort.
When he had a soul, he would be able to live a human life. He would grow old, die, and finally see his mother again in heaven. He just needed a soul of his own.
He was a fucking liar. He knew for certain that he would pursue both mortals relentlessly. They’d caught his eye a
fter hundreds of years of emotional solitude, and he’d be foolish to allow the demon masters to continue manipulating him like their own personal marionette.
Chapter 10
Shari arrived early as per her usual and completed rounds quickly. Dempsey was recovering quite nicely but would still need some extensive aftercare. She bolused the IV bags and shot a new set of X rays. By eight o’clock, neither Dr. Burke nor Mrs. Burke had arrived. Not even a phone call. Hmm.
Dr. Burke’s first patient was a sweet-natured Doberman pinscher named Rudy. Shari greeted Rudy’s owner, a regular at the clinic, and explained the doctor must be running behind. Rudy’s owner was patient for about ten minutes but then began to get crabby, understandably so. The Doberman had a red oozing eye and hot packs had not helped clear it up. It looked like a probable infection. Not knowing what else to do, Shari requested permission from his owner to go ahead and treat Rudy. With his consent, she took a little swab from the weeping eye, dropped it under the microscope, and diagnosed a simple bacterial infection. She went over how to administer the antibiotic drops with Rudy’s owner and then charged him for the medication since she wasn’t exactly a veterinarian and couldn’t claim an office visit fee.
She began making calls by 8:45 a.m. with no Dr. Burke in sight. Neither of them answered their home or cell phone numbers. Something must have happened; they had never not shown up before.
She dealt with all the patients that she was comfortable handling as a veterinary technician but had to send away the animals that needed more urgent care. Fortunately for the two appointments that came needing an experienced veterinarian, there was an emergency clinic twenty-five miles away. She’d referred a tabby cat with a suspected broken hind leg to that clinic just as a deliveryman pulled up.
The driver hopped out of his van, carrying the most exotic and glorious floral display Shari had ever seen. It was a mixture of brightly colored tropical flowers, baby’s breath, and just the right amount of greenery all artfully displayed in a cut crystal vase. She eagerly opened the card, foolishly hoping they could be from Dorian. She pried open the envelope.