Needing some air, she went out onto the porch. She couldn’t see the town from this distance, but the sound of hammering was audible, along with the sound of an automatic drill of some kind.
Returning to the office, she sat at her desk. With nothing to do, she played several hands of solitaire, then jumped when the doorbell rang.
Going into the living room, she peered through the window, frowned when she saw a FedEx man on the porch.
Opening the door, she said, “Can I help you?”
“Delivery for Mr. Parrish.”
“Oh, of course.”
“Just sign here, ma’am.”
She scrawled her name on the paper he handed her.
“Where do you want this?”
For the first time, she noticed several large cardboard boxes stacked on the porch. “In here, I guess.” She stepped out of the way as he carried them into the living room.
“Good day, ma’am,” he said, taking his leave.
“Thank you.”
Frowning, Sofia closed the door. She found a pair of scissors in the office, then, sitting on the floor in the living room, opened the first box. It held carpet samples. The second box held books of wallpaper samples. The third held swatches of drapery material. The fourth held brochures displaying various types of doors and shutters. The fifth held more brochures, these displaying floor tile.
She was perusing wallpaper samples when Ethan materialized in the room.
“Oh!” Startled, she blinked up at him. “Can’t you make a noise or something before you just pop into the room?”
One corner of his mouth turned up in a wry grin. “Sorry.” He dropped down beside her. “How was your day?”
“Fine. I can’t believe Saintcrow. He gave me a credit card and told me to buy anything I wanted. I mean . . .” She shrugged. “I feel like a kept woman.”
“Nah. It’s just one of the perks of the job.” He jerked his chin toward the samples on the floor. “Find anything you like?”
“Lots of things. Is the wallpaper for the hotel?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I really like this pattern.” It was a pale blue and silver stripe.
“For which room?”
“Mine.”
“Buy it.”
“I don’t know anything about hanging wallpaper.”
“Me either. We plan to hire someone to do it when we’re ready. It only takes a week or two for delivery.”
Nodding, Sofia rose, pressing one hand to the middle of her aching back.
Ethan stood beside her. He hesitated a moment, then began to massage her shoulders.
Sighing, Sofia closed her eyes as his fingers moved over her back and shoulders, kneading gently. “That feels really good,” she murmured.
He continued a few minutes more and then turned her in his arms, his gaze searching hers. “Is everything all right between us?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
He shrugged. “Some of our nights together haven’t ended too well.”
She smiled up at him. “We’ll find our way.”
He nodded, hoping she was right, because he wasn’t sure he wanted to live without her. “Come on; you must be tired. I’ll take you home.”
* * *
Traveling by Vampire Air was incredibly fast, but this was one time when Sofia wished it took longer. She was no longer certain about her relationship with Ethan. Was she just an employee now? They had shared some kisses. He had tasted her blood. He had admitted he wanted her. He knew she wanted him. But every time they seemed on the verge of taking the next step, something happened to prevent it. Was it fate trying to keep them apart? Or just bad luck?
All too soon, they were at her apartment door. She unlocked it but didn’t go inside.
“Thanks for bringing me home.”
“My pleasure.”
She thought he looked as confused as she felt. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“Sofia.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Yes?”
“Where do we stand?”
She smiled inwardly. So, he didn’t know either. “I’m not sure.”
His fingertips slid down her cheek, curled around her nape. “I need you in my life, Sofie. We can be just friends if that’s all you can handle.”
“What does being just friends entail?”
He glanced briefly at the pulse beating in the hollow of her throat.
“So you want me to be a blood donor, is that it?”
He dropped his hand and took a step back. “It sounds pretty bad when you put it like that.”
“How would you put it?”
“I told you before, there’s something about your blood that eases my hunger. But it’s more than that. Being with you . . .” He clenched his hands at his sides. “Being with you makes me feel less like a monster.”
“Well, I guess that’s better than bringing out the monster in you,” Sofia muttered, and burst out laughing.
“What’s so damn funny?”
Still laughing, she shook her head. It wasn’t that hilarious, but for some reason she’d found it humorous. Maybe she was just tired and easily amused.
Feeling like a fool, Ethan glared at her.
Sofia took a deep breath. “I’m sorry; I couldn’t help it. What you said was really very sweet. I don’t know what the connection is between us, but I feel it, too. So, I’m suggesting we see where it takes us. And . . . and anytime you need to . . . you know . . . just tell me.” Grinning, she met his gaze. “As long as I have a stake in my hand.”
With a wordless growl, he pulled her into his arms and held her close.
Feeling utterly content, Sofia rested her cheek against his chest. A tickly sensation fluttered in her belly when his lips moved in her hair. Looking up, she cupped his face in her palms, went up on her tiptoes, and kissed him.
He kissed her back as if he was a drowning man and she was the only life preserver in sight.
She was breathless, mindless when he lifted his head.
“I don’t see a stake in your hand,” he said, his voice thick. “So you’d better go inside.”
“Take what you need, Ethan.”
He blew out a sigh, his eyes filled with torment and self-loathing.
“Don’t argue with me.” She pulled him inside and closed the door, then reached into her pocket and withdrew her stake. “Like the Boy Scouts, I’m always prepared.”
With a low groan, he took her into his arms. His voice was filled with apology when he whispered her name.
And then he lowered his head and took what he so desperately needed. As always, her blood filled him, soothed him. Satisfied his need.
Lifting his head, he kissed her lightly. “Thank you.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Nodding, he kissed her again, and then he was gone.
Sofia hummed softly as she dropped the stake on the coffee table. This was, she thought, the strangest relationship she’d ever had.
* * *
Saintcrow picked her up at nine the next morning and transported her to Morgan Creek. He left her in the house that was now officially “the office,” then went to check on the workmen at the hotel.
She was sitting on the floor hours later, surrounded by samples and swatches, when he materialized beside her.
“Found anything you like?” he asked, hunkering down across from her.
“I like this for the hotel lobby.” She opened one of the wallpaper books and showed him a dark-red flocked sample.
Saintcrow shook his head. “That looks like it belongs in a brothel,” he said, laughing.
“How would you know?”
“I saw something similar in a house of ill repute in Deadwood back in the 1800s.”
“You did not! You did?”
“Yep. I guess the most famous madam in the old west was Julia Bulette. She ran a place in Virginia City called Julia’s Palace. She was the first white woman in the town. She got to be quite famous befo
re she was murdered. It’s said Mark Twain was there when they hanged the man who killed her.”
“Did you know her?”
“We met.”
Sofia stared at him. He looked no more than thirty. It was hard to believe he had lived for hundreds of years.
“Fannie Porter was another famous madam. Ran a whorehouse in San Antonio. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch were frequent visitors.”
“Did you know her, too?”
“I saw her a couple of times,” he said with a wink. “But we were never formally introduced.”
Sofia closed the wallpaper book and opened another. What a life he had led. She could scarcely imagine all the things he must have seen and done, the places he’d been, the people he’d met. What was it like to stay forever the same while everyone around you changed, grew older, passed away?
He stared past her. “It’s hard,” he said quietly. “A lot of vampires can’t adjust to the constant change. Some go mad when everything and everyone they know is gone.”
“But not you.”
“A lot of ancient vampires go to ground . . .” At her frown, he said, “They bury themselves in the earth.”
Her eyes widened in horror.
“I know, it sounds morbid, but it’s quite restful.”
“You’ve done that?”
“Once, when I was badly burned. I went to ground to heal.” He had stayed there, deep in the arms of Mother Earth, long after he’d recovered. He might have been there still if Kadie hadn’t inadvertently entered Morgan Creek.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Ask away. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
“Ethan says my blood soothes him, that it’s different from anyone else’s.”
“And?”
“Blood is blood. I mean, isn’t it all the same?”
“No. It was the scent of Kadie’s blood that drew me from the earth. I knew as soon as I caught her scent that she would be mine. It happens that way sometimes. I don’t know why, only that it’s rare.”
“So he’s not just imagining it, or making it up?”
“No. I’ll tell you what I told him. I think you two belong together. And what you’ve just told me confirms it.”
* * *
Sofia thought about what Saintcrow had said long after he had taken his leave. Was she truly meant to be with Ethan? And if so, what did that mean for her future? If she stayed with him, she would age and he would not. And what about children? Could male vampires father children? What would it be like, watching herself grow older when he didn’t? How long would he stay with her when she was eighty—should she live so long—and he looked like her grandson instead of her husband? Was that why Kadie had become a vampire? Why Holly had given up her humanity? Would she have to make that choice? And if so, would she?
Lost in thought, she didn’t realize night had fallen until Ethan stepped into the room.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing; why?”
“Sofia . . .”
She grimaced. That was another thing about being with Ethan. He always knew when she was lying. And if she didn’t tell him what was bothering her, he’d just read her mind. How unfair was that?
His grin told her he knew what she was thinking. But then, didn’t he always? So why did she have to say it?
He sat at the other end of the sofa, one arm flung across the back. “You might as well tell me.”
“Saintcrow thinks we were meant to be together because . . . because of the way my blood affects you. And I was just wondering what it would be like, if we were . . . if we were serious about each other.”
He lifted one brow. “What would it be like?”
“You know what I mean. Holly and Kadie both gave up everything to be with the men they love. Not just the big things, like children, but little things, like never being able to take a walk on a spring morning or feel the sun on their faces after the rain or going to church on Easter morning. Not that that’s a little thing,” she amended. “But just ordinary things people do every day without even thinking about it.”
“Hey, you don’t have to tell me. I lost a good job. Going to see my family or friends is just too complicated. At least Kadie and Holly chose this,” he said bitterly. “I didn’t.” Rising, he paced the floor, his strides long and angry.
She watched him for several minutes. Then, hoping she wasn’t making a mistake, she stepped in front of him.
He stopped abruptly, his gaze burning into hers.
Praying she was doing the right thing, she placed her hand on his arm. “I know how frustrating this must be for you,” she said quietly. “But I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere, at least not for a while. So let’s just see where being together takes us, okay?”
He groaned softly as he took her in his arms. Just holding her made the world look brighter. “Are you ready to go home?” he asked some time later.
“I guess so,” she replied, though she was reluctant to leave him when he was feeling so down. “Maybe we could go out to a movie Friday night.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
“All right, then.” Standing on tiptoe, she kissed him lightly. “It’s a date.”
Chapter Fifteen
Micah Ravenwood slid a glance at his bride as they strolled along the upper deck of the General Jackson riverboat. Holly had always wanted to see the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, and Dollywood, so after leaving Morgan Creek, they had headed south.
“Where do you want to live when we go back?” he asked.
“I don’t know.” Holly paused at the rail to look out over the water. “Where would you like to live?”
“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to get a place close to my folks. Now that they all know what I am, I’d kinda like a chance to make up for all the birthdays and holidays I missed.”
“Sure, if you want.”
“Is anything wrong? You’ve been awfully quiet the last few nights.” It was a sure sign she was hiding something. He had asked her what was troubling her a couple of times, but she had put him off. He decided to try once more. “So,” he said, his voice casual, “what’s bothering you, Holly?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Come on, Sunshine. You’ve been stewing over something for days. What is it?”
She nibbled on her lower lip, then said, all in a rush, “I haven’t heard from Sofia and I’m a little worried.”
“What are you worried about? Is there something I should know?”
Holly blew out a sigh. “No. Yes.”
“Which is it? Yes or no?”
“Do you remember my cousin Ethan?”
“The guy Saintcrow turned at our wedding? That Ethan?”
She nodded.
“What about him?”
“Well . . . I . . . um, I was worried about him, being alone and all, and I had promised Sofia I’d introduce them at the wedding, and . . .”
“Wait a minute! Are you telling me you set my sister up with your cousin? Your cousin who’s only been a vampire for a couple of months? That cousin?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten Sofia wanted to be a vampire not long ago? Have you already forgotten what it’s like to be a fledgling? How hard it is to control your hunger? Dammit, Holly, why didn’t you tell me what you were up to?”
“I’m sorry,” she said, placing her hand on his arm. “I should have discussed it with you first.”
“You got that right,” he muttered. “So, what’s got you worried now?”
“I’m not worried exactly, but I asked her to call me if they went out, and she never did, so maybe they never met.”
“And maybe they did,” he said darkly.
“You don’t think . . . ?” She couldn’t put the sudden fear that something had gone terribly wrong into words.
“He hasn’t hurt her,” Micah said, thinking how grateful he was that he had taken a little of his sister’s bl
ood. “I’d know if he had. And he’d be dead now.” Pulling out his cell phone, he punched in his sister’s number, then kissed Holly on the cheek. “Thanks for finally telling me.”
* * *
Sofia was getting ready for bed when her phone rang. She frowned when she saw her brother’s number. Hoping he would hang up, she let it ring again. When it didn’t stop, she reluctantly answered. “Hi, Micah,” she said cheerfully. “What’s up?”
“I don’t know,” he said dryly. “You tell me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Cut the crap. Holly told me about you and Ethan.”
“Oh.” Wishing she had never answered the phone, she sank down on the edge of the mattress, her mind racing. How much did Micah know? Was he angry? Oh, Lordy, he hadn’t gone after Ethan, had he?
“I thought you were done with vampires.”
“I was. I am. I mean . . .”
“You remember your promise, right? You’re not thinking of doing anything that can’t be undone, are you?”
“Of course not!” He didn’t sound angry, she decided. Just worried. “We’ve got enough vampires in the family already.”
“I think so, too.”
“On the other hand,” she said, just to tweak his tail, “Ethan is awfully cute, and he loves my blood.” She worried her lower lip when the phone went silent. “Micah? Micah, are you there?”
Sofia knew she’d gone too far when Holly’s voice came over the line. “He’s on his way to see you.”
Uh-oh.
“You never called me,” Holly said, a note of reproach in her voice.
“I know. I’m sorry. I’ve just been so busy. Ethan decided to try his hand at rebuilding Morgan Creek.”
“What?”
“Saintcrow lent him the money. I lost my job at the accounting firm and Ethan hired me to keep the books and answer the phone. Read the mail. Pay the bills, that kind of thing. Saintcrow picks me up in the morning and takes me to Morgan Creek, and Ethan brings me home at night.”
“Wow. I didn’t see that coming.”
“Saintcrow’s a little scary, isn’t he?”
“He can be. But once you get to know him, he’s really kind of nice.”
“I’ve gotta go,” Sofia said. “Micah’s about to break my door down. Talk to you later. I hope.”
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