Nolan Browning materialized in his favorite vampire nightclub. Taking a seat at the bar, he ordered a glass of the house special: red wine mixed with fresh blood. He downed it in a single swallow and asked for another. He couldn’t believe Saintcrow had defeated his witch. Sure, Saintcrow was ancient, a master vampire, practically older than dirt, but Shiloh had been almost as old and rumored to be as powerful. Browning shook his head. One thing was certain. She hadn’t been strong enough to do the job he’d hired her for.
He scowled into his empty glass. If she hadn’t been able to destroy Saintcrow, he sure as hell didn’t stand a chance. Not on his own. And if a witch couldn’t destroy Saintcrow, he’d just have to keep looking until he found someone—or something—that could.
Because he was determined to have Morgan Creek for his own, one way or another.
And the tasty-looking, raven-haired young woman, too.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
For Sofia, life gradually returned to normal as the days following Kadie’s rescue passed without further incident. Even so, Ethan and Saintcrow didn’t relax their guard. One or the other patrolled the town several times a day and through the night, but there was no sign of Browning. No suspicious-looking strangers wandered into town.
To Sofia’s surprise, Saintcrow’s wounds healed practically overnight, leaving no telltale scars. Work continued on the hotel. The pool was repaired and filled. Restorations on the tavern were completed.
She was amazed by how quickly the renovations had been accomplished. Most of the houses had been spruced up with new paint, curtains, and carpet. She had ordered new appliances for all the residences and the office. Delivery had been promised for the following week.
Best of all, she had overcome all her doubts about Ethan. Sure, there were bound to be problems in their relationship, but every couple had differences to resolve, and she had no doubt they could find a way to make things work.
She was sitting at her desk, going over the books, when he came up behind her.
Bending down, he brushed a kiss across the top of her head. “It’s a beautiful day. Why don’t you take a break and we can go try out the pool?”
She swiveled her chair around so she could see his face. “That would be a terrific idea except for one thing. I don’t have a bathing suit.”
“Not to worry. I’ve already taken care of that,” he said, and dropped a department store sack into her lap.
“Really? I can’t wait to see what you bought.” She shook her head when she opened the sack and pulled out a bright red-and-white bikini. “Seriously? You expect me to wear this with all those construction workers running around?”
“I thought you’d say that, so I brought this along as backup.” He handed her another bag. This one held a black one-piece.
“Much better,” she said. “Why don’t you grab a couple of towels while I shut down my computer?”
* * *
Sofia hadn’t been to the pool since it had been replastered, and it was a sight to behold. Sunshine sparkled on the water. A swath of bright green grass surrounded the deck. Wrought-iron benches were placed at intervals. Tall trees offered shade.
“It’s beautiful,” she said.
“Yeah,” Ethan agreed. “And so are you.” He whistled softly as she shed her cover-up. The modest black bathing suit outlined every delicious curve.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” she replied. And it was true. He was gorgeous in a pair of navy trunks. His arms, legs, and chest seemed to be made of solid muscle.
He grinned at her, thinking his life had never been better than it was now. He could walk in daylight again. And Sofia loved him.
Swinging her up into his arms, he jumped into the pool.
Sofia let out a shriek as the cold water closed over them. She surfaced, sputtering, but feeling young and carefree in a way she hadn’t for weeks.
“Beat you to the other side!” she challenged.
“Are you kidding? No way!”
“Chicken?”
He laughed. “Honey, I’ll give you a head start and you still won’t win.”
“You’re on!”
Ethan watched her, admiring the way the sun’s light glinted in her hair. He waited until she was halfway across before he struck out after her. Tempting as it was to let her win, he just couldn’t do it.
“You cheated!” she said, coming up beside him.
“What?”
“You used all that vampire power. Not fair!”
“Hey, I can’t help it.”
“Can’t you?”
“Do you want a rematch? I’ll swim with one arm behind my back.”
She looked up at him, her expression so solemn, he felt a twinge of unease. Her next words threw him for a loop. “Will you marry me, Ethan?”
“What is this, a trick question?”
“No. Will you?”
He pushed a lock of wet hair behind her ear, nipped her lobe, and then kissed her lightly. “I was going to ask you.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “I love you, Sofia Ravenwood. I’d be honored to have you as my wife.”
* * *
“Married?” Saintcrow glanced from Ethan to Sofia and back again. “Well, hell, congratulations.”
Ethan nodded. The four of them had gathered in the living room at Saintcrow’s place after Sofia closed the office for the night. Saintcrow kept his arm around Kadie, who seemed to have recovered from her ordeal.
“I think it’s wonderful!” Kadie exclaimed. “When’s the big day?”
Ethan glanced at Sofia.
“Well, not until I tell my parents,” she said, “which is something I’m definitely not looking forward to. And not until Micah and Holly get home. After all, Holly’s the one who brought us together.”
“They’ve been gone a long time,” Kadie said. “They must be having a great time.”
“Last I heard, they were on their way to Graceland.”
Kadie elbowed Saintcrow. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”
“I know. And since the work on the town will be finished soon, and Ethan will be taking over, you and I can take off for Elvis country. Maybe you’ll meet his ghost.”
“Very funny,” Kadie muttered. “Rylan’s just jealous because the ghosts talk to me, but not to him.”
“They talk to Ethan, too,” Saintcrow remarked.
“I think it’s amazing,” Sofia said, “but also kind of creepy.”
“Hey,” Ethan said. “If that ghost hadn’t whispered in my ear, I might not have known you were in trouble.”
She smiled up at him. “True, but . . .” She paused when her cell phone rang. A quick look at the display told her it was Rosa. Excusing herself, Sofia went into the other room to take the call. “Hey, Rosie; what’s up?”
“You need to come home right away,” her sister said, tears evident in her voice. “They’ve just rushed Dad to the hospital. I’m on my way there now.”
Sofia’s hand clenched around the phone. “What happened?”
“He took a bad fall.”
“Oh no! From where?”
“The roof.”
“What on earth was he doing on the roof?”
“Some of the tiles were loose, and he decided to fix them. I don’t know why he didn’t ask one of the boys. Anyway, right after it happened, he said he was fine and then, a little while later, he just collapsed. He was unconscious when the ambulance came.”
“Tell the family I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Hurry!” Rosa said, and disconnected the call.
Feeling suddenly numb, Sofia stared at her phone, a silent prayer on her lips. Please. Please don’t let him die.
Before she could return to the living room, Ethan was at her side.
“I heard everything,” he said, wrapping his arms around her. “Are you ready?”
Sofia nodded, more grateful than ever for the vampire powers that carried them from Wyoming to Arizona in minutes instead of
hours.
When the world stopped spinning, they were standing outside the hospital.
“I’ll wait for you out here,” he said.
“That’s not necessary.”
“Just worry about your dad right now. I don’t want to be in the way.”
“But . . .”
“Don’t argue with me,” he said, giving her hand a squeeze. “Go see your family.”
She kissed his cheek, then turned and ran toward the emergency room entrance.
The nurse at the desk directed Sofia to the waiting room. Her mother was there, her cheeks wet with tears, along with the rest of the family, save for Micah and Holly.
“Sofia, how did you get here so fast?” her oldest sister, Angela, asked.
“Ethan brought me. He . . . he ah, flew me here. Has anyone called Micah?” she asked, hoping to change the subject.
“We haven’t been able to get in touch with him. Delia left a message on his phone.”
After hugging everyone, Sofia took the chair next to Rosa’s. “Any news?”
“Not yet. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”
Sofia nodded, then tugged on Rosa’s hand. “You haven’t told anyone about Ethan, have you?”
“No,” Rosa said, crossing her heart. “Not a word. So, how are things with the two of you?”
“Let’s not talk about that now. I can’t think straight.”
* * *
The next hour dragged by. Every time Sofia heard footsteps approach the door, she looked up with a sense of dread, afraid it was a doctor coming to tell them that her father had passed away.
Her brothers, Paolo and Enzo, went down to the cafeteria and bought coffee and doughnuts for everyone.
Finally, two hours later, a doctor came in with the news. Her father had suffered severe head trauma from the fall and was still unconscious. Preliminary tests had been done, but they were still waiting for the results.
“We’ll keep him under close observation, of course,” the doctor assured them. “He’s still in recovery, Mrs. Ravenwood. You may go see him now. The rest of you can visit in pairs, if you wish, but only for a few moments.”
Sofia’s mother broke into tears after the doctor took his leave. Sergio put his arms around her. “I’ll take Mom to see Dad,” he said.
“It doesn’t sound good, his being unconscious after so long,” Sofia’s brother Enzo remarked after their mother left the room.
Paolo shook his head. “He’s gonna be fine,” he said, wiping his eyes. “The old man’s too tough to let a little thing like a fall slow him down.”
Sofia hoped he was right, but thoughts of her father slipping into a coma and then quietly slipping away tore at her heart.
“How long are you going to stay?” Rosa asked while she and Sofia were waiting their turn.
“I don’t know. At least until I’m sure Dad’s going to be all right.”
* * *
By the time Sofia was able to spend a few minutes with her father, it was quite late. It hurt to see him looking so pale, so fragile. A wide bandage swathed his head; tubes attached him to several machines.
She looked across the bed at Rosa, who looked as stricken as she felt. “He was always so strong,” Sofia murmured, blinking back her tears. Now he just looked old and worn out.
“He’ll be all right,” Rosa said, sniffling. “I know he will.”
Sofia nodded because she couldn’t bear to think of the alternative. Like all little girls, she had idolized her father. He had been her hero. No matter what problems had beset her, he had been there, a shoulder to cry on when she needed comfort, a cheerleader when she needed a boost.
When they rejoined the rest of the family, Lena insisted Sofia come and stay at the house with her and Rosa. Sofia had planned to meet Ethan at her apartment later, but she didn’t have the heart to refuse her mother’s request.
* * *
At home, Lena wandered aimlessly through the house for a few minutes before deciding to go up to bed. She hugged Rosa, then turned to Sofia. “Thank you for staying.”
“He’ll be all right, Mama,” Sofia said, hugging her mother. “Try not to worry.”
Nodding, Lena went upstairs, her steps slow and heavy.
“Do you want some hot chocolate?” Rosa asked, tossing her sweater over the back of the sofa.
“Sounds good.” Sofia kicked off her shoes.
While Rosa was busy in the kitchen, Sofia took a moment to call Ethan and bring him up-to-date.
He readily agreed with her decision to stay with her mother. “She needs you,” he said. “Keep in touch, okay? I’ll be nearby if you need me for anything. I love you, Sofie.”
“Love you more. Good night.”
In the kitchen, Sofia sat across the table from Rosa. “Remember how we always had cocoa after our dates?” she mused, adding a few marshmallows to her cup.
Rosa nodded. “And how Dad always waited up for us, even though he pretended he’d fallen asleep in his chair?”
Sofia nodded. “Remember when he caught Micah smoking out behind the garage?”
Rosa laughed. “And how he made him smoke a whole pack of cigarettes?”
“I never knew you could actually turn green,” Sofia said. “And how about the time . . .” Her words trailed off as Micah and Holly materialized in the doorway.
“Speak of the devil,” Rosa muttered.
“And he appears,” Sofia finished.
“Very funny,” Micah said, flashing a grin.
After shared hugs all around, he beckoned for Sofia to join him in the living room for, as he put it, a little private chat.
“All right,” he said, one arm resting on the mantel, “tell me what’s going on with you and this Ethan guy.”
“Nothing is going on,” she retorted, perching on the edge of the coffee table. “We’re dating.”
“That’s all?” Micah asked skeptically. “Just dating?”
Sofia shook her head in exasperation. “Whatever I’m doing is none of your business. I’m a big girl now.”
“When you’re fifty, you’ll still be my little sister and I’ll still be worrying about you.”
“Do we have to talk about this now? Aren’t you worried about Dad?”
“Of course I am, but he’s not likely to run off and do something stupid.”
“And I am?”
“You’re dating a vampire.”
“You’re a vampire!”
“That’s not a good argument, Sofie, and you know it. It wasn’t my idea.”
“Let me ask you the same thing I asked Ethan. If you could be human again, would you?”
Micah stared at her. “What kind of a question is that?”
“A yes-or-no question. So, what’s your answer? Would you be human again if you had the choice?”
“Well, sure, I guess so.”
She shook her head. It was basically the same answer Ethan had given her. “You’d miss it, wouldn’t you? All those vampire powers. The strength. Being able to just think yourself wherever you want to go.”
Brow furrowed, Micah dropped into the easy chair catty-corner to the coffee table. “What’s this all about? You’re not thinking of asking Ethan to turn you?”
“No. But I asked Ethan the same question, and he said no. And I think, if you were honest with me, that would be your answer, too.”
“It can’t be undone, Sofie. Once it’s a fact, the only thing you can do is make the best of it. If you don’t . . .” He shrugged. “You’re gonna be miserable for a hell of a long time.”
“Does Holly have any regrets?”
“Not that I know of, but you’d have to ask her.”
“Do you?”
“Well sure, one or two. I always liked being part of a big family, and I’d hoped to have one of my own someday. I guess that’s my biggest regret.” He leaned forward, hands braced on his knees. “You’re thinking about it, aren’t you? Asking him to turn you?”
“I’ve considered it once o
r twice,” she admitted. “I love him, Micah. We’re going to be married.”
“Dammit, Sofie, you just met the man! At least wait a while before . . .” He bit off his words when he saw the mutiny in her eyes. “Do whatever you want. As you’ve told me so often, you’re all grown up.”
“You’ll like him, Micah,” she said, smiling. “He’s a lot like you.”
“Are you trying to butter me up?”
“Maybe a little.”
“So, when do we get to meet Mr. Wonderful?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t sure now was the right time, what with Dad being in the hospital and everything.”
“But he’s here, isn’t he?”
Sofia nodded. “Do you know a vampire named Browning?”
“I know of him. Why?”
“He’s been snooping around Morgan Creek. Saintcrow thinks he wants to take over the town and make it what it was before.” As succinctly as possible, she told him about the witch.
Micah hissed an oath. “But Kadie’s all right?”
“She seems to be. Ethan convinced Saintcrow to renovate the town. Ethan hopes to turn it into a resort.”
“No kidding?”
“Yeah. Saintcrow’s financing the work. Ethan’s going to manage the place.”
“Did they tear down the graveyard?”
“No. Ethan wanted to spruce it up a little, but Kadie said to leave it alone. You’re thinking about that woman, aren’t you? Shirley?”
“Saintcrow’s got a big mouth.”
“He said you loved her.”
“Did he?”
“And that she was older than you.”
Micah sighed. “Her age didn’t matter. I owed her a great deal.”
“Did she love you, too?”
“Not enough.” Micah stared into the distance a moment, obviously thinking about the past. With a shake of his head, he took her hands in his. “We’re here to talk about your love life, Sofie, not mine. I want you to promise me you won’t make any rash decisions.” Rising, he pulled her into his embrace. “If you ever need help or advice or just a shoulder to cry on, you know you can always count on me.”
She smiled up at him. “I love you, too.”
“Why don’t you call this guy and tell him to come over now?”
“Why?”
“Why do you think? I want to meet him.”
Twilight Desires Page 18