Zac gave me a dazzling half smile. “Well, if you really must know, I met this gorgeous girl today …”
I laughed, brushing my wavy long brown hair away from my face as he started the car and pulled out of the school parking lot.
“So how was your day, dear?” he joked, grinning, barely watching the road.
“The same,” I said, smiling.
“So, will your father say anything about me bringing you home?” Zac asked, perhaps a trifle concerned.
“No,” I replied, daintily crossing my legs. “He’s pretty cool, actually.” And I wasn’t lying … completely. Rick would most certainly say something about this; he would tease me relentlessly. But riding with Zac was worth the ribbing. I was enjoying the cool breeze blowing through my hair and being close to Zac.
“So,” Zac said, expertly maneuvering through town, “where to?”
“It’s through town and around the bend,” I said, but I really wasn’t ready to go home just yet. “I just got into town last night. Would you mind showing me the lake? But if you’re in a hurry …”
“No, that’s fine,” Zac laughed, his eyes gleaming. Soon, he made a few sharp turns and within minutes, we were at a beautiful expanse of blue that was Otsego Lake. It was twice as long as it was wide, and very blue, almost blending in with the blue sky. In fact, it was hard to tell where the lake ended and the sky began. We sat on the hood of his car in front of the lake, watching the wildlife, and the waves. “So, what do you think, Lisa?”
Then I looked directly at him, and said without reservations, “Gorgeous.” But I wasn’t talking about the lake.
He smiled, then took my hand into his. “I know we’ve just met,” Zac began, looking down at our entwined hands, “but I really like you a lot.”
I sighed, smiling, “I like you too, Zac.” And I knew in that instant it was more than just like. In that instant, he was my life, the sun, the moon, the stars—my whole world. And at that moment, looking into his azure blue eyes, I knew I would protect him at all costs, with my life if it warranted. “So, Zac, tell me about your mom,” I said, breaking the magic of the moment. “Will your mother be mad if you come home late?”
“No,” Zac replied, looking out over the lake, drawing lazy circles on the top of my hand. His warm skin actually felt good to the coolness of my hands. “My mom’s pretty cool, too. I come and go, but let her know where I am and what I’m doing.”
I smiled. “She sounds like a good mom,” I said. Too bad I couldn’t say as much about Abbott, his father.
He smiled, “She is.” Then a faraway look came into his eyes as he looked out onto the lake, smiling, then shook his head.
“What?” I said. “Go ahead. You can tell me anything.”
He looked at me with penetrating eyes again, then gave me a dazzling half smile. I took a deep breath. He dazzled me and didn’t even know it. “That’s what’s so funny … or strange … or surreal. I can talk to you about anything, Lisa. Why is that?”
I smiled, meeting his gaze. “I don’t know. Maybe we knew each other in another life? That sounds too corny, doesn’t it?”
“No,” he said, smiling. “Not at all.” Then our eyes met and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close, then looked directly into my eyes. “I think I’m falling in love with you, Lisa.”
My heart stopped, as I turned my attention back to the lake, unable to meet his gaze. “But you don’t even know me,” I answered in a low voice.
“I know enough,” He said softly, pulling my chin to his. “I love you, Lisa.” And his voice was a gentle caress filled with conviction, soft against my skin. Looking deeply into my eyes, he moved toward me until his lips touched mine, a gentle caress. Then he pulled me tightly into his arms and passion enveloped us as our lips moved together in precise synchronization, as if we had been made for each other. My hunger for him enveloped me as my lips moved with his then to his neck, allowing him to breathe. Then my lips followed a trail back to his lips again, until I finally pulled away.
I had never felt passion so strong before in my very long lifetime. Zac had awakened something inside me that I thought had long laid dormant. And now there was no turning back for me. Looking directly into his eyes, I knew my heart would always be his. “Zac, I love you, too,” I said, my voice filled with conviction, meaning every word.
Gently and oh so sweetly, he placed a hand on either side of my face and looked directly in my eyes. “I’ve never met anyone like you,” he said, reminding me that I was very different from him.
“Zac,” I began as the realization set in. “Our lives are very different…”
“Not that different,” Zac corrected.
“Maybe so,” I began again. “I just don’t want to hurt you …” I meant that in more ways than one.
“And I don’t want to hurt you, either,” Zac replied. And it was true, I didn’t want to get hurt. My soul, not my body. In all my years as a vampire, I had never opened my soul up to love, the strongest emotion of all. “Look, let’s just see where this goes, okay? No worries, no pressure.”
“If you see it that way …”
“I do,” Zac said, twining his fingers with mine. “Now, as much as I hate to say this, I’d better get you home before your father starts to worry.”
I nodded, my eyebrows pulling together in concern, as he opened my car door for me. What was I doing? But I just couldn’t help myself. And on the car drive home, I knew I didn’t want to hurt him, nor did I want him to hurt me, either. Funny. I was such a strong vampire that I never feared getting hurt, but matters of the heart hurt much more.
We rode quietly home, until he pulled up in front of the big stone cottage, glistening in the setting sun, as shoots of orange, purple, and pink crossed a beautiful deep blue sky. “Beautiful,” I said, looking at the sky.
“Yes, beautiful,” Zac said, looking right at me, and he gave me one last sweet kiss before he got out of the car and opened my door.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked, closing the door. “Do you need a ride in the morning?”
“Sure,” I answered, smiling. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
And I could feel him watching me as I walked down the stone walk—shimmering in the setting sun—to the wide front porch, wondering how this could possibly work out right.
Chapter 8: The Mirage
“Okay,” I said to Rick—who had his arms crossed, wearing a smirk—as I walked into the door. “Go ahead. Say what you must.”
Rick said nothing, but just stood in the hallway, eyeing me.
“Okay,” I said in reply. “Don’t say it.”
Rick burst into laughter.
“Go ahead,” I replied, placing my backpack on the small wooden bench Rick must have placed in the foyer this afternoon. “Have your fun.”
“The great Star!” Rick said, laughing, as he backed out of my way. I stormed past him to the kitchen, knowing he would follow. “Falling in love! And with an assignment, no doubt!”
I pulled a Mountain Dew out of the fridge and opened the top, sighing as I took a swig. “I know. I know!” I said, walking around the counter. “What was I thinking?”
Then Rick’s expression changed to one of concern. “You really do have feelings for him?”
“Yes, damn it!” I replied, unable to believe what was happening. “I don’t want to risk the mission and I sure as hell can’t lose focus! Not now with Zac’s life on the line! What the hell?”
Seeing I was upset, Rick crossed the room at lightning speed and took me into his arms. “Abigail, it’s okay,” Rick cooed. “It happens to the best of us. And when you least expect it. There’s no reason behind it. It just happens.” Then Rick pulled back to look me in the eye, concerned. “I was only joking when you came in just now.”
I sighed, exasperated, backing away, then took another swig of the Mountain Dew. “I know, Rick. I’m just a little upset with myself right now.”
“Why?” Rick asked, dragging me to the kitchen table, he pul
led out a chair for me. I took it, then he sat down next to me. Rick knew me well enough that when I started cursing, I was really upset. “Star, talk to me.”
I sighed, playing with the label on the soda bottle. “I mean, what was I thinking, Rick? Why now?”
“Hey!” Rick countered, reaching for my hand, then patted it. “You’re lucky it even happened at all! Just go with it.”
“Just go with it?” I replied, my green eyes flaring. “That’s your big advice? And what if something happens to Zac because I ‘just go with it’ and lose focus?”
“You’re not going to lose focus, Star!” Rick countered, leaning back in the chair. “And nothing is going to happen to Zac! Believe me!” Then he took a deep breath and looked into my eyes. “Star, out of all the CIA agents I know—and believe me I know a lot—you are by far the best and most focused. You fear nothing. And if Zac’s life is on the line, I think you’ll focus even more.”
“But what if …”
“But nothing, Star!” Rick cut me off, leaning forward. “You’ve waited a long time for this to happen, so just go with the flow and see what happens.”
I smirked, sitting back, looking into Rick’s eyes. “Did you just say ‘go with the flow,’ Rick?”
“Yeah, what of it?” Rick said, not catching on.
“Go with the flow?” I repeated.
“Okay, okay,” Rick finally caught on that I was teasing him, but I could see that he was happy that my mood had changed. “Alright, that’s enough.”
“Go with the flow,” I repeated again, smiling at him impishly.
“Okay,” Rick countered, getting up. “See if I help you again!”
Then I burst into laughter. “Rick, I’m just teasing you!” then I grabbed his hand, stopping him as he passed. “Thanks for the talk.”
“So you’re okay, then?” Rick asked, looking into my eyes, still concerned.
“Yeah,” I nodded seriously, then smiled mischievously. “I’ll just go with the flow.”
“Okay, okay,” Rick replied, leaving the room as I followed. “Go ahead! Laugh it up!”
“Hey!” I teased, following him down the hallway toward the door. “You even said I was the best! I’ll remember that for later!”
“See if I’m nice to you anymore!” Rick yelled down the hall at me, a bit miffed. “I was worried …”
“Who’s the best?” a familiar voice said as she came through the front door without knocking. It was Annie.
“Don’t you knock?” Rick said, slipping into a leather jacket.
“Rick!” Annie countered, ignoring what he said. “I haven’t seen you in so long? How’ve you been?”
“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you Annie?” I said, smiling.
“No,” Annie said with an innocent grin. “Not in the slightest.”
“It’s good to see you, Annie,” Rick said politely. “Are you going with us?”
“That’s why I’m here,” Annie replied, smiling, then looked at Rick seductively. “Haven’t had any action for a while!”
Rick rolled his eyes. “Here we go!”
I laughed, then said to Rick. “She hasn’t changed a bit, has she?”
“Don’t remind me,” Rick replied as Annie gave me a wink. I think a lot of it was for show, but if Rick ever took her up on it …
“Star,” Rick interrupted my meanderings. “Go get ready. We have to go.”
“Yeah, I have a lot of shopping to do, too!” I said, bolting for the stairs.
“Oh, goodie!” Annie clapped her hands, doing another happy dance. Annie is the original shopaholic.
“We won’t have time for a lot of shopping!” Rick said loud enough for me to hear upstairs. “We’re going to The Mirage, remember?”
“I hear you!” I yelled down the stairs. In my room, I quickly stripped off my school uniform, and crossed the room at vamp speed in my lacy white bra and underwear, then grabbed the duffle bag with my clothes. “You forgot to pack my black leather pants!” I yelled down the stairs.
“What is it with you and leather?” Rick yelled back. “Get some later! Let’s go!”
So I settled for a pair of black skinny jeans, still wearing just my white bra. Looking through the bag of clothes, I knew I was going to have to do some serious shopping later. I quickly pulled on my leather boots with a low heel, then reached for one of the huge black cases, quickly plopping one onto the bed and unzipped it. Inside were many of my old friends, weapons of which I was very familiar. My babies. Searching for what I wanted, I lifted a hidden panel and pulled out a military issue Ballistics knife in a black leather case, illegal, but who would know? I expertly tied it just above my right ankle with a black leather strap. Searching again, I found my Glock 9mm handgun and shoved it into my tight jeans in the small of my back. Then I slipped into a clean white T-shirt and covered it all with a waist-length black leather jacket. At least Rick packed that. Then I grabbed a few extra clips for the Glock just in case and shoved them into my pants pockets. Then for good measure, I pulled on one of my favorite belts with throwing stars for the buckle, but that was mainly a toy.
“You need any weapons, Annie?” I called down the stairs.
“No,” she replied. “I’m all geared up!”
“Good,” I replied, darting at vamp speed down the stairs. “You never know what we might need.”
Rick rolled his eyes, familiar with my passion for toys. “Let’s go, ladies!” he bellowed as he darted out the door, and we followed.
“Now, who did you say was good?” Annie asked mischievously, getting into the back seat of Rick’s Mercedes SUV, as I slipped into the front passenger’s seat.
Rick rolled his eyes again. “Never mind …”
I laughed, clearly enjoying Rick’s discomfort. “Rick, here, was just telling me what a great CIA agent I am!”
“Oh?” Annie asked, her eyebrows lifting, eying Rick.
Rick gave me a look that said to watch it. “You’re going to pay for this,” Rick said, looking at me. Between Annie and me, he didn’t stand a chance.
“Sorry, Rick,” I said, laughing. “I just couldn’t help myself.”
Then Rick gave me a look that said he was happy to see me laughing again.
The three of us bantered back and forth as we drove all the way to the city. We probably would have gotten there quicker running, but Rick thought it was a good idea to take the van if I was going to shop. He was probably right.
We drove for a while, then noticed shoots of pink and purple mixed with deep blue across the sky, signaling the end of the day. On the ride, my thoughts wondered to Zac. In my mind’s eye, I could see his beautiful cerulean almond eyes, his sun-streaked blonde hair … then I looked out the window, watching the scenery go by as Annie rambled on in the backseat. I tuned her out and let my thoughts drift to Zac. The way he held me so tenderly, like glass, his sense of chivalry … he was a gentleman through and through, with a caring, open heart …
I glanced at Rick and he was watching me. He silently raised an eyebrow with concern, silently asking me if I was alright.
I nodded seriously, then smiled. “Thanks,” I mouthed.
Rick returned the smile. “You’re welcome,” he mouthed in reply, then turned his attention back to the road, letting me have a moment with Zac … at least, in my mind.
It was pitch black outside as we turned onto 178th Street in New York City, then made a left onto Canal Street, on our way to Broadway. It seemed like we just left Cooperstown, and now we were here. I went immediately into agent mode, knowing The Mirage would be right around the corner.
“Rick, it’s still early yet,” I said. “I need a car. Pull into a car lot.”
“What kind you want?” Rick asked. Looking for a car dealership in the city would be difficult.
“Surprise me,” I said, looking at Rick, smiling.
“Okay,” Rick smiled mischievously. “Hummer, here we come!”
I sighed and shook my head, still smiling. “Low pr
ofile, Rick.” Then I thought for a minute and said, “I know! Let’s go to Manhattan.” In the back seat, Annie gave a little squeal and clapped her hands.
“Low profile, Star?” Rick said, raising an eyebrow.
“Leave me alone,” I said, teasing. “That’s where all the good car dealerships are.”
So we drove 20 minutes to Manhattan. Rick actually spoiled me, pretty much giving me what I wanted. As we entered Manhattan, I felt excited to be back again. It had been a while since I’d made trip to the city.
“What are you looking for?” Rick asked as we passed a few dealerships.
Then I saw exactly what I wanted. “Pull in here, Rick.”
“A Camaro?” Rick asked, pulling into the dealership. “What happened to low profile?”
“Hey, a Camaro’s not that bad,” I countered. “A high school student could have one.”
“Yeah,” Rick added, parking the car. “If Daddy’s rich.”
I laughed. “Okay! So you’re rich!”
Rick rolled his eyes.
“Actually,” I added, thinking of something. “You’re into law enforcement.”
“Oh?” Rick said, rolling his eyes. “Doing what?” Rick knew I was talking about his cover.
“Don’t know. You tell me,” I said, spotting exactly what I wanted as Annie ran her hand along a red Camaro, probably thinking of buying one, too.
“This is it!” I said, crossing to a black 45th Anniversary Edition Camaro. I knew it was modeled after the 1967 edition. I’d know it anywhere. It was a very good year for cars. “There’s nothing like the classics.”
“Star …” Rick said, warning.
“What?” I asked, feigning innocence. And for me, this was low profile. I had a Mercedes SLS worth $183,000 in storage.
“May I help you?” a man dressed in a cheap black suit crossed the parking lot to us.
“Yes. I’d like to take this one,” I said, pointing to the sleek black anniversary edition Camaro.
The man held his nose in the air and looked me over, seeing a teenager, then promptly replied, “Honey, you can’t afford this. It’s a 45th Anniversary Edition Camaro. Now we have some other selections over here …”
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