Called by the Vampire - Part 3

by V. Vaughn

  "I found the menu online earlier, and there's a halibut-and-hazelnut dish I think you're going to love."

  I shake my head as my thoughts run wild. I imagine Lyndsey showing up at the Hart mansion and knocking on the door to talk to me. Fortunately, I'm gone for the next month, but what would Bertha do? What is she trained to do? A vision of Lyndsey chained in the secret underground passageway from the house to the garage that allows the vampire occupants to avoid sunlight flashes in my mind. I glance over at Sebastian, and the glow from his phone gives his skin an eerie cast as if he's in a horror movie, completing my vivid scenario.

  My heart clenches with dread. Elizabeth's afraid. For the millionth time, I wish I could talk to my heart donor, because I think she's trying to tell me something. Is Lyndsey in danger? I wonder if Sebastian would actually kill my friend to keep her quiet. I'm startled when Sebastian leans forward and places his hand on my knee. "Margaret. We're at the restaurant."

  I realize the car has stopped. "Oh." I scoot to the edge of my seat, and when the door opens, I take Adly's hand for assistance getting out. An ocean breeze blows around me as I step onto the pavement, and I inhale the salt-tinged air to let it soothe me. I think about Alexander and wish he were here. I know he wouldn't let Sebastian do anything bad to my friends. The restaurant is on a pier, and I gaze out at the ocean sparkling under the lights of buildings that line the harbor.

  Sebastian comes to my side and offers me his arm. I gaze up at him, and Elizabeth fills me with the desire to kiss him. I scowl and am tempted to ignore Sebastian's attempt at chivalry, but I know that I'd likely stumble in my heels on the uneven wood planks if I do, so I hold on. When we get to the door, he places his hand on the small of my back to lead me through. His touch makes me tingle with Elizabeth's response. I wish I didn't feel it. This should be Alexander.

  The hostess comes out from behind her counter when she sees me. She’s got a huge smile, and for a moment I wonder if she knows me as Maggie. But when she gushes, "Miss Kane, it's an honor to have you tonight," I'm relieved. She bypasses people waiting in line to come to us. "When I heard you were coming, I saved you our best table." Wow. Sebastian must have really done a number with the PR. I smile back at the woman, who looks old enough to be my mother, and she says, "Right this way." Once she turns to lead us away, I glance at Sebastian, and he winks at me.

  We're led to a spot that has a view of the harbor, and Sebastian and I sit so we both can see it from the square table. He tucks my chair in, and a waitress arrives almost immediately with a wine menu. Sebastian opens it, and she waits patiently for him to make a decision. It makes me wonder if she has any other tables. My boss asks for champagne.

  I'm a bit giddy over the way the hostess treated me, and it makes Sebastian more tolerable, so I ask, "I think tonight went well, don't you?"

  He smiles. "You were perfect, Kitty."

  His praise means more to me than I'd like, and I smile back. "Thank you." I think about the hours Sebastian spent going over story structure and breaking down the parts of Kitty Kane's books. "You prepared me well."

  The waitress has returned, and we focus our attention on the opening and tasting of the champagne. Once she leaves, Sebastian holds up his glass for a toast. "To the beginning of an adventure you'll never forget." The fine crystal rings when we clink our glasses, and I let the bubbles of expensive champagne dance on my tongue before I swallow it down.

  I watch the flame of the candle on the table as it wavers, and I think about Alexander and the night we ate out. My throat thickens, and my pain over missing him rushes forward. I set my glass down and open my purse to check my phone. A quick glance tells me no, and my mood darkens.

  Sebastian says, "We're staying in a lovely hotel in Boston tonight that has a wonderful pool, and it's not far from the aquarium. I think you should get out and enjoy the amenities tomorrow."

  "By myself?" I wish Alexander were here to go with me. Although I suppose going out alone would be much better than staying cooped up with Sebastian all day.

  "I was thinking about joining you for the aquarium trip." He offers me a slow sexy smile. "If you don't mind."

  Elizabeth fills my heart with the warmth of love, and darn it, it manages to soften me a bit too. Besides, I know I'll squeal over the dolphins and penguins, and it would be nice if I had someone to share my excitement with. "I don't mind."

  "Wonderful," Sebastian actually clasps his hands as he says it. "I think the penguins are my favorite. I hope you'll indulge me."

  "I love the penguins too!" I catch myself. "I mean, besides the dolphins." Darn it. I don't want to like Sebastian.

  But... since I'm going to live life in a large way... I say, "I've always wanted a huge room service breakfast with waffles and real maple syrup." I smile because I know I'm about to irritate my boss's slight OCD. "And then get it all over the sheets, because housekeeping will clean it up for me."

  Sebastian cocks his head at me in confusion before he lets out a deep laugh.

  "What?"

  "You are such a treasure, Margaret. If you want to get your bedsheets sticky as you gorge on waffles, then you will." He shakes his head as he smiles. "There are so many things I can't wait for you to experience."

  I don't think he meant to sound sexual, but my insides twinge at the suggestion of his words. I quickly pull up the memory of sex with Alexander instead, and that leads me to worry that the man I love might have changed, considering he hasn't replied to my news. The heart-shaped vial of Sebastian's blood is smooth on my fingers as I fondle it. My boss insisted I wear it in case I need to drink the life-saving contents, but I'm wearing it because it means I'll be able to see Alexander again. Although I'm beginning to wonder if that's really true. Can true mates ever leave each other?

  "Margaret," says Sebastian softly. I glance up at him. "I'm pleased you like your necklace."

  I realize I'm still holding the vial of his blood. "Oh." I remove my hand and see his adoration for me shining in his eyes. Part of me wishes Sebastian were the brother I'd fallen in love with, and my heart aches with Elizabeth's longing for him. I reach for my champagne and smile at him. While I can't give him what he wants, the least I can do is show him I appreciate the kind things he does for me. I say, "I think the halibut for dinner sounds wonderful."

  6

  Lyndsey

  Once I leave the bookstore, I walk across the street to a tavern to get a drink and figure out what I am going to do to get Kitty to talk. The place isn't very busy, and I grab a seat by the window so I can people watch. The menu is slick in my hands as I look for something to eat, and when the waitress comes to take my order, I ask for a burger and a beer.

  I'm convinced Kitty knows what happened to us at Matt's party, and I wish I'd asked her if I should go see a doctor. Although I do feel better today than I have, so perhaps the lingering effects of whatever drug I was given are wearing off. When my food arrives, the burger tastes so good I devour it, and as I'm finishing my beer, I notice a sleek black limo pull up in front of the bookstore. That's got to be for Kitty. I grab cash out of my wallet and slap it down on the table before I rush out to my car parked in front of the tavern.

  Once I get inside my small hatchback, I slink down to avoid being seen as I watch for Kitty. I'm not disappointed, because she and the man I saw at the signing walk out of the bookstore and get inside the limo. The moment their door slams, I'm up, and my engine catches as I turn the key. I'm not sure where they're going, but I plan to find out.

  It turns out Kitty and her companion don't go very far, and the limo drops them off at a restaurant on the waterfront. Luck is on my side when I find a parking space only a few buildings down, but when I get inside the restaurant, I don't see them in the line of people waiting for a table.

  I decide to head to the bar and have another drink, scope out where Kitty might be, and plan what to do. The bar is spectacular, with its dark wood counters and backlit center shelving full of glowing liquor bottles. It's oval sha
ped and in the center of the restaurant. With plenty of open seats, I decide it doesn't matter which one I pick, because I can move to a spot where I have a better vantage point if necessary. I choose a place that gives me a good view of the tables facing the water, and it doesn't take me long to find Kitty's flaming-red curls still piled up on top of her head.

  One of the bartenders comes over to talk to me, and I ask for a menu. Judging by the clothing I see on the patrons, I think this place is priced out of my league, and I might be sipping on an overpriced soda as I wait for my chance to ambush Kitty again. Ideally, one of the pair will go to the restroom so I can get her alone.

  When I get the bar menu, I glance at the beer list and discover I was right about the pricing, so I order a cola. The bartender asks, "Waiting for someone?"

  I've been so lost in my thoughts I hadn't noticed how striking the guy is. While his pale skin makes me think he never sees the light of day, his blue eyes practically glow. I offer him a flirty smile as I lie. "Yeah, but I might have been stood up."

  "What a shame. If you were my date, I'd be here early." I chuckle, and he leans in close. "Let me buy you a real drink. What can I get you?"

  "You don't have to do that."

  "No. I don't." He scans me quickly with his gaze. "But I want to."

  I give him the once-over too, and I notice he's built like an athlete, with his wide shoulders and trim waist in black slacks and a white button-down with rolled-up sleeves. He may not get outside much, but he definitely hits the gym. "Any imported draft will do."

  He flashes me a toothy grin that almost blinds me with movie-star perfection before he turns away to get me a beer. I sit back and spend a moment appreciating his fine backside. This guy is hot with a capital H. I didn't expect to have such fascinating company on my stakeout, but I'll sure take it.

  When he returns with a twenty-ounce draft, I say, "That's a lot of beer."

  The glass is covered in frost, and when he hands it to me, his fingers brush mine, sending a tingle of desire through me. He says, "I'm in no rush to see you go."

  I shake my head at his blatant flirting. "Do you pick up girls at your bar often?"

  "Not yet. How am I doing?"

  I take a sip of my beer and hold the cold liquid in my mouth for a moment before swallowing it down. I lick the foam off my lips and watch as his nostrils flare.

  He places his hand on his chest and inhales deeply as his eyes roll back for a second. "Have mercy, woman." He traps me in his gaze. "What's your name?"

  "Lyndsey."

  "Lyndsey," he says slowly. "I'm Liam. So what does Lyndsey do for fun?"

  "Surf and watch bad movies. You?"

  "I watch bad movies and women who surf." I chuckle, and he says, "Actually, I'm a freelance software designer."

  A man a few seats down from me calls out, "Liam, man, can I get a drink sometime tonight?"

  Liam rolls his eyes at me and walks over to the customer. I take the opportunity to find Kitty again. She and her companion are both still there, so I take another sip of my drink and focus my attention on Liam as he moves behind the bar.

  While I watch holy hotness in action, I begin to wonder how wise it was for me to have put Kitty on the defense back at the bookstore. I really should have pleaded to her sympathy, and I decide that's going to be my approach this time.

  Liam is too busy to come back to talk to me, and I begin to worry I'm going to miss my chance to speak to Kitty if I don't do something soon. The moisture of my glass is slippery on my fingers as I take a sip of my beer, and I make a decision. I'm going to go talk to Kitty in front of her companion in an attempt to appeal to her empathetic side.

  I glance around for the restroom sign and get up to head that way in case Liam is watching, but as soon as I've walked away, I switch directions to go toward Kitty's table. When I get there, I slip into a seat across from her and her date. I glance at the guy. "I'm so sorry to interrupt." It strikes me that he has similar coloring to Liam, only this man's eyes are a vibrant green. I turn my attention to Kitty, who has her hands clutched together. "I know what happened at Matt's isn't your doing, but I think you know something. Please. I'm only trying to figure out what I need to do to feel better again."

  The man furrows his brow and asks, "What's wrong?"

  Kitty glances at him, and I answer before she can jump in. "Kitty and I were at a party a few nights ago, and I'm afraid we might have been poisoned in some way, because most of us are weak now."

  "My goodness," the man says. "Kitty, are you experiencing the same thing?"

  "Ah..." She looks at me but doesn't meet my eye. "A little bit." She frowns. "I mean. Yes. I can't seem to get enough sleep."

  I'm not sure why she's lying, but I go with it. "Exactly, and I'm so thirsty."

  "Me too," she says. She looks at the man. "Weird. Right?"

  He tilts his head at me. "I'm sorry. I don't think we've met. I'm Sebastian Hart. I manage Miss Kane."

  "Oh." I smile and wonder how a girl who has just released her first book ended up with a manager already. "Lyndsey. It's a pleasure to meet you."

  "The pleasure is mine."

  He shifts in his seat, and that's when I notice the two plates of food in front of them that are almost full. Sebastian strikes me as the kind of guy who does polite, so I say, "My gosh. I interrupted your dinner. I'm so sorry."

  As expected, he says, "No. Don't be." He waves his hand in dismissal. "We were getting full anyway." He leans his arm on the table as he moves closer to me. "Have you considered Lyme disease? Perhaps you were all infected by the same mosquitoes or ticks."

  Kitty's response is too quick when she says, "I bet that's it!" The girl is a terrible liar. But when she looks at Sebastian with gratitude, she gives valuable information anyway. I think Sebastian is in on whatever happened. I also think he's too slick to give me the truth. It's time to cut my losses. For now.

  I let out a fake sigh of relief. "You know what? I bet you're right." I stand up. "Thank you so much for your time." I paste on a big smile. "I'll let you get back to your dinner."

  "You're welcome," says Sebastian.

  Kitty says, "Great to see you again." Her words are hollow, and we both know it.

  "You too," I say before I walk away, and I think I need to see my doctor as soon as I can.

  7

  Lyndsey

  I return to my barstool and let out a big sigh. Liam sees me and comes over to ask, "Definitely a no-show?"

  I nod. "Story of my life."

  "I don't believe that for a second. You're way too attractive to be single." He pumps his eyebrows at me. "For long." He reaches for my half-full beer glass and goes to refill it. I probably should stop him, but I might as well enjoy a hot guy before I head back home.

  When he returns, he sets the beer down and says, "I swear I don't flirt like this with everyone." He shakes his head. "There's something about you, Lyndsey. I know this is probably too fast, but I'm afraid I might never see you again, so here goes." He takes a deep breath. "I'll be done in a half hour. How about I take you out to show you not all men are slime?"

  Liam is very sexy, and I'm definitely attracted to him too. Besides, a date with a hot bartender sure is a nice consolation prize for my unproductive evening. And he's right--because I don't come to Portland often, I might never see him again. I think about the fact I have to drive home to Port Porpoise tonight and say, "I'd like that. But since I'm driving, let's make it coffee."

  Liam grins as if he's doing a mental fist pump. "Coffee it is." I discover I'm grinning too. He says, "I'm really glad you came in tonight, Lyndsey."

  Considering the information I gathered earlier from Kitty and Sebastian, and that I met Liam, I say, "I am too."

  I nurse my beer while Liam finishes up with work, and when his shift is over, Liam tells me to wait for him by the hostess stand while he goes to get his things. I grab a mint from a bowl on the counter, and the cellophane rustles as I open it. The older woman who is the hostess s
miles at me. "Did you enjoy your meal?"

  "Oh. I--" I turn to where Liam entered the kitchen. "I'm waiting for Liam."

  She raises her eyebrows at me as she smiles, and my stomach tightens for a moment with the fear she thinks I'm another one of his hookups. She seems like the motherly type, and considering I have no intention of going home with Liam, I step closer to the woman. "Can I ask you something?" She nods. "Does Liam have lots of girlfriends?"

  "No. Not at all." She leans in too and lowers her voice. "As a matter of fact, most of the girls who work here would give their eyeteeth to go out with him, but he never seems to date. You must be someone quite special."

  "Good." The heat of a blush rushes to my face. "I mean, thanks. I wanted to make sure I wasn't jumping into a bad situation. You know?"

  "Ready?" asks Liam, and I turn to him. He's changed into a black T-shirt and black jeans, and I have to refrain from licking my lips, because he's even sexier than before.

  "I am." I follow him as he takes us outside.

  He stops under the bright light that illuminates the door. He puts on a black leather jacket and shoves his hands in the pockets. "Feel like walking to the end of the pier and sitting for a while so we can talk?"

  "Sure." Our feet tap out a hollow beat over the wood planks and I ask, "What kind of programming do you do?"

  "Apps mostly. I figure out what people don't know they need and then create an app they can't live without."

  I chuckle as I think about the game I see so many people at the coffee shop playing on their phones. "Like Candy Crush?"

  He laughs too. "Mine aren't quite that involved. One of my most successful ones is for picking the best New England microbrew for your tastes."

  "Yeah?" I bump against his shoulder. "Do you make a lot of money from it?"

  "Not enough to quit the bartender job, if that's what you're asking."