by Lisa Acerbo
Caleb stepped outside wearing a dark blue button-down shirt. Left untucked, he looked more like a model out of an Abercrombie catalogue than a mutant from the apocalypse.
“There she is.” He wore a huge smile. “Ready for tonight?”
“You two don’t belong in this world. So gorgeous.” Emma clapped when Caleb clasp Jenna’s hand.
Heat rose in her cheeks.
Too many people staring and grinning.
She managed a smile. “Let’s go before Mom and Dad here give us a curfew.”
This would be normal if he wasn’t carrying a nail-studded baseball bat. Oh well, got to take what you can get.
Jenna trailed Caleb along the pebbled pathway, through the ancient line of trees and toward the lake. She wondered if they were going on another picnic, but before getting close to the beach, Caleb turned onto a path in the woods. It dipped precipitously, causing Caleb to clasp Jenna’s hands on occasion and direct her. With each nudge, memories of their first kiss made her long for more.
They arrived at the lone house that perched by the water like a cormorant ready to catch its prey. It was the one they noticed the night they picnicked at the beach.
“What are we doing here?” Jenna asked.
“I was curious. I came here after the hunt a while back and explored. This way we’ll have some privacy. There is a great view of the lake from the back. I set it up so we can hang here tonight.”
“Could be fun.”
“Fun will be the understatement of the evening.”
The two climbed the front stairs and headed inside. Most homes showed abandonment and neglect, furniture, and remnants of past lives in disarray and covered in dust, mold, and cobwebs. Broken and overturned lives and furnishing the norm. The entrance of this house, on the other hand, looked like someone could move in. The room was spotless.
“You cleaned for me.”
“One time only. You’re the woman. You should be doing this,” Caleb teased.
“You did not say that.” The smack of her hand against his well-muscled arm filled the air. “You’ll get nothing if you act like a cave man.”
“Look at this.” He opened a door to a patio suspended above the water. A bouquet of wildflowers sat on a table with two chairs perched near the railing.
She stepped out into the night air and peered over. “The world is at peace here. I wish I never had to go back to reality.”
“It would be nice if it was like this all the time.”
“This is too perfect. Nothing this good is permanent. Something’s bound to come along and destroy it,” she said. “And not only our date. We found an amazing place to live at the inn. I found you. I can’t believe it will last. Not in the world we live in now.”
He held a bottle of red wine and two glasses in his hand. “You’re always a pessimist, aren’t you? Maybe this is exactly where we’re supposed to be, and this is how it’s supposed to work out. We found each other. That’s fate, destiny, serendipity. Let’s enjoy every minute of it.” He poured wine into chipped, mismatched glasses.
“How did you get the bottle? Doesn’t Jackie guard the wine cellar like every bottle was akin to gold and jewels?” She tasted the jewel-red drink, enjoying the little luxury. “Tasty.”
“You better enjoy the treat.” A grin worked his lips before he sipped. “I’m responsible for pretty much everyone’s cleaning duties around the inn this month, but it was worth it. You’re worth it.”
She took a large drink.
“You did it all for me.” The warmth of the wine hit quickly. “Are my cleaning duties included in the deal you made?”
“You’re enjoying the benefits of the bottle.” He raised an eyebrow. “You want to be excused from cleaning too? Gold digger.”
“A woman’s got to do what a woman’s got to do.” She sipped the wine, enjoying the view of the lake.
Caleb moved close, breath on the nape of her neck, proximity both comforting and disconcerted her. Bolstered by the drink, she leaned back against his broad chest and rested. His hands massaged her shoulders, teasing her senses.
His voice broke through the reverie. “Hungry?”
“Always.”
“Let’s eat.”
They moved to the table and Caleb offered her chair with a flourish. For having survived the apocalypse, the chair was in surprisingly good working order. She slipped off her jacket and slung it behind her.
Caleb stared, his look appreciative. He drew matches from his pocket and lit the two candles he’d wrangled from the unknown. Candlelight danced, creating magical images, and added to the fairytale atmosphere.
As they ate, Caleb related tales of growing up in rural New York. His family had been close knit and the stories wove the tapestry of his life.
“We lived on a farm, but my dad wasn’t really a farmer. He made a lot of money working in the stock market and decided it would be better to raise his family in the country. He retired early, bought some land, a few cows, sheep, and horses, and called himself a farmer. He was the biggest disaster, but my sisters and I loved him more than anything. Mom, too. She put up with all his crazy ideas. He was really smart, but a bit insane. I say that in the kindest of ways because he was my dad.”
“Like father, like son,” Jenna joked.
“Exactly. He taught me to play guitar and piano and encouraged my love of music even when I wanted to do it for a career. What did you want to do when you grew up?” Caleb poured her more wine.
Her eyebrow shot up. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”
“Maybe. Answer the question.”
“I wanted to be a journalist.” A chuckle escaped. “I wanted to save the world by writing stories exposing the corruption in the government and big business. I was into causes. Save the polar bears. Save the whales. Stop rainforest destruction. Before everything happened, I was on my high school newspaper. I thought I could change the world for the better. Now, I’m happy to get through the day without running into a Streaker. My new cause is to save the humans.”
“The world isn’t so changed, Jenna. You make a difference every day by helping people.”
“I’m not the person I was before, and I can’t fathom a pre-pandemic life anymore. Too much has changed. I don’t know if I can help anyone. Some days I can’t help myself. For so long it was survival mode. It’s hard to get out of the mindset with Streakers right outside the fences. Our safety here is an illusion. One that I’m happy to buy into at the present but still an illusion.”
“You have gorgeous eyes.” He changed the subject abruptly. “They reveal whatever you’re passionate about.”
“You don’t want to discuss Streaker invasions? The inn’s safety? Set up a plan for the perimeters?”
“Don’t even joke. We are not going there tonight. Instead, I’m going to tell you how beautiful you are, and how much I want you. Those lips are killing me. They look so luscious, like a ripe raspberry I want to nibble on.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m the person you enchanted with those red lips.”
“It’s my apocalipstick. I found it with the dress. The lipstick was my mom’s.” Jenna thought about how far she’d come to be willing to go on a date tonight with Caleb, the man who intimidated her not so long ago. “It represents the new me.”
“You’re stunning.” His hand covered hers.
Her pulse raced and only intensified when he ran a finger across her cheek. It lingered on her neck for a brief moment before it trailed off. His gaze heated her.
What had started as contentment when their hands met, now turned into a primal emotion. It thrilled and scared her. In need of a distraction, she sipped her wine, all the while hoping Caleb would kiss her.
Instead, he rose, grabbed the plates, and went inside. On his return, he brought forth chocolate cookies.
“Are you serious? Where did you get this? How? I love you.” She blushed at the last statement.
“I’ve told the scavenging parties to
keep an eye out for anything chocolate, and they brought back cocoa powder. I knew you had a liking for the stuff, so Emma and I figured out a way to make you a special treat—for all you do with the garden and the farm animals.” Caleb handed her a cookie, then he sat once more. His chiseled legs clad in rough blue jeans extended under the table, his knee making contact with her bare leg.
Jenna’s mouth watered. “This is so delicious. You are my favorite person.”
“I guess the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach too. There are more back at the inn. We made several batches, figuring most people would enjoy them.”
“You’re amazing.” She leaned over the small table and planted a kiss on his cheek before finishing her cookie with gusto. “So good.”
Caleb picked at his dessert. “Glad you like it.” He stared at his folded hands, suddenly intent.
“A penny for your thoughts?”
“Currency is worthless now adays.” His eyes danced red in the night.
Bewitched by them, Jenna stared. “Tell me anyway.”
She wanted to know this man. He was charming and funny, loving and kind, but whatever else Caleb was— Jenna couldn’t wait to embrace it.
Caleb stretched. “How crazy is it the two of us survived and found each other after everything that happened?”
She pushed out of her seat, sitting on his lap, and cuddling against his chest. “I wouldn’t have it any different.”
“It’s like we were meant to be together. It’s our destiny.” His arms wrapped around her, caressing her through her sheer dress.
“I don’t know if I believe in destiny anymore.”
“I do.”
His lips pressed against her hair, his honey breath making her lightheaded. His hands set Jenna’s skin on fire. They roamed down her back and across her side, dress shifting beneath his fingers.
“I really like your dress, but I would like you out of it more. What do you want?”
“Nothing.”
“Really?” A smile played on his lips. “That’s a disappointment.”
“I only desire what you freely want to give. This isn’t about taking anything.”
“I freely give you my love.” His fingers cupped her chin, so their eyes met. “I want your love freely given. I can’t imagine this world without you next to me.”
Jenna’s mind raced.
Did he really love her after the little time they spent together?
Could he mean it?
His hand moved to caress her shoulder while his lips tickled her neck. “Don’t go quiet on me.”
“I want this to happen.”
When their lips met, her world spun out of control, and she lost herself in the sensation.
Was this desire? Love? It was her first real taste, never having the luxury of experiencing such emotions before.
“You’re beautiful.” Caleb drew her close, tracing the pattern of Jenna’s dress as it danced on her thighs. “Stay with me.”
“Yes.” Jenna trembled at the idea.
“Are you scared?” Their bodies collided. Sparks might have well flown between them and burned off her dress, she was so hot.
She’d never felt anything like this before. Sure, she lacked experience, but this was something, all right. And she wanted to pursue it, at least her lady parts did.
“I’m nervous.” She whispered words against his neck. “But more scared about losing this opportunity to be with you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“I love a decisive woman.” He carried her into the bedroom, letting her slip onto the mattress. Joining her, his hands and lips roamed her body, distancing the outside world from this protective cocoon.
He drew close, and she leaned into the kiss. His lips tasted like chocolate and fervor. Irresistible. Caleb worked her dress up and over her thighs, hands roaming her stomach, fingers tracing the line of Jenna’s scar. They separated, and he liberated her from her clothing. She pulled at the buttons on his shirt until there was nothing between them.
He kissed her shoulder, and then slowly trailed down her body, tracing her form with fingers and lips.
She flinched when his lips touched her scars, but then he kissed her navel and murmured, “Exquisite. So perfect.”
He loved all of her, the good and the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly. Caleb could be her future, and she could not deny the need.
His kisses drove any last rational thoughts from her mind, and she moaned. His eyes begged for permission.
“Don’t stop. God don’t stop what you’re doing.” Her voice had a deep, husky quality she’d never heard. To make sure he understood, she shifted on top of him, enjoying his gasp of delight. From her vantage point, she made demands with her hands, her nails raking across his abs. Body relishing his touch, she pressed against him.
“You’ll be the end of me, woman.” He flipped her to the side and was instantly above her.
When their lips met again, her heart thundered.
“Jenna?” Caleb’s need was evident, his body straining. “Are you sure?”
She unbuttoned his jeans. “I want to. I need you. Why are you still dressed?”
Something primal lit in Caleb’s eyes, and they spiraled from red to purple to black. He buried his face in Jenna’s neck. His teeth nipped against her fragile skin. She bucked with wanting under him.
“I’m yours.” Her hands roamed his beautiful body.
“Are you sure?” Caleb stared into her eyes.
“Don’t ask me again. I want this more than anything. I love you.”
The words undid them both. Tangled together, long moments of pleasure blanketed them together.
Afterward, the pair lay, legs twisted like vines. Jenna’s body burned so hot while Caleb’s coolness stood in contrast. The two didn’t return to the inn for many hours.
20
They returned to the inn before morning arrived, exhausted but without the desire to part company. While it would be easiest for Jenna to complete her normal routine, little desire to do so remained. As they ambled through the hallway, Quentin exited Aiko’s room with her in tow.
Jenna was unprepared for a moment like this. She almost raised her hand in greeting but forced it down to her side and balled it in a fist.
His gaze hammered her. “Walk of shame.” He spit the words. Anger turned into a disappointed frown. “I see you made your decision.” Resentment crept into his eyes.
“Leave them,” Aiko said.
“Let me explain,” Jenna’s words were little more than a whisper.
Caleb forced her fingers open when their hands merged. “Quentin. You’re a good friend, and Jenna would do anything for you. She did. She saved your life. You have no right to talk that way when you are involved with . . .”
“My life,” Quentin interrupted, “is none of your concern. If it wasn’t for you, things would be different between Jenna and I.”
Her eyes grew owlish. What were they yammering about? Neither of these men owned her thoughts or emotions.
“Let’s go.” Quentin turned to Aiko. “I’m done with this conversation.” They disappeared around the corner.
“Come on. Let’s get to your room, and I’ll explain.” Caleb propelled her forward.
Jenna nestled in an armchair by the window, jiggling her foot while waiting.
“Remember last night?” A huge grin ensured he did.
“Of course,” Jenna blushed thinking about some of the things they had done.
“Some New Racers want to do more than what we did. They want to share human blood.”
Her mouth dropped open. “What?”
“Humans and New Racers find it enjoyable. I swear. There is something different about human blood. It’s compelling and leaves the New Racer with a complex high, I guess you would call it. There isn’t really a good way to describe what both people experience. It’s unique to the individual. It’s also addicting. New Racers s have to be careful.”
Jenna’s nostrils flared. “Seriously?”
“There is something about the way we’ve changed that makes the experience pleasurable rather than painful. The antithesis of Streakers.”
“Why are you telling me all this now?”
“I’m telling you all this because Quentin and Aiko are in a relationship. It’s based on mutual need. Aiko wants to feed off human blood, and Quentin enjoys the experience. I’m not sure how long it’s been going on, but Peter brought it to my attention last week.”
“You didn’t tell me about this sooner?” Jenna’s voice was squeaky.
“It’s not really my business to tell. They are both adults, capable of making mature decisions.”
“How do we know Quentin is making his own choice? How do we know Aiko isn’t using some New Race power to persuade him?”
“We aren’t vampires, werewolves, witches, or devils. It’s not a Shakespearean tragedy. We don’t cast spells on people or compel them to do whatever we want. We don’t enslave humans. If she’s using anything, it’s her feminine mystique.”
“You sure about that?”
“Quentin is a big boy. He makes his own decisions.”
“I don’t like it. Should I speak to him?”
“It would only make him feel worse. He’s mad right now that we’re together. His ego is bruised, but Aiko is a good person.”
“She told everyone to let him die!”
“She was rational. Maybe she didn’t say what she wanted to in the most politically correct way, but her heart was in the right place. She was watching out for the group.”
“Why did she get so close to Quentin once we got the medicine?”
“Guilt. She realized your way might have been the better way to deal with the situation.”
“What should I do?” She stood and paced the confines of her room. “Is there a way to stop it?”
“Don’t get involved. He’s an adult who understands exactly what he’s doing. Aiko isn’t forcing him into anything. She can’t make him do it. New Racers aren’t vampires. We don’t compel people.”
“Really?”
“I’m positive you’ll do whatever you want, no matter what I say. It’s one of the reasons I like you so much.”