Knight.”
I smiled, figuring such would be the case. I was sure Knight was in hog heaven, the bastard. “Well, I'm glad to hear everything is fine with you.” “Yeah, it is.” She paused. “I miss Quill.” Quill. Just the mention of his name caused an indescribable sorrow that I felt deep in my gut. “I do too.” ###
For my evening with Bram, I'd chosen to wear a mid-thigh length, black cocktail dress with black beading that reflected the lights and sparkled like a prism. It was really tight and I’d only worn it two times in the four years I'd owned it. Guess I didn't get out much. I'd finished it off with three-inch black leather stiletto boots and magicked a little curl into my hair, which of course, I wore down. Some pink lipstick, a touch of blush and a few strokes of mascara completed the look.
It felt good to be going out on a date, even if I didn’t think Bram and I would ever be a couple. But, I was now convinced that I needed to defeat my trust issues and what better way than to throw myself back into the dating game?
When we arrived at The Chateus, Bram pulled out my chair from the table, and I could feel the shudder of his gaze as it traveled over me with quiet appreciation.
“I have never seen you look so enchanting, Sweet. I am honored you chose to appear in such a way for me.”
I smiled, not exactly comfortable with this date stuff. I watched Bram assume his seat, and then I let my eyes wander over the restaurant. The Chateaus was in nearby Sanctity. It was the nicest place to eat and I had to admit I was pretty flattered.
Candle glow illuminated the otherwise dark interior and contrasted against the pristine white of the table linens and chairs in flickering shadows. “This place looks just like your office,” I said with a smirk. Bram chuckled. “It is just missing some red.” I returned my gaze to his. “What's up with your accent, Bram? You haven't been to England in over a century.”
His grin deepened, the tips of his fangs just protruding over his bottom lip. “I was wondering when the Sweet I knew so well would surface.” Apparently, not wanting to enlighten me on the particulars of his counterfeit accent, he changed the subject. “Any more word on the book?” I shook my head. “Nothing yet. Any word on the Chinese massage parlor?” “Yes, I've purchased it. I plan to open a restaurant to top even this one.” “Big ambitions.” He nodded. “Of course, Sweet, of course.” “So, Dagan was never after your massage parlor?”
Bram tapped his long fingers along the stem of his wine glass, reminding me that vampires didn't eat. They had no problem with liquids, but food wasn't something they were capable of digesting. Guess I'd be dining alone tonight. Strange that Bram would've invited me out to dinner in the first place. Hmm, he must've really wanted to get into my pants. “I believe Dagan was after it, but I beat him to the punch. He is in the process of purchasing the dark arts store.” I nearly choked on my water. “Fabian's?” “Yes, Sweet, the very same.” I’m not sure why but Dagan owning Fabian’s just seemed…wrong. Not that I’d been fond of the cretin Fabian at all. “Sweet, No Regrets is throwing a party in honor of my birthday at the end of the month. I do hope you will attend?” I’d forgotten about his three hundredth birthday. I smiled. “I’d be happy to.” The uneven grin on Bram’s lips hinted to his unspoken thoughts. “It would please me greatly if you…attended as my date.”
Hmm, another date with Bram? It would be beneficial to remain on his good side, especially in light of the fact that his three hundredth birthday would see him as much more powerful than he now was. And, furthermore, he was nice to look at…and I was trying to work on dating more. “I’d be happy to,” I repeated.
An hour later, I'd finished a third of my steak, declined dessert, and now Bram and I stood outside my apartment.
“I had a lovely time, Sweet,” Bram said. “I hope you will allow me to take you out again?”
“Maybe.” I guess I was feeling magnanimous. I actually had enjoyed myself, and Bram's company had been agreeable. Hmm, why the hell not go out with him again?
“I suppose a maybe is better than a no,” Bram said with a twinkle in his eye.
I just smiled. “Thanks, Bram, I had a good time.”
“My pleasure, Sweet,” he said and stepped closer until maybe an inch of air separated us. He wanted to kiss me; I could see it in his eyes. And I couldn't say the idea was such a bad one.
He tilted his head and caught my lips softly, his arms wrapping around me as I opened my mouth. He was a good kisser-gentle and slow. But one kiss was enough for me. I pulled away from him with a little smile.
He stepped away, and his eyes burned with passion. “I have wanted to do that for a long while.”
It was the same thing Quillan had said after he'd kissed me. Great-another memory to depress me. Trying to shake the thoughts of Quillan from my head, I pried myself from Bram’s embrace, and started for my apartment. “Have a good night, Bram.”
“I will call you soon,” he said, and I knew he meant it.
What I thought about it? I wasn't sure. Not something I had to worry about now, though.
I unlocked my door, walking into the house. When I went to close it behind me, I found him still standing in the same position, just watching me. I gave him a little wave and locked the door.
Throwing my purse onto the couch, I unzipped my boots and tossed them carelessly onto the floor. I plodded over to the computer and turned it on, deciding to check my email.
I had one new message. It was from Great Fiction Agency. My heart started jack hammering in my chest as I clicked the email open and dropped myself into the desk chair.
Dear Ms. O'Neil,
I would be happy to read the first three chapters of your paranormal romance, A Vampire and A Gentleman. Please send it as an email attachment.
Kind Regards,
Barbara Mandley
Great Fiction Agency
Finally, someone was showing interest…it was about goddamned time.
TWENTY TWO
It was seven p.m., and I wasn’t expecting any visitors so when a knock sounded on the door, I was understandably taken by surprise. Peering through the peephole, I found Knight standing on my doorstep.
With an exasperated sigh, I opened the door.
A smile lit up his face. If I’d thought our month’s separation would make him any less handsome, I was sorely mistaken. Holy Hades-the man should’ve been a model.
I eyed him suspiciously. “This is a surprise.” It was a surprise and even though I didn’t want to admit it to myself, it was a nice surprise. There was definitely a part of me that really liked Knight.
“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by and see how you’re doing,” he said with an embarrassed smile. Clearly he hadn’t been in the neighborhood. “Is that so?” I arched a brow but opened the door wide and he stepped inside. He smelled of soap-a clean, fresh fragrance. “How are you?” he asked, still acting a bit awkward. It was a role I’d never seen him assume and one I liked. “I’m fine. How are you?”
He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. “Good, I’m good.” He was quiet for a second as his gaze roamed my living room before settling back on me. “Are you busy tonight?”
I guess I felt sorry for him because I shook my head. Any nervousness in Knight fled as soon as I did so and was replaced with a beaming smile. “I’ll be your entertainment for the evening then.” He clapped his hands together as if the entertainment had already begun. “Entertainment?” I asked, sounding less than thrilled as I locked the door behind me. “Have you had dinner yet?” I shook my head. “Nope.” “Great, can I take you to dinner?” I laughed at the eagerness in his voice. “I thought I already told you I wasn’t interested in going on a date with you?” “Well, this isn’t a date.” “Oh, then what is it?”
He smiled that charming smile of his, and I knew something interesting was about to come out of his mouth. “Think of it as networking,” Knight continued as I started for the kitchen and he followed me. I poured myself a glass of water and watched him pull out a chair and straddle it.
“Networking?”
He laughed, and a stray tendril of hair that had a tendency to drop in front of his eyes, did exactly that. I had
