Page 104

“You call me Balan, now.”

“Well, I’ve seen you in sunlight, and you didn’t burst into flame. Guessvampiredidn’t fit.”

I started to giggle, and then I was laughing hard. “You are such a shit,” I said as I stood. “Thank you for dinner.” I picked up my plate. “And the wine. But I’m beat, so I’m going to bed.” As I held my hand out, he raised an eyebrow. “Not you, idiot, give me your plate,” I told him as I laughed again.

Walking to the kitchen, I saw him pick his tablet up again. I really was tired, and I really wanted to go over and kiss him goodnight. Which was wholly inappropriate. I passed him as I headed for the stairs and said goodnight and got a mumbled grunt in reply, but his attention was on something, and I didn’t take offense.

As I got ready for bed, I looked at myself as I brushed my teeth. My eyes had more than a wine sparkle, my cheeks were flushed, and I realized that I’d enjoyed his company.Reallyenjoyed his company. Was I thawing toward the Devil?

After rinsing my mouth out, I climbed into bed and stared at the ceiling. It was time to go home; I wasn’tthawing. I was in danger offalling.

And that I couldn’t do.