He listens and responds when appropriate. When his gaze comes up, he looks at me. “I have only been gone a few days.”
“Clearly, you were missed.” Mari steps forward, laughing, and kisses his cheek.
“I may have to go away more often if this is my greeting.” He still watches me with a warm smile on his handsome face.
“No!” the twins shout.
He laughs.
Stepping back, Mari says, “Come and gather your things, girls.”
They run to the far side of the den, where their backpacks and jackets are neatly placed in the corner.
I step closer to Ion. “Welcome home.”
Cocking his head, he studies me. “Is everything alright?”
“What makes you ask?” I kiss him and back away.
He closes the distance I’ve created and pulls me into a hug. “Your scent would indicate some fear.”
“I’m not afraid of you.” It comes out more emphatic than my intended coolness. “I mean.” I draw a long breath, trying to calm any nerves and push aside the encounter with Tilda. “Of course, I’m not afraid of you. It’s been a strange afternoon, but good and bad. I’ll tell you about it later, and you can tell me about your time in California.”
“If my instincts are correct, both of these topics will require some privacy?” He looks in the direction of the den.
“Maybe I can try to get a sitter for tonight.” My mind immediately shifts to a few teenagers I know who might be available on a Friday night.
“If you’d like, Sam and I can have the girls over for a sleepover. Sam has made a large pot of chili, and I know he would be thrilled to have someone to share it with. I know it’s disappointing for him to cook and have no one to tell him how good his food is.” Mari steps back into the foyer and the living room area. “If you want. The girls would be safe with us, and it’s no trouble.” She runs her hand over her rounded abdomen. “It’s good practice for the future.”
“Can we, Mommy?” Dotty asks the question, but two sets of wide blue eyes stare up at me.
“You have to go home and do all your homework first, and listen to Mari and Sam. If I get a bad report, you’ll be grounded indefinitely.” My heart beats faster at the idea of a full night with Ion. I should feel trepidation since I will have to tell him about my encounter with his granddaughter, but my body loves any excuse to be alone with him.
They bounce. “We will.”
Looking at Mari, I ask, “Are you sure? They can be a handful.”
Grinning, Mari laughs. “We are also a handful. It will be fun. Sam will be thrilled, and if they are very good, I will let them play the grand piano that Sam bought me last month.”
More jumping and cheering follow, and I thank Mari while corralling two excited eleven-year-olds.
As I’m ushering my daughters out the door, Ion leans in and kisses just below my ear. “Why don’t you come here whenever you drop the girls off. I will cook you dinner.”
“Do vampires cook?” I don’t manage to keep the surprise from my voice.
“You’ll have to wait and see.” He grins and caresses my cheek before watching us get into the car from the shade of the overhang at the front door.
Chapter Twelve
ION
At five fifteen, I catch the familiar floral scent of Lori as she approaches my house. She’s halfway up the walk when I open the door. It’s a cool night, but a hint of the stunning yellow dress peeks out from below her gray coat. Her ginger hair flows in loose waves around her shoulders. My fangs elongate, and my cock thickens at the sight. “You look beautiful.”
Carrying a small overnight bag, she looks me up and down, and her stare fixates on my teeth. “You look hungry.”
“I’m ravenous for you, sweet Lori. Nothing will ever change that.” I wrap my arms around her as she steps close without any fear that I might bite her.
Somehow, her trust makes me want her even more. I step back to let her into the house and take her coat. “Did the girls get settled at Sam and Mari’s?”
