I put on my robe, then rush out of my room to open the door for him. At least my hair and makeup are done.
“Hi,” I say, out of breath.
His eyes turn rounder, and then he blushes. “Hi. Am I too early?”
“No, not all. I’m running a bit behind. Come on in.” I open the door wider for him to enter, and when I close it again, I don’t move from the spot. My pulse is racing, and I’m shaking a little.
Vaughn spins around with his hands in his pockets, looking a little uncomfortable. “Uh… I can wait in the car if you prefer.”
“Oh, no. I won’t be long. Promise. You can take a seat.” I point at the couch.
“All right.”
“Oh my God. What happened to you two?” Tish chimes in. I didn’t even notice she had joined us in the living room.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“It’s painful to watch.” She looks at Vaughn. “Dude, kiss her already. She wants you to do it.”
My face bursts into flames. “Tish!”
Vaughn’s lips twitch upward. “It’s okay, Soph. I was planning to do it. But you can get dressed first.”
A strange warmth spreads across my chest. That’s why he kept himself at arm’s length. He didn’t want to make me uncomfortable by getting into my personal space while I’m only wearing underwear under my robe.
I shorten the distance between us and wrap my arms around his waist, tilting my chin up so I can maintain eye contact. “You can kiss me now.”
He gives me a lopsided grin, then cups my cheek. “As you wish.”
He leans in, and I close my eyes right before our lips touch. His kiss is gentle and sweet, but as devastating to my senses as if he had claimed my mouth more passionately. I melt against his body as our tongues explore unhurriedly.
With a sigh, Vaughn eases off, breaking the kiss. His eyes are hooded now and burning with desire. “Hi again.” He smiles lazily.
I return the smile. “I should get dressed.”
“Right.”
I step away from him or I won’t get anything done. “Where are we going tonight?”
His easygoing expression changes in the blink of an eye, guilt replacing the yearning in his stare. “I wanted to take you to the movies, but there’s been a change of plans.”
I hug myself. Whatever the change is, I sense Vaughn isn’t happy about it. “Where are we going?”
“To see the High Witch.”
Shit. I can guess what she wants with me, and I’m so not keen on having that conversation. “Must we?”
Vaughn flattens his lips. “She didn’t give me a choice. It’s about the specter you saved me from in the catacombs.”
My throat tightens. That’s what I feared. “What about it?”
“The wards keeping the specter trapped have weakened, and she doesn’t know why.”
I close my eyes for a second. “It’s my fault.”
“Did you try to free the ghost?”
There’s no reproach in his tone, but it doesn’t make me feel better. He deserves the truth, though. “Yes.”
