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“We’d be happy to have you.” Aaron spoke with such sincerity, it almost sounded like he meant something else. I glanced toward Jax, but he didn’t look confused like me. Jax looked like he understood Aaron’s meaning. “Besides, you’re good to have around. Trust me on that, Jax. A few pizzas are nothing to a prince, just wait.”
“Wanted for my wallet, hmm?” Osric’s vibe swung a little lighter, and he gave a small smile. “As long as that grizzly of yours stays inside, where he belongs. A dump truck full of pizza couldn’t satisfy that creature’s appetite.”
Aaron grunted and all seemed well between the two friends.
“Aaron’s right. I’m going to be right here next to you too, Ceci,” Jax said. “If that’s okay?”
“You know it is,” I said softly.
Jax met eyes with Aaron. “And I think it’s safe to say we both need to be near you, no matter how strong our beasts get.”
Aaron gave a firm nod. “Absolutely.” He looked at Osric. “And what do you say?”
Osric dropped his gaze again, thinking, then he looked up at me. “I can pop in from time to time.” He shrugged. “If my best friend’s determined to be here, I’ll need to make sure he’s got enough pizza to sustain his vigil.”
“And special spring rolls,” I said. “Don’t forget those.”
Osric rubbed his hands on his slacks. “Yes, of course. And there’s a good English pub downtown that delivers. I’ll introduce you all to some pub grub.” He glanced at his fancy wristwatch, almost too fast to have even seen the time. “I must be going though. Aaron, I’ll message you tomorrow. Jax, ciao.”
He hurried out the door, clunking it behind him, leaving so abruptly, not saying goodbye to me, I feared I’d done something to push him out the door. A shiver of disappointment ran through me.
At least someone wouldn’t make me feel bad for giving my thanks: Xander.
I’d make sure to give him a big hug and do something special to show my appreciation, next time I saw him. Aaron had assured me earlier today that I didn’t need to keep my distance from Xander. It was up to me. It seemed selfish to even think about being close to two guys, much less three, but Aaron had assured me relationships like this weren’t so uncommon among paranormals. Supplying the final bit of reassurance I’d needed, Jax had even nodded his head.
What would it be like to kiss a vampire?
Cecilia
Iwas on a date with a vampire.
When Xander had come over the next morning and I’d tried to thank him, he’d insisted the best thanks would be accepting his invitation to dinner. Just the two of us.
Jax and Aaron had said it would be fine. And whatever issues Jax and Xander had, Jax at least seemed to trust Xander to watch out for me.
So here I was, in New Lincoln’s priciest restaurant, a French fine dining experience, sitting across from super-hot Xander, the candles’ reflections making him look even more deliciously unnatural as their flames flickered, dancing shadows across his pale, flawless face and into his red-ringed eyes.
Everything was so fancy. Crisp linen and crystal on the dimly lit tables. Gentle music drifting over the room. Every table was filled with couples smiling, whispering, clinking glasses and clasping hands between eating. The waiters were dressed sharply, weaving back and forth in black and white uniforms topped with bow ties.
“I feel a little out of place.” I ran a finger down the intricate design on the silverware. “Thanks so much for getting me this outfit though.” I looked around at the evening attire the other diners were wearing, glad Xander had been so insistent on taking me to a store I’d never have dreamed about visiting on my own. “You really didn’t have to.”
He’d asked me to pick whatever I wanted and seemed to hope I’d get more than just a dress and shoes, but I’d stopped him there. I’d gone with black, suspecting it was his favorite color. Now my body was gloved in a designer cocktail dress, the fine fabric so smooth and soft against my skin. I kept taking occasional peeks at my heels under the table too.
“Oh, but I did have to.” Like James Bond—or more like a Bond villain—in his tailored black suit, Xander extended his hand across the table. “May I, my little orchid?”
I held my hand out to touch his. “You may.”
He squeezed my hand gently. “Only because your happiness is my happiness. And you look enchanting, by the way.” He, as well as Jax and Aaron, had certainly made me feel that way when he’d come to pick me up.
My cheeks heated. “Thank you. You look very dashing yourself.”
“Bonsoir.” A waiter appeared at our tableside, cradling a bottle of champagne as if it were a baby. Presenting the label so both Xander and I could see it, he said in a smooth, French accent, “I present the Hallinger ’66. The best on our list, as you requested, monsieur.”
Xander peered at the condensation-speckled bottle briefly, before nodding, and saying, “Mmm Bon Jovi, my good man.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. The waiter forced a confused smile.
“I’m sorry, he thinks he’s funny. That looks wonderful.” I looked at Xander. “It must be so expensive though. Are you sure?”
