Page 32

“Want to explain what that was?” she asks, pointing over her shoulder toward Zavier’s apartment. “It’s like you forgot I was standing there. I’ve never seen you get so wrapped up in someone.”

“I couldn’t if I wanted to, because I have no freaking idea.”

CHAPTER 14

ZAVIER

My coffee table is a mess of scattered magazines, pictures, and pamphlets. I’m scrolling through my phone on the couch and have my laptop set up as well, all in an effort to come up with the best date idea possible. Our date is in two days, and I can’t fuck it up. It has to be perfect.

I could kiss Ava for convincing Celine to go out with me. Much like myself, Celine can’t ignore the magnetism between us. One day it’s going to turn into an inferno neither one of us can deny.

My notepad of ideas sits next to me based on my research so far and I glance over it.

Zavier’s Date Ideas for Whooing His Mate:

Bowling- Asher’s bitch ass ruined this one

Karaoke - Show off my golden pipes

Navy Pier, Ferris Wheel- Basic and done before

Skip everything and go straight to fucking her senseless - My favorite

Number four is by far my pick but nothing realistically is jumping out at me. It has to be special. I chew on my pencil in thought and tap it on my fang. Suddenly a brilliant idea strikes me.

Snagging my coat, and throwing it on, I grab my car keys and head out the door but not before I pause at Celine’s door and inhale her scent.

Ever since I moved in, I’ve spent as much time as I can listening and watching her go about her daily routine. She sings in the shower, talks to Midnight even though he doesn’t seem to be the biggest fan of her, and loves to read with oddly specific ambience music playing in the background. Who knew cozy and calming rainy bookstore in Chicago lo-fi music was a thing?

After a short drive, I park my car in front of my first stop. The rain is coming down hard and I open my umbrella, prepared this time. Overcast weather has still been common lately and I can’t ruin my perfectly waved hair. Tossing it out of my eyes I look down at a large puddle that shimmers in front of me. Red, orange, and blue city lights reflect in it capturing the bustle of the city. My chest tightens when my eyes play a trick, and I see a blurry Celine standing next to me. Quickly turning I see a brunette passing by in a rush. Not Celine. I knew it wasn’t her by the smell but still my shoulders droop and I trudge sullenly into the restaurant.

Scanning the room, I spy my unsuspecting victim where he always sits in the back corner of the bar. I make my way over, steps silent. His eyes are closed, and a plan concocts itself in my head. Creeping over stealthily, I avoid running into customers and tables before I lean down behind the man and yell in his ear.

“Boo!”

Nothing.

“Hey!”

Nothing.

“Are you kidding me, Old Man?”

The fun officially sucked out of my plan, I plop down on the chair unceremoniously in front of him. He decides to open his eyes right then, and I swear his hearing and vision are perfect, he just likes fucking with me.

“Oh, Zac, it’s you. When did you get here?”

Wrinkled and time worn hands rub the sleep out of his soulful blue eyes. From young man to now he’s always been a kind human but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t drive me batty.

Ha. Vampire jokes.

“You’re the worst,” I mumble, but fold my arms in front of me and get right to business. “I need date ideas.”

“Date ideas? What do you take me for? I haven’t gone on a date in fifty years.” Mirth dances across his face. “You haven’t either, you crusty old fart. Who’s the lucky lady?”

“The one I’ve been telling you about, Celine, and please, if anyone’s crusty it’s you.” My chair tips back as I lounge.

“You finally ballsed up and asked her out, huh?” A raspy chuckle comes from him ending in a deep cough. Time, the ever-silent killer, has caught up to Tom and I cringe internally at every cough and sputter that comes out of his body, not ready for our friendship to end.