Page 19

Nine

Guilt is a strange feeling. It serves no purpose, really. Once something is done, it can’t be undone. And yet, I feel guilty because I am pursuing Erin, even though she is taken. Mack is a good person, and all who attended the barbecue could see she is enamored with Erin.

But when I looked into Erin’s eyes, I could see she wanted more. You might call bullshit on that. Say I’m seeing what I want to see, and you could be correct in that assumption. Erin does like Mack, but there is no passion. I’ll keep to my word and play fair, but I am going after what I want.

Today is going to be a juggling act. I desperately want to flirt with Erin, but Mack will be with her. I won’t disrespect the doctor outright. Instead, I will put on my smallest bikini and hope for a reaction.

Boat days are usually fun. The family heads out on the water as often as possible. Mother and Father have hosted hundreds of guests on the family yacht. Today will be a low-key affair but equally important as one of their soirees.

After Erin had left the barbecue, I gathered the family and gave them a lecture. No more interfering. They agreed a little too quickly, but I’ll take what I can get for now. The harbor is not far, but I need a little time to collect myself. Throwing my leathers on, I hop on my bike. A pleasant cruise along the coastline is in order.

Everyone is waiting for me, including Erin and Mack. Time slipped away from me as it usually does when I’m on a motorcycle. Although, this is perfect because Erin is staring at me as I glide to a stop in front of them all. Tugging my helmet off, I shake out my long hair. Erin’s eyes grow wide, and I smile. Next is my leathers. It’s not difficult to make bike leathers sexy.

“Sorry I’m late,” I say.

“I didn’t know you rode a motorcycle,” Erin blurts. I see the amusement in everyone’s eyes, except Mack’s.

“I’ve ridden for years,” I answer.

“She gets it from me,” Mom calls over.

“Do you like bikes?” I ask Erin.

“I’ve never been on one. But I have always wanted to try.”

“I’d be happy to give you a ride. You too, Mack, if you’re interested?”

“No thank you,” Mack answers curtly. “Motorcycles are extremely dangerous.”

“Indeed, as are many things in this life,” I reply kindly.

My parents break the sudden tension by ushering us all down the gangway to the boat. There is a beautiful spread of food and wine waiting for us. My family shows love through feeding.

Once everyone has eaten their fill, we splinter off into groups. Lucas, Maria and Jacob head for the pool. Lucille, Aliah and Laurence make themselves at home at the bar. Mother, Father, Erin, Mack and I settle on the loungers. Cocktails in hand, we converse politely. The boat slowly makes its way out to sea.

Ever since Erin checked me out at the harbor, Mack’s attitude towards me has cooled considerably. The small talk is getting on my nerves, especially because I cannot say a single word to Erin without Mack answering for her.

Putting my empty cocktail glass down, I stand and strip off my light linen trousers and top to reveal the bikini I took extra care picking. Bingo! Erin blushes, her eyes do a quick sweep of my body. Pretending I haven’t noticed her wandering eye, I head to the pool. A little extra swing in my hips.

The water is delicious on my overheated skin. Lucas and Jacob are at one end of the pool fighting playfully. Maria swims over to me. “You caught the look, right?” she whispers.

“Which one?” I chuckle.

“You’re devious, Amelia,” Maria grins.

“I’m simply cooling off.”

“And the bike leathers?”

“I needed a ride to clear my head. Leathers are a must, you know that.”

“Uh huh,” she laughs.

“Mind if we join you?” Erin asks from behind me. I turn and have to stifle my surprise. Erin is in a forest green two-piece. Her hair is swept up in a messy bun. My God, her body is magnificent. Curves for days. A swift kick from Maria brings me back down to earth. Mack is standing beside her, frowning at my obvious ogling. I can’t help it, really I can’t.

“Sure, jump in,” Maria says, covering for my lack of sound or movement. Erin slides into the pool and I have to take a step back. Something is happening inside of my body. I must actively fight with myself not to take her in my arms and devour her. Is this how every vampire feels when they can’t be with their mate? If so, it is awful. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. I wouldn’t even wish it on Lucille.

“I love your swimsuit,” Maria babbles.