Page 26

Saturday has taken a millennium to arrive. Lucille has spent the last several days gloating obnoxiously. I told her to pack her bags and go, but she refused. We spent an hour glaring at each other before I gave up and sulked in my room. How is she the younger sibling?

Time away from Erin is becoming more difficult. I didn’t realize until I hadn’t been close to her for forty-eight hours. Not only were the cramps excruciating, but I suffered nosebleeds, too. Lucille wanted to call Dr. Mendhi, but what’s the point? He’s only going to tell me what I already know. At least I’ve made progress with Erin, though. Yes, Lucille was the reason for that, but that doesn’t mean I can’t stay pissed at her for as long as possible.

Taking a few calming breaths, I head downstairs. Erin should be here in a few minutes. Maybe a shot of vodka will help settle my nerves. A shot of vodka won’t be enough. Not for the vision standing in front of me as I enter the bar. Erin looks divine. She is wearing a green summer dress that tapers in at the waist. Her hair is braided to one side. She looks like a goddamn goddess.

My nerves are shot. I can feel my hands shaking. It’s like my soul is excited and channeling that energy into my extremities. Calm down, just relax.

“Erin, you look superb.” I love giving a woman a compliment. Erin deserves all the compliments.

“Why, Ms. Loch, that’s very kind of you to say.”

I like the playful side of her. “Are you ready?” I ask.

“Lead the way.”

My palms are a little sweaty as I head towards the staircase. Unlike other dates I’ve taken out, I don’t plan to wine and dine Erin in a flashy restaurant. Not that she doesn’t deserve it. I just want us to be alone and relaxed. Cooking for Erin is intimate, and I hope she isn’t disappointed.

“Is this okay?” I ask when we step through my apartment door. There is a candlelit table on the balcony. The lights are dimmed, and the music is soft.

“It’s wonderful,” she responds.

“Do you like tagine?” Moroccan food is one of my favorite things to cook.

“I love it. It’s been ages since I’ve had the chance to eat any, though.”

“Would you like some wine? Or beer? I have everything.”

“Wine is great. I didn’t tell you how lovely you look tonight.” Erin is standing close to me, her eyes giving me an appreciative once over.

“Thank you.” I tried to go smart casual. Jeans and a strappy top. For once, I have my hair up in a low bun.

Erin’s phone interrupts the mutual appreciation. Leaving her to answer whoever is texting her, I check on the food. “Sorry about that. It was Mack confirming our plans for Tuesday.”

The stabbing pain in my gut is worse this time ‘round. I know I can’t rush things with Erin, and I have no right to ask her to stop seeing Mack, but my soul doesn’t understand that. So for now, I need to suck it up and deal.

“Going anywhere nice?” I ask. This is a weird conversation to be having on a first date, right?

“Amelia, I’m not here to talk about me and Mack.”

“Sorry, of course. Why don’t you sit at the table, and I’ll dish up.”

Everything seems so tense between us. Where is that easy vibe we had? Is it me? Am I giving off weird energy or something? Maybe I’m overthinking things. “Amelia?” I didn’t realize Erin was still standing near me. “You seem to be nervous.”

“I suppose I am a little.”

“Why? It’s just me. Would it make you feel better if I started yelling at you again?”

A short burst of laughter escapes my throat. “Maybe,” I jest.

“Come on. Let’s sit down with this delicious smelling meal you cooked for me and just talk. No pressure.”

Smiling warmly at Erin, I gently take her hand and kiss her knuckles in gratitude. With just a few words, she has relaxed me. “Sit, I’ll bring everything over.”

My lips are tingling from the touch of Erin’s skin. Her eyes are pools of blue and once again I am mesmerized by her. Turning to the kitchen, I smile when I hear her let out a ragged breath. She must be feeling this. Surely!

The rest of the evening goes by with an ease I’ve never felt before. Talking to Erin is as easy as breathing. She comments on the view; I comment again on how gorgeous she looks. We chat about previous jobs, college, girlfriends. Everything but the one thing I so desperately want to talk about. The fact she is sitting with a vampire.

I promised myself that I would tell Erin everything before making any kind of romantic move. So far, my plans are not going the way I expected. Now I have to admit, I’m terrified at the prospect of telling her. She’s going to think I’m insane if I start harping on about vampires and soulmates.