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“You need to eat,” he said and lifted her off the counter.

She couldn’t help but shiver, thinking how powerful he was and that it was more than just physical strength.

“You’re cold,” he said. “Is there something I can get from your room that you can slip on?”

“Gray and white stripe flannel bottoms in my suitcase.” He nodded and turned to leave when she asked, “Is there anything you can eat for breakfast?’

“I usually have fruit.”

“I’ll have it waiting for you,” she said and heard him chuckle as she turned to open the fridge. It took her a moment to find the containers of cut fruit and when she turned, she gasped, glad she was holding them tight.

Michael stood a hair’s breadth away from her, holding her flannel bottoms.

He took the containers from her and handed her the bottoms.

She hurried into them. “Well, I guess I’ll never beat you in a race.”

He laughed. “That’s a given.”

Her stomach really let out a good grumble this time.

Michael took her by the shoulders and pointed her toward the stove. “Cook. I’ll see to the fruit.”

They took the meal into the cozy room off the kitchen. Michael started a fire in the now cold hearth and then sat beside her on the sofa.

They ate and talked about various subjects, avoiding the obvious ones until they were finished and settled back on the sofa.

Lara rubbed her arms, feeling a bit chilled and Michael went and put another few logs on the fire. He also grabbed the soft wool throw off the back of the chair and draped it over Lara’s shoulders before he returned to his seat.

Lara tucked the blanket around her, thinking she wouldn’t mind it being his arms that kept her warm, but when he reached out and took her socked-covered foot and began massaging it, she changed her mind.

She relaxed, not wanting to think beyond this moment, though curiosity had a way of poking at her. She tried to ignore the pokes and think of nothing but how great he was at giving a foot massage. His fingers were strong, the pressure hard and her feet ever so grateful. Yet the pokes continued.

“You have something you want to ask me?” he said.

“You read me as easily as an open book.”

“You keep leaving the book open.”

“Then I’ll have to close it,” she said with a determined smile.

He laughed. “I’d just pick up the audio version.”

She shook her head, though continued smiling. “You’re impossible.”

“That is a trait of mine you should be aware of, but back to what it was you wanted to ask me.”

“I’m curious?—”

“Curiosity killed the cat,” he reminded.

“But satisfaction brought her back,” she said with a grin.

He smiled. “Your question?”

“Do you ever regret being a vampire?”

“I can’t say that I do. It’s my heritage and knowing my family history, I must admit I’m proud of my grandfather for all he has done to create a loving family of strong and courageous creatures.”