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Her eyes darted around. “Wh-why?”

“Because you weren’t named this week's hottest single.”

Ella did a kind of double take, floored by the terrible pickup line, but also a little amused.

Was this guy serious?

“Assuming you’re single, of course.” He grinned, then when the bartender slid her glass of wine across to her, he said, “Another pilsner please, buddy.”

Ella lifted her drink and took a really long sip. “An assumption.”

Mr. Blond’s hand slapped to his chest. “Don’t break my heart.”

She snorted. His moves were so far from smooth it wasn’t funny. But at the same time, he was making her laugh.

“Fine. I’m single, but not really looking.” Ella shrugged.

Or was she?

“May I sit?” Mr. Blond asked, indicating the stool.

“Sure.” She nodded.

Why not—she’d told Mack she was on a date, so at least this way she felt less of a liar. As long as this human didn’t discover she was a vampire, she would be safe.

“You don’t sound like you are from around here.”

“Seattle. Arrived yesterday for...work,” Ella said, instead of explaining she was a vampire and like, her kind were being hunted and the man she thought was her mate—for like ever!—had flown her out and was protecting her.

By kissing her.

Then rejecting her.

Just like he had all her life.

Nope, she wasn’t saying any of that.

“I’m Dain. Marketing analyst.” He held out his hand.

Smiling, she shook it. “Ella, marketing consultant.”

“Nice. See. We’re made for one another.” Dain grinned.

“Are you always this cheesy?” she asked, and it only made his smile broaden.

That’s when Ella realized that he was a very good-looking man. Dain was tall, with a bigger than average build, his blond hair mussed in the front, and he had lovely blue eyes.

Still, Mack would tower over him as most of the Moretti warriors could.

“Wait until you find out who I work for.” Dain grinned and Ella wondered where this was going.

“I’m scared to ask.” She let out a little laugh.

“Organic Valley.”

Oh, my God.

They were one of the biggest cheese companies in the United States. Ella shook her head, dropping it into her hands as she reluctantly laughed at the pun.