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CHAPTER FIVE

CHANEL

T wo at a time, I quickly took the stairs to my apartment and concealed the note inside my shirt. I was so nervous with the piece of paper you would think I had military secrets concealed in my bra. The coast was clear when I stepped into my place. I locked my apartment door. I felt comfortable enough to remove the note but not confident enough to read it just yet.

I wanted to call Morgan and tell her about my random meeting with Zand. I wanted to read the note to her so we both could experience it at the same time. I needed to take a nap because I was overwhelmed with just how childish I was being about a man I really didn’t know. From what I could tell, we clearly had nothing in common. All I knew was we both read books. We both liked clean clothes, but that wasn’t enough for even a half-ass friendship.

There was no rush. I could always tell Morgan about Zand later. Zand— now I knew his name. I had just a little more information about him. I was one step closer to something. I just didn’t know what.

I still needed to dry my clothes and go to the grocery store. My friend Morgan was a little bitty thing, but she ate like a horse, a cow and three elephants. I had to replenish all the stuff she helped herself to. I needed to grab some basic staples like eggs, milk, and bread. I loved feeding her. It was the least I could do. She drove all the way here to cheer me up. She was a true friend.

As much as I wanted to save the note for later, I just couldn’t do it. I was too thrilled by the little things in life. Patience was a virtue that I lacked at the moment. I had to open the note and read it. So here goes…

Dear persistent Daywalker,

If you went through the trouble of retrieving this letter, it is clear you have a genuine, huge crush on me. As stated before, you are a stalker, my stalker. I am flattered. I love all the attention you’ve poured on me. It’s bloody fang-tastic! Is this a wise correspondence if I am believed to be a blood drinker? If you play with fire, you will get burnt. If you play with vampires, you will get bitten or…

P.S. What’s your blood type, asking for a friend?

Signed,

Mr. Vampire

I hated how these notes made me feel inside my tiresome body. They were the highlight of my life. I looked forward to this unusual distant connection, more than I wanted to admit. Zand put a smile on my face and he made me feel normal and safe. It didn’t make much sense. I didn’t even know why these feelings manifested toward this particular man. One thing was for sure, he took my mind off of Lonzo. That was a blessing.

It was better to think about my one-night-stand having neighbor than the man that was out on bail and probably going to murder me. Knowing I would have to testify against Lonzo in court gave me anxiety. I didn’t want to be a witness to his crimes. I wanted to end the relationship, but he wouldn’t let me go. Regardless, the Bloomington Police Department had other plans for me. So did the Minnesota State’s attorney on the case.

For the time being, I vowed to block that all out. It was best to savor the note from Zand and craft a witty rebuttal. My response would be different this time, bolder, smarter, and feistier.

Dear Mr. Vampire,

Question, (crush on you) are all vampires so presumptuous? Do you think I write about you in my Vampire Diaries? I have been known to play with fire because I am flame resistant, fire retardant and non-flammable. Calling me a stalker is not much of an insult. I am purely interested in the safety of humankind. Tell me you are harmless and I will feel much better about your nocturnal comings and goings. If I play with vampires I will get bit??? I didn’t realize we were playing, but I do enjoy games.

Respectfully, my blood type is none of your concern.

Signed, Hot Daywalker

The flirting that was happening between Zand and me didn’t seem to be going anywhere. Where could it go? I was hiding behind a pen and paper. There was no way in hell I had the courage to reveal my true identity to him. This was just a harmless flirtation. He didn’t know my identity, and there was no guarantee he wouldn’t be pissed off if he discovered my deceitfulness.

I had the opportunity to tell him I was the author of the notes when I formally met him in the laundry room. If I revealed my identity, he would probably think I was immature. I couldn’t blame him. The entire thing was silly.

There were other men in the world. There was one currently in my orbit. I had a genuine connection with this guy named Shawn. He would stop by the office and chat me up at least three times a week. After exchanging numbers, loads of texts and a few phone conversations, I took the leap and agreed to meet him for drinks at The Castle.

I picked the place. Then wished I didn’t. I couldn’t figure out if I wanted to see Zand. I didn’t even know what made me think he would be there after only seeing him once. He didn’t seem like the type who frequented nightclubs. But then again, where else was he meeting females?

I met Shawn at The Castle. I didn’t want him to know exactly where I lived. He seemed harmless, but I couldn’t trust my own instincts when it came to men. Shawn looked and seemed like the perfect guy, but if he was so perfect, why was he single? Could be many reasons, but I was on a mission to take it slow.

Shawn dressed nicely, and he hadn’t missed the mark tonight. He was wearing a nice pair of black slacks and a tan cable-knit sweater. He could easily give Morris Chestnut a run for his money.

After two drinks, I cut myself off. Shawn would not see the three-drink Chanel tonight. Mainly because three-drink Chanel could easily turn into four-drink Chanel given the circumstances. Being lonely and horny was never a good reason to sleep with a man, and I needed to keep my head clear. I also needed to keep my legs locked at the knees.

The conversations I had with Shawn were always pleasant. This night was no different. We hit up the dance floor for a few fast-paced songs and he had all the moves. As much as I wished I could just have casual sex with a man, it just wasn’t my thing. I wasn’t in any position to proceed forward. I didn’t want to hurt people, and I definitely didn’t want to be hurt. Moving too fast was not in my present or future plans.

Since Shawn and I were in the getting to know you stage, I didn’t have any real feelings for him. He was a nice guy. Sure, he was fine and sexy. He seemed sweet, but I wasn’t by any means falling for him. It usually took me awhile to catch feelings. Mr. Perfect was no different. I had my guard up. I was going to vet every man to the fullest, moving forward.

Shawn briefly left me to go to the restroom. He had three drinks, and I knew that was coming soon. I found a small place in the corner a few feet from the bar to check my makeup. I hoped I wouldn’t get hit on. I made sure to put my resting bitch face on until Shawn came back.

I was only standing idle for two minutes tops when I felt the tap on my shoulder. Who the hell put their grimy paws on me? I was ready to turn around with a fake smile that could instantly turn into pure vitriol in a millisecond.

Zand!

“Hey, I know you.” His killer smile slapped me hard across my face.

“Yeah, you-um, live in my apartment building.” I stumbled over my words. I was nervous around this sexy man, and I wasn’t sure why. He was just a man.

“Yes, Chanel, we’re neighbors, that sometimes wash clothes at the same time.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Did you forget about me already?”

“No, no. I just didn’t expect to see you here.” The lie detector determined that was a lie. “Do you?—”

“Are—, no, you go first.” He politely offered.

“Do you come here, often?” I knew it was a dumb question when I asked it, but it flew out my mouth any damn way.

“I do.”

“Oh.” My eyes searched the room for some kind of anchor. I couldn’t keep looking into his honey-colored eyes. I was going to start singing— baby, it’s the eyes for me, it’s the eyes for me. I need to stop spending so much time on TikTok.

“Are you here alone or on a date?”

“A date.” I blurted.

“That’s too bad. Come back tomorrow so I can show you around.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes, come back tomorrow.”

“I don’t know. I work. I have to go to work.”

“You work in the daylight hours. You can play in the nighttime hours.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

His eyes scanned me up and down and then up again. He licked his lips in a sexy way that was alluring and unnerving.

“Chanel, here comes your date.” I looked back to see all six feet, two inches of Shawn walking toward us. “Hey.” Zand drew my attention back to him. He leaned in close and angled away from my lips and over to my ear. “He’s okay, but you can do better.”

I felt his breath on my earlobe and it sent sparks of carnal lust to my unused lady parts. My heartbeat skipped, but I still had my voice.

I batted my eyelashes and glared at him. “You think so?” Who was this flirty version of me?

“Tomorrow night, go to the front of the line and show them your I.D.”

I blinked once and then he was gone. He had slithered through the crowd like a human snake and disappeared like a ghost. I got my flustered face together, hoping Shawn wouldn’t see that I had been mesmerized by this other man.

Far too soon, Shawn was standing right in front of me. I looked up at him, hoping my eyes didn’t convey any signs of guilt. Looking at him, I could tell that Shawn and Zand were the same height.

“Who was that?” Shawn asked .

“I don’t know.” Why did I lie? I could’ve easily said Zand was my neighbor. He is actually my neighbor. That much was true. “Just some random guy.”

“I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

I forced a smile onto my face. “No sir, you shouldn’t.” I don’t know why I wanted to flee the scene like I committed a crime. I didn’t do anything wrong. Shawn hadn’t done anything wrong. It was Mr. Vampire that messed me up with his hypnotic eyes and luscious ass lips. I had a long list of famous White men I thought were fine. I’d never had this level of attraction for one in real life. I couldn’t understand why, but Zand was different. He was sexy without trying to be, and I felt a strong magnetism toward him. I had to snap out of it. I was being ridiculous. Zand wasn’t checking for me.

I looked down as Shawn took my hand in his. He led me to the bar and ordered drinks. Mine had to be alcohol free. I could do one more hour at the club. Then I would tell him I was tired. I was. That wasn’t a lie.