Page 40 of My Undead Heart

“Yeah, I said fine.” She exhales and shrugs, glancing around the restaurant.

“Maybe bring more enthusiasm to this ... experiment.” My smile pulls wider and I wink.

Her chest rises and falls with a loud exhale. I get the feeling she’d like to roll her eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Great. Now, how about you help me out with a little pre-date prep?” I take a bite of food, my gaze on her as she sighs and leans back into her chair.

“I’m not going to plan our dates. This was your idea. I only conceded.” She throws her hands up.

“Not planning. This is more of a fact finding mission. Can I ask you a few questions?”

“Fine.” She goes for another bite of food. I like that she brings her appetite, that she even has one when so many women don’t. “Shoot.”

I rub my hands together and make a show before I ask the question. “If a man were to brush up on his zombie lore, where would you suggest he begin?”

Her eyes light up and I can tell from that alone how much she really loves this topic. As if her being dressed up as one last weekend wasn’t enough proof. “Wow. I don’t even know. What do you enjoy the most? Action? Satire? Books? Film?”

“I like it all, but I want to know what you like. What’s the thing that got you hooked on your zombie way of life?”

She actually grins with the question, her lips painting an uninhibited openness across her face. “Oh, well, I’m a purist, you know, so that would have to be the comic books.”

I wince, not able to help myself from riling her up. “Yeah, I’m not a little boy, so ...”

“There you go, being all judgey again.”

“There you go, making up words. I’m not going to read a comic book.”

She purses her lips. “You’re no fun. Okay, then watchThe Walking Dead.”

“Can do.” I nod and our server sets down the check. I grab for my wallet and she does the same. “I’ve got this.” I reach for the bill but she stops me with her hand.

“No way. We’ll split it.”

“What? No. I owe you after everything you’ve done for my website.” I try to pull it back but she won’t let go.

“No, that wasn’t the deal. Self-defense for web design. Dinner was never a part of it.”

“Fine.” I shake my head and she finally releases my hand, laying down cash for her portion on top of the check with a smug smile. “You gonna at least let me pay for our four dates?” I ask only because it’s entertaining how independent she is. I like it, actually, that she’s the type of woman who doesn’t need anything from anyone.

She shrugs, watching as I put down cash for the rest of the bill. “Depends.”

A chuckle leaves my lips. “We can fight that out later.”

She stands from her chair, loops her bag across her chest, and I follow behind as we weave through the busy restaurant. Reaching ahead of her to hold open the door, we both step onto the street. It’s a gorgeous fall night. Cool but not freezing and the air hits my exposed skin with a refreshing breeze.

“So, I should probably go ...” She points toward the bus stop but doesn’t make a move to leave.

I take a step forward, enough that she has to lift her chin to meet my stare. “Mia.” Her name escapes my mouth in a whisper.

Her chest rises and falls with her quickening breath and it takes everything I have to not drop my gaze to her luscious curves. I’m glad I don’t because I want her to know I’m into more than just her body. I find her attractive, yes, but that’s not the only pull she has on me. There are thousands of beautiful women in the world. Mia’s more. More than she lets on or lets others see, and that’s the challenge she brings. Her circle’s small, but so is mine. I want in.

“Matt.” Her eyes fall heavy as she holds my stare.

I should keep my hands to myself, I know I should, but I have to reach out and touch her. My hand reaches forward to rest gently above her hip. “I’m really looking forward to our date.”

She struggles to form words, her gaze trained on my lips, and my eyes can’t help but return the sentiment. The space between us charges with a current that pulls as much as it pushes. If we hadn’t made a deal I’d be lost to it, lean down and fill the void between us until our lips meet, but I hold on to the rush that comes from not giving in to instant gratification. Instead of frustration, I’m rewarded with even more anticipation for our first date.

“How ’bout Sunday?”