Page 6 of One Killer Night

With zero regard for cool protocol, I scramble to look so fast that there’s a decent chance I just gave myself whiplash. But it’s my sister, which makes me scowl. Still, I refocus and hustle to the counter.

Evie:Are you on your way because your location says no

Me:Shush. I’m busy. I just met aguy. Like a HOT guy

Evie:What!!!!! Did you get his number? If you say no, I’ll make sure to add chicken shit to your headstone when you die.

In answer to her question, my phone dings again with an unknown number, and a smile bursts out over my face. I shake my leg faster, scooping everything up off the floor to get rung up quickly.

I swing my head around, looking for him. But he’s nowhere to be seen, so I prop my foot up on the counter and motion with my eyebrows for the checker to grab the last of the tubes peeking out from my ankle as I swipe open the message.

555-565-8596:I have a problem ...

I should play it cool. My fingers fly over the keys.

Me:You’re intimidated by my wingspan?

555-565-8596:Obviously. But I’m thinking I need a costume for tonight ... seeing as nobody’s supposed to know I’m a vamp. This is Damon, btw.

That’s exactly how he’s going into my phone.

Me:Well, Mr. Salvatore. You’ve always been a problem solver.

I believe in you. Just don’t cover your face. I like that part. See you in an hour—550 Harrison St.

I hear him laugh from somewhere in the store, making me crane my neck to try and spot him one last time.

I’m smiling ear to flipping ear until I hear, “That’ll be $114.56.”

What the fuck!

My head darts up as my foot hits the ground. That’s highway robbery. But I pay using my phone and grab my bag. Pausing in the doorway, I look up into the theft mirror that’s on the ceiling. Noah’s staring back at me.

He lifts his phone, so I look at mine, not having heard the alert.

Damon:Are you stalking me?

Me:Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

Damon:See ya soon, weirdo.

This time, I do play it cool, breezing out like I’m the main character in a movie starring whatever actress fits that bill, and finally text my sister back.

Me:Add another plus one for your party. I’ve got a hot date.

Chapter Two

Noah

What the hell did I come in here for? My eyes search the shelves in front of me, not really focused on anything because I can’t even remember why I’m at this damn store.

That girl knocked me on my ass. All, maybe, five foot six of her.

I’m literally standing here, mentally turning in circles while smiling like a loon.

A forceful whoosh of air bursts between my lips as I clasp my hands behind my head, forcing my T-shirt just up above my belt buckle. I can’t help myself and clock the ceiling mirrors in the front of the store again, knowing she’s gone. Because damn. I’m rocked.

I can’t say I’ve ever been picked up in a Walgreens by a girl in a dinosaur costume, possibly shoplifting fake blood. This is a first. And it’s either the most incredible origin story or the coolest party opener I’ll carry with me throughout my days.