Page 113 of Running from Drac

I shook my head, swallowing a breath that had gotten lost in my throat.

“The leaves are like tiny assassins, and if you’re not careful, they will end up attacking you.”

“Death by foliage? That’s a new one!” I replied, after I somehow found my voice.

We grinned simultaneously.

“Not many people know about it. Luckily, I was here to save you.”

“I will be forever in your debt.” We shared another awkward silence until he cleared his throat.

“So, I was wondering if I could take you out sometime?”

“Really?” I’m not sure why the question surprised me. There was an undeniable chemistry surging through us, but Eddie didn’t strike me as the kind of guy who dated women exclusively. A good-looking guy, who’s not only funny but can also do a mean impression of the Count had to have groupies. I’m sure every girl out there was just dying to be with him.

“Why do you sound surprised?”

“I just figured a guy like you would have a girlfriend or something. You’re cute and funny. Guys like that don’t stay on the market.”

“True, I am quite the catch. I’m going to have to add leaf remover to my top ten best qualities.”

“Definitely.”

“So, is that a yes?” I nibbled on my lip and sucked in a breath.

“I’d have to ask Pippa first, but I think so… I mean, yes.”

He looked at me a little cross-eyed and wiggled his nose, which was absolutely adorable.

“Why do you have to ask her?”

“Girl code. I just have to make sure she’s not into you.” He nodded, but I could tell girl code meant nothing to him.

“Right. So does Friday night work for you?”

“You seem confident that your charm hasn’t worked on her yet.”

Now he was blushing, and I silently cheered, because I just added color to his already vibrant smile.

“No, I just know our relationship. Pippa is my friend. So, how does Friday sound?”

“I guess it sounds good.”

He grabbed my hand and magically pulled a pen out of thin air before writing his number on my palm.

“Old school, I know, but my cell phone is at home.”

I took his hand and as I scribbled my number onto his skin, his fingers curled around my wrist. Tingles crawled up my spine, and I tried not to sigh, but couldn’t help myself. Eddie’s touch made me do things I couldn’t control. When I’m finished, he took the pen out of my hand, but the hand he had wrapped around my wrist stayed there for a moment longer just holding me.

“It was good seeing you again, Amber. I look forward to Friday.” He stood up, swiping at the grass stuck to his jeans. “I’ll call you later.”

I nodded, watching as he walked down the sidewalk, my gaze glued to his ass. He turned briefly and caught me staring at him again. He should get used to it because it wouldn’t be the last time he caught me staring at his ass.

Friday Night…

“Be home by midnight, Amber, not one minute past…” my father’s voice trailed off, his tears welling with unshed tears filled with pride. He brushed a stray hair away from my face, then hugged me.

My mother stood there next to him, the same look of pride shimmering in her eyes. She was better then… sober. She was never not smiling when around him. It’s why it tore me apart to watch her crumble after he passed away, how every part of her deteriorated and his loss ate away her soul.