Page 71 of Sweeter than Honey

I’m not used to being waited on so formally, but it feels nice. “Thank you.”

“May I start you off with something to drink? We have a delicious pinot noir from Burgundy, or perhaps a bottle of Veuve Cliquot, if you prefer champagne?”

I look over at Renata, then remember that she wouldn’t be drinking any wine or champagne. The attention is all on me. I’m a little anxious at the idea of ordering such an expensive drink.

Renata senses my hesitation, and leans forward slightly in her seat. “Anything you like, Lily.”

I feel a bit silly about my nervousness. I know how much Renata is worth, and that this is all completely normal for her. But it’s still a bit of an adjustment for me. “Champagne, please.”

“Right away,” the server gives me a smile, and then disappears.

“This isreallynice,” I whisper to Renata. “You didn’t have to do this…”

“Of course I did,” she replies, smoothly. “I wanted to make you feel special. And I’m glad you ordered the champagne. We can celebrate our first evening out.”

“I’d really like that.” I look at her across the table from me. Her red lips curve into a smile. I can’t believe this is really happening. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever have envisioned this.

I haven’t forgotten what Mel told me in the Human Resources office. Thatif someone finds out about our relationship, I could lose my job. But each time we take a step further, it just feels so right. And I know I can’t go back. I’m absolutely devoted to Renata. I love her, I know that now. And even though she didn’t say it back to me in her crypt, I know that I’m never going to stop loving her.

The server brings my champagne, and I order the seared scallops. The champagne is delicious, sweet how I like it, and crisp on my tongue.

“It’s a little odd,” I say to Renata. “To drink and eat in front of you. Is it rude…?”

“Not at all,” she replies. “I sustain myself in other ways, as you know.”

“Yes.” I think of the last time she drank from me. Then I realize that it was over a week ago. “Oh. Should I…coordinate another donor for you, this week?”

“That won’t be necessary,” she says simply.

“You should make sure you’re drinking regularly,” I tell her. I don’t want to lecture her, but the idea of her weakening herself again is difficult to bear. I hated seeing her like that.

“I will manage. I’ll tell the donor that I won’t be needing his services anymore.”

But I squirm a little in my chair. I’m not sure what this means. I take another sip of champagne. “Does that…mean that you’ll be getting your blood another way?”

“Well,” she raises an eyebrow. “I could always go down to the club, the way Celine used to.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “I guess you could.”

There’s a little mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Would that make you jealous, Lily?”

There’s no point in being coy. She can read me like a book. Even if she wasn’t as cunning as she is, I’ve always worn my emotions on my sleeve. “Yes. I hate thinking of you drinking from anyone else.”

My heart races, but there’s a satisfying relief in telling her how I feel. In being totally vulnerable with her. I trust her completely.

“I understand if you want to,” I add quickly. “But I do want you to know…I don’t want to be with anyone else except for you. I’m all your’s.”

Her lips part slightly. For a second, I almost think I can see the glistening, sharp points of her fangs. But then she composes herself again. She leans across the table and takes my hand. Her touch is thrillingly cool, her skin soft and smooth. “There’s no one else I want to drink from but you, Lily. No more blood donors. And definitely no going to the club.”

Her words are music to my ears. I would have been happy just being with her. But knowing that she only wants me…

My food arrives. I take an eager bite of a perfectly seared scallop. The taste is subtle and tantalizing, and it melts in my mouth. It’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten.

“This isamazing!” I gasp. “Wow, no offense to our chef, but…”

“I’m considering making this chef an offer to come work at our restaurant,” Renata says. “I can’t sample the food, of course, but I’ve heard excellent things. And your opinion matters most of all.”

I grin at her. “Did you take me on this date just to get my opinion on the seafood?”