Page 33 of The Vampire's Mate

My body slumps against his as the aftershocks subside, and Jesse pulls his finger free to grip my ass as he spins and carries me to the couch. Sitting down with me straddling his lap, he kisses me softly before brushing loose tendrils of hair away from my face, his eyes searching mine.

“Now,” he says with a soft smile, “tell me the other reason you called me over.”

“Oh,” I say, my voice breathless, “I wanted to ask you out. Like…on a date.”

“A date,” he says softly as if he’s mulling over the idea.

“We don’t have to if you don’t want to,” I say, quickly backpedaling. “It was just an idea––”

“Eden,” he says, cutting off my harried words, “I’m sorry I didn’t ask you. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been in any kind of relationship, so I’m a little rusty. I’d love to take you out.”

He leans forward, giving me a quick peck on the lips before standing and setting me on my feet.

“Is tonight good for you?” he asks, taking a step back.

“Tonight?”

He nods. “I know just the place I want to take you.”

“Okay,” I say, nodding. “Tonight works for me. What should I wear?”

“You can wear whatever you want,” he says, his eyes darting down my body and back again. “You always look beautiful.”

“Thank you, but I’m not wearing my comfy shorts and a t-shirt on a date,” I say with a playful eye roll.

“Fair enough,” he says, grinning. “We’re going to a night club, if that helps you decide.”

“It does,” I say, my smile widening. “What time?”

“Ten-thirty?”

I glance over at the clock on the wall. It’s eight-forty-five now, which means I’ll have plenty of time to get ready for a night at the club. I meet Jesse’s eyes once more.

“Perfect,” I say.

He kisses me again, a deep, sexy kiss that makes my heart flip over in my chest. Then he’s gone, my front door swinging closed gently behind him. I suppress the urge to squeal as I spin in a circle.

We’re going on a date! Our first date.

The scenes I saw on the news are all but forgotten as I rush into my bathroom and turn on the shower. I know just what I’ll wear, too. My favorite dress is slinky and sexy, camouflaging all my jiggly bits while making me feel like a fucking supermodel.

Jesse has no idea what’s about to hit him, and hopefully, he won’t be able to keep his hands off me all night long.

This is going to be so much fun. I can’t fucking wait.

14

BEST FIRST DATE, EVER

The drive to Atlanta is short, and even though I’m eager to get to the club, I almost wish it would take longer. Jesse’s car is sleek and luxurious, the soft leather seats hugging my body while Jesse’s hand rests possessively on my bare thigh.

I can feel his gaze devouring me again and again as we speed down the interstate, its intensity making my temperature rise as my nerve endings spark with excitement. I’ve never felt more beautiful or desired, and it’s all because of him.

After exiting the freeway and making a few turns, Jesse swerves the sports car into the parking lot of an industrial-looking building. When he turns the car off and opens his door, the heavy thumping of music hits my ears.

I blink, and Jesse is on my side of the car, pulling the door open and holding out a palm to assist me out. I place my hand in his, and a beat later, I’m in his arms, his mouth sealed to mine. My back hits the side of the car as his tongue swirls around mine, and a low groan rumbles in his chest as he pulls back to look into my eyes.

“Sorry, but I couldn’t wait another second. You’re so fucking sexy, Eden. I love this dress.”