Page 22 of Vampires and Violas (A Vampire’s Guide to Gardening #2)

21

I lie in bed for hours, wide awake, unable to think about anything except Noah.

At just after three, I toss back the covers and leave my room, tiptoeing down the stairs and into the kitchen for a glass of water.

I drink half of it in the dim glow of the under-cabinet nightlights, staring resolutely at the closed blinds, and then place the glass on the counter.

Just as I’m turning around, my eyes catch on a shadow in the living room. I gasp and step back, nearly knocking the glass into the sink.

“Hey,” Noah says softly, stepping into the kitchen. “It’s just me.”

I press my hand over my racing heart. “You startled me.”

“Sorry.” He walks to the cabinet. “I heard you going down the stairs and came to see if you were all right.”

“Did I wake you?” I ask.

He didn’t bother to pull on a T-shirt, and my gaze moves to his bare torso.

He really should have put on a shirt. How am I supposed to think platonic thoughts if he goes around like that?

Pecs, biceps, abs…the man has them all. Broad shoulders, a trim waist, too.

Darn him.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He pours himself a glass of water, his tone darkening like he senses my eyes on him. Then he turns, watching me as he takes a long drink.

“You forgot your shirt,” I point out.

“You forgot your shorts.”

No, I didn’t. I’m in cotton sleep shorts, a little shorter than what I usually wear during the day. I wouldn’t wear them in public, but they’re far from scandalous.

“You shouldn’t tease me in the middle of the night,” I warn. “I’m feeling reckless, and I never agreed to pause our relationship.”

“Maybe your mom should have warned me to lock my bedroom door instead.” He raises his brows. “Am I in danger?”

We’re in danger, all right.

I watch him closely as I step up to him. “Maybe.”

Feeling bold, I brush my fingertips over his ribbed stomach, encouraged when he draws in a sharp breath. “It’s a shame you’ve kept all this covered up. I probably would have agreed to date you sooner if you’d put the goods on display.”

He barks out a laugh, groaning when I trail my fingers over his side. “You’re welcome to browse whenever you like.”

“That’s not what you said a few hours ago.”

“I’m losing my mind, Piper.” He catches my hand, pulling it down to our sides. “I don’t want to break up with you.”

“Then don’t.”

His eyes search mine. He looks absolutely gutted, and it breaks my heart.

Squeezing his hand, I say, “I don’t want to lose you just because you happen to be a vampire.”

“Stop for a moment and really think about what you just said,” he says gently.

“I don’t want to. Not right now.”

“Okay.” His hand tightens around mine. “What do you want to think about instead?”

“The fact that we’re alone for maybe the last time for a while.”

He swallows. “And what do you want to do while we’re alone for maybe the last time for a while?”

I lift my gaze up to meet his. “I want you to kiss me.”

His eyes go molten.

“I want to touch you.” My heart flutters, feeling as if it’s trying to take flight. “And I want you to touch me.”

Noah makes a dark noise, like the sound of his willpower breaking. He then takes my hand and presses my palm to the middle of his chest. “Touch me then.”

“You forgot the second part,” I murmur.

“I didn’t forget.” He moves his hands to my sides and leans close, his mouth near my ear. “Couch or counter?”

“What?” I ask, my voice wobbly.

“You asked for this,” he reminds me.

I go lightheaded. “What exactly is this ?”

“I’ll behave,” he promises, his words deep and gritty. “Mostly.”

My knees go weak, but he catches me, lifting me up like I don’t weigh anything. He tucks his arm under my legs and carries me into the living room.

I’ve read about heroines being carried in romance novels and always scoffed, but actually, it’s delightful .

Noah adjusts me in his arms and sits, cradling me in his lap. When his hand grazes my hip, I draw in a sharp breath. No one has ever touched me like this—I’ve never let anyone touch me like this.

I’ve never wanted to.

Not until now.

“Did I mention I like these?” He toys with the hem of my soft cotton sleep shorts and then places his warm hand on my thigh.

I jump a little, startled by the contact.

“Is this okay?” he asks, his eyes on mine.

The question is genuine. If I asked him to stop, he would.

“Yes,” I whisper. “It feels good.”

He brushes my hair back, settling his hand on my bare shoulder, and then lowers his lips to my neck. “How does this feel?” he murmurs against my skin.

Words are beyond me now, so I make a soft sound of encouragement, leaning in to meet him.

I know he can sense the way my heart beats for him, just like I can sense his. My pulse thrums through my veins, making me almost dizzy.

When the need to have his mouth on mine is all-consuming, I turn to face him, my knees falling to either side of his thighs.

He slides his hands under my hair, cupping the back of my neck with his warm, large palms, and angles me forward. “Kisses only, all right?”

“Am I our chaperone?” I ask, incredulous.

“No.” He meets my eyes. “I’m reminding myself.”

And then he kisses me.

My skin flames as we get to know each other through touch. There’s no hesitation this time, no rush. We have all the time in the world. The house is dark and quiet, and the night is ours.

My stomach tightens as Noah deepens the kiss, coaxing my lips to part.

But just as I comply, he pulls back abruptly.

“Noah?” I whisper.

“Give me a minute.” His muscles are tense, like iron against me.

As he turns his head away, I realize what the problem is. I lean forward, pressing a kiss to the side of his jaw. “Your fangs don’t bother me.”

He lets out a strained groan as I trail my lips down his throat. Pausing at his pulse point, I kiss him softly. “Have you ever bitten anyone?”

“No,” he grits out.

“Me either.”

“You don’t have fangs,” he chuckles darkly.

“Do you wish I did?” I whisper, flicking my tongue over his skin, temporarily losing my mind. Then I come to my senses and pull back, laughing softly. “Never mind. Don’t answer that.”

Noah tilts my chin up, meeting my eyes in the dark, “I like you exactly as you are.”

“And if I had fangs…would you like me less?”

“I cannot imagine anything that would make me like you less.”

Suddenly emotional, I wrap my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He returns the embrace, tucking his chin against my shoulder. He’s warm and solid, and I don’t know that I’ve ever felt as safe as I do at this moment, surrounded by Noah. Right now, I’m his, and he’s mine.

But what about tomorrow?

“Are you all right?” he asks softly.

“No.”

He pulls back, moving his hands to my arms and rubbing them reassuringly. “Did we move too fast?”

Noah is a big, strong hunter, capable of taking down rogue vampires and shrugging off bullet wounds. But his hands are gentle right now; his words are soft. It’s killing me.

“No, it’s not that,” I answer. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” he promises.

“I love that you’re the kind of man who wants to honor my father’s wishes—truly, Noah. But it’s not right for him to interfere in our lives like this.”

“We need to give him time. Eventually, he’s going to come to terms with your diagnosis. We threw a lot at your parents tonight. There’s an adjustment period, and it’s different for everyone.”

I hate how reasonable it all sounds.

“I’ll wait for you, Piper,” Noah says. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Except out of the house,” I say darkly.

He frowns. “I need to talk to Larissa again, ask her what she saw exactly.”

“Maybe it was just a friendly neighborhood birdwatcher.”

“Maybe.” He smiles like he doesn’t believe it any more than I do. “We should probably get some sleep. Dawn is only a few hours away, and we both have to work in the morning.”

I crawl from his lap, and we reluctantly climb the stairs.

Noah walks me to my bedroom door, pausing like we’re on a date. I smile and stand on my toes to steal one more kiss. “Night, Noah.”

“Goodnight, Piper.” He flashes me an unexpected grin. “Don’t forget to set the lock.”

“You too.”

He starts down the hall. “I’ll leave mine open. I don’t really care if you sneak in during the night and bite me.”

Laughing to myself—liking that idea more than a nice vampire girl should—I resist temptation and shut my door.

Though my life feels like it was turned upside down last night, there is one constant: my flower business won’t run itself. There’s work to be done, and I’m the one who must do it.

The sun's heat is getting me today, making me wonder if there are any vampires in Arizona. I can handle the cold, but these high summer temperatures are horrible.

And I’m not sure I got any sleep last night. Morning seemed to come far too soon, and I’m dragging.

I get to Sam’s house and walk up the drive with a collection of yellow zinnias and white hydrangeas. They’re cheerful and happy, which doesn’t match my mood.

I’m a thunderstorm this morning, sleep-deprived and worried I’m about to be Noah-deprived as well. Even the smell of Sam’s freshly cut lawn isn’t enough to shake this gloom.

Sam must have heard me pull up to his house because he meets me at the door. He leans against the doorframe, crossing his muscular, tattooed arms, and gives me a dimpled smile. “Hey, Piper.”

“Hi, Sam.” I offer him the bouquet. “Here you go. I hope your grandma likes them.”

“I’m sure she will. How are you doing?” he asks. “It’s a hot one, isn’t it?”

“It’s supposed to be 103 in Junction today.”

He winces. “Glad we’re in the mountains.”

“Hopefully, it will be a little cooler for your niece’s birthday.”

“Kayla is planning a pool party, so the heat will be welcome.”

“Sounds quiet in there.” I nod into his house. “Are you free today?”

“My sister had the day off work, so I have a break from the kids.”

“Are you glad school is starting soon?”

“Nah, I enjoy having the munchkins around.” He pushes away from the doorframe. “You want to come in for a glass of lemonade or something?”

“I need to go. My brother is running errands with me today, and he’s waiting in the truck.” I take a few steps backward, preparing to leave. “But I’ll see you this Saturday, right?”

“I’ll be there.”

We say our goodbyes, and I hurry back to my truck. I’m halfway down the walk when Sam calls, “Piper, hold up.”

I turn back, waiting as he jogs over to me.

He gives me a nervous smile. “This is kind of random, but are you free sometime this weekend? Maybe we could grab dinner or something?”

Crap. Olivia was right.

“Oh,” I say, not wanting to hurt his feelings. It’s especially tricky when he’s a customer. “I have a boyfriend.”

Yesterday, it wouldn’t have been a lie. I don’t know if it is today, but either way, I won’t go out with anyone else.

Sam’s eyes widen. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize…” He clears his throat and looks down at my left hand. “I did check for a ring, but…”

“No worries.”

He gives me a sheepish smile. “He’s a lucky guy.”

“I’ll be sure to let him know,” I say, attempting a joke even though my heart isn’t into it.

“Guys need to be reminded every once in a while.”

Smiling even though it’s uncomfortable, I turn toward the truck, ready to escape.

“That sounded super awkward,” Max says when I get in, looking bored as he scrolls his phone. His window is cracked, so he heard the exchange.

He’s my official NIHA-appointed watchdog right now, as Noah had to go into the office and Cassian is dealing with prince stuff this morning.

“It was,” I assure him, turning up the AC. “How weird is it that you’re getting paid to hang out with me right now?”

“Beats doing oil changes.”

“You haven’t done oil changes since you were fresh out of high school.”

He grins. “You don’t talk car. I was trying to keep it simple for you.”

I roll my eyes at him and drive back to the house. When we get there, I see the Lamborghini parked out front.

“Your replacement is here.” I drive around the side of the house. “Looks like you’re free.”

“Cool.” Max hops out and walks toward his truck. “I’m gonna head back to the office. I’m meeting Hillary for lunch at noon, and then I have to take her to a few yearly appointments.”

“Even though she’s been a pre-vamp for twenty years, she still has to deal with a conservator?”

“Nah, she just likes the company.”

“So basically…she’s training you?”

He chuckles as he gets into his truck. “Pretty much.”

Max drives away as I walk around the house. Usually, I like it better when Noah works from home, but today, I need to talk to Cassian alone.

Since he doesn’t have a key to the house, my conservator waits for me in his car. He sits with his head resting back, eyes closed, with earbuds in. Fully engrossed in whatever he’s listening to, he jerks to face me when I knock on the window.

“I didn’t see you pull in,” he says when he opens the door.

“I gathered that, since you just about jumped out of your skin. How long have you been waiting?”

“Only about fifteen minutes. I saw you were headed this way, so I waited.”

“You saw ? Are you stalking me now?”

“You added me to your circle,” he reminds me as he steps out of the car. “So…yes.”

“That’s okay. As stalkers go, you’re all right.”

“You would know.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” I head up the porch steps and then let us into the house. “I was worried I might find my parents cleaning out Noah’s room.”

“Your father is rather intense, isn’t he?” Cassian says as he heads to the kitchen.

“That’s one way to put it.”

“Have you talked to them this morning?” He pulls Noah’s bottle of bison blood from the fridge, sets it on the counter, and looks for a glass.

“Yeah, my mom called to make sure Noah didn’t attack me in the middle of the night.” I lean against the counter, cross my arms, and watch Cassian move around the kitchen. “I don’t know what to do. They forbid me from dating Noah, and Dad said he has to move out. I’m prepared to stand our ground, but Noah doesn’t want to disrespect them.”

“That sounds like Noah.”

“But he can’t move out, not after Larissa said she saw someone hanging around the house. I’m not comfortable living here alone—not until we figure that out.”

Cassian nods, looking thoughtful. “I suppose I could move in?”

“No offense, but I don’t think my parents would be happy about that either.”

“You need a female bodyguard.”

“Yeah, no. I’m happy with the two I have.”

“Do I know a female bodyguard?” he muses, ignoring me.

“You took a left turn down a road I don’t want to travel.”

But it’s too late—I can tell he’s already pulled someone from his memory bank. His eyes light, and he looks like the Cheshire Cat with a plan.

“Cassian, I don’t want some random stranger moving in with me, okay? Can I be honest with you? I only allowed Noah in here because he’s hot.”

“This isn’t a random stranger.”

I cross my arms. “Who is it?”

But Cassian only shrugs and wanders into the other room.

“Yes, Mom, Noah is moving out tonight,” I say into my phone as I close the kitchen blinds now that it’s dark, trying to keep my tone even.

“I know it’s hard, but I really think this is for the best,” Mom says.

“I know you do.”

“Piper,” she warns.

I decided not to tell them someone’s been hanging around the house. Yes, maybe I could have used it as a reason to keep Noah here, but there’s a better chance they would have abducted me and drove halfway across the country, hanging garlic around my neck and hiding me away from all suspicious vampires.

And no one has time for that.

Noah got home from work late, so we’ve barely had a chance to talk. He’s currently in the guest room, packing up.

Again.

And I’m not happy.

Max is going to stay here tonight, but that’s only a short-term solution. I don’t know what we’re going to do.

“Just know if I get kidnapped, it’s on you,” I mutter into the phone, unable to help myself.

“I didn’t catch that. What did you say?”

“Nothing. I gotta go. The doorbell just rang.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow, all right?”

“Yep.” I hang up the phone and meet Cassian just before he answers the door. “It’s late. Are you expecting someone?”

“Your new roommate.”

“Cassian!” I hiss, trying to keep my voice quiet so whoever is on the other side won’t hear me through the door. “That’s the sort of thing you need to run by me first. ”

He brushes my concern away like it’s a stray piece of lint. “It’s fine.”

And then he opens the door.

Sophia stands on the welcome mat like a petite prom queen in white shorts and a cotton candy blouse, the handle to a pink-wheeled suitcase in her hand. She grins, and in her soft southern accent, she says, “I heard you need a bodyguard?”