ROMANCE: Paranormal Romance: The Valley (Book One) (Fun, Sexy, Mature Young Adult Vampire Shape Shifter Romance)

by Charlotte Swanpol

  “My humor must be slipping,” he added when I never responded. “Usually stuff like that gets a laugh and a response. I didn’t even get a smile.”

  “I’m a tough crowd,” I teased. “It takes more than that to get a smile out of me.”

  “Want to give me a hint?”

  “So that’s your goal now? Get me to smile as I do your hair?”

  “Maybe,” his eyes showed signs of mischief. “Perhaps that’s my mission in life; make pretty girls smile.”

  Once again I felt the flip-flops. Was this man for real? If not, he was one hell of a flirt.

  “Well then I’d suggest you step up that game Markus,” I offered, sitting down the clippers and grabbing scissors. “So far the only thing that’s made me smile is this whack job you did on your hair.”

  “Ouch,” he laughed. “That was harsh.”

  Something told me this guy was going to be in my dreams later. Smile or not, I liked him. Probably more than it was safe for me to admit, even to myself.

  Chapter 3

  “No way,” Chelle laughed as she sipped on her margarita. “How the hell does something like that even happen?”

  “Luck?” I suggested. “I mean I’d say it’s about time I had some that was good, don’t you think?”

  I had just told my best friend about my experience with Markus, including the fact that he’d asked me out for the weekend. After he’d walked out of the shop, I’d had to pinch myself. I did not believe it one bit.

  By coincidence, I had been the one to take the appointment with the tall, dark and handsome stranger. It was me that was privileged enough to spend damn near an hour with him, though his cut would have only taken ten minutes on anyone else, and enjoy his humor and that kill me smile. Not only that but in a salon full of cute, thin bubbly girls; he had chosen to ask me out?

  “I don’t know girl,” Chelle developed her protective mother voice. “What if he’s just lonely and looking for someone to keep his bed warm?”

  “Honey if you’d seen the man YOU would offer to keep his bed warm.”

  “I highly doubt that,” she laughed.

  We both knew the chances of that were slim to none. Chelle was already involved and had never been the love ‘em and leave ‘em type. I, however, alternated between being the one night stand and the friend with benefits; both by my own choice.

  “What is it with you and your thing for white guys?” she asked, reaching for some salsa.

  “I don’t have a thing for white guys. I don’t have a thing for any specific guys. Just sexy ones and sweet ones and ones that make me melt with a look. Just so happens a lot of sexy sweet delicious white guys are interested in me. Doesn’t mean I’d pass up a man of color.”

  “I think it’s more that you have a thing against commitment. So you go for any guy that you know is safe.”

  “Safe? From what?”

  “From the commitment thing.”

  “You think too much Chelle,” I laughed, signaling the waiter to refill our drinks.

  “I just know my best friend. I haven’t been by your side all these years and not picked up on a thing or two.”

  I wasn’t going to argue with her. She was right. I did not tend to give much attention to guys that I felt were attainable permanently. There was nothing in me that wanted to be tied to any man for any reason. I mean when I was involved with someone I was faithful; it wasn’t about that. I just didn’t want to think that I’d have to consider someone else before myself when it came to life decisions. I most certainly didn’t need a man to take care of me and I didn’t want to have to do that for him.

  Not to say I’d never been serious. I’d dated Will for three years. We’d lived together for six months. Bastard had cheated on me with one of his co-workers. It went on for three months before I found out and told him to go move in with her. That was about the time my views on men changed.

  Relationships complicated things. Seriously complicated things. Emotions complicated things. I preferred to keep it simple.

  I would never find myself having to move unexpectedly because I could no longer afford the expenses. I would never again feel the pain as I realized I’d put my trust and faith into another and they’d let me down.

  Chelle and I continued to snack on chips, salsa and margaritas while discussing life. I told her of my shitty day, she told me about bagging a big account at the bank. It was what we did. We would get together, discuss our life, bounce ideas, solve problems and generally de-stress before heading home to sleep and start again the next day.

  Her man sometimes got super jealous of our nightly ritual, but he had learned to deal with it. It was something that was not going to change, ever.

  “How’s Derek,” thinking about him reminded me to ask.

  “Same shithead he’s always been,” she laughed. “He’s been talking about marriage lately.”

  “Oh God,” I moaned. “Surely you aren’t?”

  “I’m not you, Tri,” she reminded me with a smile. “I actually want the white picket fence, 2.3 kids and a dog.”

  “Why? What’s wrong with being single and independent?”

  “When have I ever been independent?”

  She was right. Chelle had never even lived alone. Not for one moment in her life. Roommates, boyfriends, family; everyone had occupied her home. I wondered at times if she might die of sadness should she ever be forced to spend time alone.

  “Maybe you should try it,” it was recurring suggestion that she continuously ignored. “It’s fun.”

  “You don’t ever think you are missing out? I mean really, just between us? Do you never wonder what it’d be like to come home to someone?”

  “Yep,” I admitted. “Then I remember when I was coming home to someone who was plowing his friend on the desk at his office. I was making dinner and he was taking her out.”

  “They aren’t all like that,” she spoke softly. “There are men that would love you completely, never looking at another.”

  “I’ll skip taking my chances on that.”

  “Someday you are going to have to get over the past and Will. Give another man a chance to love you. If for no other reason than that you deserve to be loved.”

  “I’m okay Chelle,” I assured her. “I’m happy with my life.”

  Though I said the words, I didn’t fully believe them. Even as we were walking out, saying our goodbyes, I knew that deep inside a part of me did want to be loved. Another part didn’t believe it would happen. Turns out the part that didn’t want to be hurt again was stronger than either of them.

  So I’d just have to settle for a life of dates and amazing sex with the likes of Mr. Markus. I’d say that’s a pretty damn good consolation prize.

  Chapter 4

  “Why me?” he would learn eventually that I was very blunt, why not start now?

  “Why you what?” Markus smiled, wiping the ketchup off of his bottom lip.

  “Why’d ya ask me out?” I had thought the question was obvious, but clearly he needed more. “I mean out of everyone.”

  “I’m flattered that you think I could have everyone,” he chuckled. “But everyone didn’t appeal to me. You did. It’s a simple concept that a few of us live by. We ask out the women we would like to go out with.”

  “What was it that appealed to you?”

  “You didn’t strike me as insecure Trina,” he mentioned, setting the napkin down. “Is something on your mind?”

  “Nah,” I blew him off. “I guess I’ve just never had that happen before. Someone coming in for a cut and leaving with a date.”

  “I don’t know how. You are a beautiful woman with an amazing personality.”

  The flip-flops in my belly were about to make me sick. This man was good at laying it on. That bothered me. What if it was just bullshit? Of course given that all I wanted was a date and a night of exploring his sexy body, I wasn’t even sure why that would upset me.

  “Why’d you accept?”

  “Huh?
” he had surprised me with that one. “Have you looked in a mirror lately?”

  “So you are shallow?” I saw that mischievous twinkle in his eyes again. “Only wanting me for my body?”

  “As if that bothers you,” I mumbled.

  “Perhaps.”

  “Not likely. If you didn’t want women appreciating your body then you wouldn’t put in so much effort to make it look like that.”

  “Touché,” he grinned. “But I might like someone to find other things about me appealing as well.”

  “Your sense of humor and ability to emit sarcasm on the spot is very attractive.”

  “As is yours,” he mentioned. “Anything else?”

  “I don’t really know much else about you there Markus,” I reminded him. “Except that you do a really shitty job at cutting hair.”

  “Thankfully you do not.”

  “So tell me, why’d ya pick our salon anyway?”

  “It was cheap.” He laughed, taking the glass of wine he’d poured and putting it to his lips.

  I couldn’t help but watch. Full perfect lips gripped the rim of the glass, making me wish I could lean over and kiss them. Damn he was sexy. Even drinking was arousing.

  “Frugality is important,” he continued. “Even if it’s not necessary.”

  “I wouldn’t know,” I admitted. “I’ve never had it not be necessary.”

  “You aren’t missing much. The more you have, the more people want. It’s hard to find anyone that’s sincere.”

  “What are you, a celebrity?”

  “No, just a very wealthy man that wishes he could live a simple life.”

  Okay so that surprised me. Wealthy? I wondered what wealthy meant in his book. He certainly didn’t dress or act rich. He’d chosen a small restaurant for our meal and ordered a hamburger. I didn’t know what he drove, but I’d bet it was a mediocre sedan. Could he really be wealthy?

  “The only people that say that shit are the ones with money,” I laughed. “You never hear a poor person sayin’ they wish they could have less money.”

  “The burden on those of us with money is just as great. It simply shows itself in different ways.”

  “I guess,” I didn’t have much to say to that. “So how’d you get rich then?”

  He could tell I didn’t believe him, probably because of the giggle after the question. I hoped that I didn’t insult him, but I couldn’t make myself believe something that seemed so unrealistic.

  “A small inheritance, a few wise investments and business decisions, and here I am.” Again he placed the glass against his lips, this time spilling just a touch of wine on his chin. Instinctively I reached out and wiped it with my thumb, lingering a little longer than I should have. “You don’t believe me, I take it?”

  “Well, I mean you aren’t exactly dressed like a rich guy,” I pointed out. “And you ordered a hamburger.”

  “I see,” his laugh bellowed from deep inside. “Rich men don’t like burgers or wear t-shirts and jeans. What else do they not do?”

  “Ask out the stylist at the cheap salon they went to? Cut their own hair? Drive a moderately affordable sedan?”

  “How did you know what I was driving?”

  “Just a guess.”

  “Nice. Well Trina,” he sat back, looking at me. “Maybe I prefer to be myself and I find t-shirts comfortable. Perhaps I love a good burger and every time I go eat with someone they want to go upscale. I might even drive a sedan because it’s affordable and economical and rich men do not stay rich if they blow their money on cars just to impress people.”

  “I suppose those make sense.”

  “And it could be that I went to that cheap salon because I knew I needed very little done to my hair and I couldn’t see paying upwards of fifty bucks so I could namedrop with my friends. As for asking out the stylist-- maybe she’s the first woman to truly make me smile since my wife died.”

  I couldn’t tell if he was angry or just being sarcastic, but I decided to just ride it out.

  “Of course I could also be poor as shit and just trying to impress you. I guess you will have to wonder.”

  “Seems I’m going to have to wonder about a lot of things after tonight.”

  “Such as?” his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

  “Well for example, I will wonder what those lips taste like,” I felt the smirk spread across my face. “Unless you’d like to show me?”

  “Check please,” He lifted a finger at the waiter. “Trina, you are going to be trouble for me. I can just feel it.”

  Chapter 5

  Slipping into the passenger seat of his sedan, I recited my address without bothering to ask which of our homes he’d like to go to. I wasn’t much on staying over with someone and actually would probably send him home before I fell asleep. It didn’t matter. I knew how these things went.

  “Do me a favor,” his hand reach over and clasped my upper thigh-- squeezing just enough to excite me. “Call me Mark, okay?”

  I felt my breath constrict in my throat as his hand slid up just slightly, squeezing once more. The mere thought of his hand being so closed to where I wanted him sent waves of desire throughout my body.

  “I’ll call you whatever you want if you hurry,” I teased, slipping my hand around and placing it over his crotch.

  He was already hard, pressing firmly against my palm as it rested there. The action excited him just as much, his cock throbbing beneath his jeans. Another squeeze on my thigh nearly caused a moan to escape my lips.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever had a first date go quite like this,” he laughed. “Is this normal for you?”

  My heart raced as he asked. I had no clue how to answer. Some guys liked the wilder girls while others were turned off. I hadn’t placed my finger just yet on which type he was.

  “Hmm,” I teased. “I guess you will just have to wonder.”

  Joking with him using his own line, I was able to dodge the question. Truthfully, no. I didn’t tend to ask for sex or practically jump the guy in his car on a first date. Hell, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been in a guy’s car on any date. I liked to be responsible for myself.

  “You are something else,” he mumbled as I allowed my hand to cup him slightly, reminding him that I was there and wanting him.

  “I hope that’s a good thing,” I murmured, barely breathing as he massaged my inner thigh softly with his fingers.

  “I think so,” he smiled. “I hope so.”

  “This is it on the right,” I pointed to my apartment building.

  Slowly pulling into the parking lot, Mark found a spot and shut off the car. I didn’t ask if he was walking me up considering the way we’d been on the ride over. He also didn’t ask, simply getting out and opening my door for me.

  Hand in hand we walked past the doorman and to the elevator. Three stories up, the door opened and we walked silently to my door. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest and only hoped that he didn’t hear it.

  There was no offer or request for him to come inside-- he merely followed me through the door. As soon as I heard it close, I felt his hands on my waist as he turned me to face him.

  “Someone is eager,” I teased. “Can I sit my things down?”

  A shake of his head told me that he had no intention of waiting just before he pulled me into him and brought his lips within inches of mine.

  “I believe you had a question?” He whispered against my skin, sending shivers across my spine.

  Dropping my purse and keys to the floor beside me, I wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him down, pressing my lips against his.

  “Yes,” I replied softly. “Yes I did.”

  With that Mark slipped his lips apart, running his tongue gently along the outer edges of my mouth. Slowly, he pushed it through my lips, parting them, and he possessively took control of the kiss.

  I felt everything inside of me come undone. The feel of his kiss, the grunts I could hear slip out from deep in his g
ut, the passion that I felt overwhelm me-- all combined to make my body begin to shake.

  “Mmmm,” I moaned. “They taste just as I imagined they would.”

  His hands slipped down, cupping my ass and pushing it up against him, our bodies becoming practically one.

  “And how is that?”

  “Delicious,” I teased, grinding my hips so that I rubbed eagerly against his erection.

  “Damn,” he whispered. “So fucking sexy.”

  “I was about to say the same,” I replied.

  Slipping my hand under the hem of his t-shirt, I began to lift. That was when he backed up, stopping me from removing the garment or even touching him any further.

  “Awww,” I whined. “Come back over here,” pleading with him, I reached for his hand only to see him pull away, though reluctance to do so was shining in his eyes.

  “Trina,” he began, looking at me with regret. “No.”

  “You don’t want me?”

  I hadn’t really planned any of this to happen, but I most certainly didn’t expect that he would just stop. The way he’d touched me in the car-- the way he’d kissed me-- I had believed that we were on the same page.

  “Oh fuck yes. I want you,” he slipped forward, pressing his lips to mine again before pulling back. “I want you madly.”

  “Then what’s the problem?” Slowly I slipped fingers beneath the top button of my blouse, slipping it through the hole. If all else failed, start taking off the clothes. “I want you,” First button loose as he watched in silence. “You want me,” Second button loose, his eyes still focused. “So why not,” just as I went to pop open the third button-- an act that would have allowed ample viewing of my tits, he reached out and stopped me.

  “Not like this,” he said. “Not tonight.”

  “I don’t understand,” I was beginning to feel frustrated. “Why not tonight?”

  “I like you Trina,” he admitted. “A hell of a lot.”

  “Good,” I grinned, reaching again for the button.

  “But I’m not looking for a one night stand. I want something real. I think we could find that. But not if I fuck you on the first date.” He turned back towards the door. “I will call you tomorrow.” And with those words, he was gone.