by Alice Brown
“No, I really need to get up anyway. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep tonight.” She rounded the edge of the couch and cautiously sat next to him.
“Are you feeling better?” he inquired.
“I am feeling better,” she replied with a smile, thankful she didn’t have to fib.
Kevin kept watching her, but didn’t say any more. After about a minute of this, Erica started to feel nervous. Did she have something on her face? Or, did she have food stuck between her front teeth from her lunch earlier? Geez, did he really need to sit there and stare at her like some kind of a freak show? She glanced over to the television and tried to focus on CNN Headlines as she grew more nervous with each passing second. She could feel herself ticking the seconds by, and knew his eyes were still on her. After what seemed like two eternities passed by, even though it was only a minute, he spoke, causing Erica to jump in alarm.
“So, I have some other family members that would like to meet you when you are feeling up to it.” This was stated cautiously and slowly as he reached over to place his hand on top of hers. Butterflies hit Erica’s stomach immediately. A few seconds later, Kevin gave a short chuckle, and she glanced his way to see him shake his head as he let another chuckle escape.
“Erica, I’m not placing you in front of a firing squad. I just want you to meet the rest of my family. And by the way, you have nothing on your face or in your teeth,” he stated nonchalantly, but with a smirk and a twinkle in his eye. Maybe he didn’t think he was placing her in front of a firing squad, but Erica felt sure he indeed was! Wait a minute, how did he know what she had been thinking? She hadn’t voiced her feelings of being placed in front of a firing squad, nor had she voiced her concerns over him starring at her for so long.
She jumped back and pulled her hand out from under his. As she did, she noticed the warm, cozy feeling she had been enjoying was suddenly gone, and a cold emptiness took its place. Why was that? “Oh my God, are you….are you able to read my mind?” Okay, yesterday she had been in too bad of shape to figure out how she could hear him whisper in her head. She had truly feared she might be having a nervous breakdown. But today she felt much better, and these warm, fuzzy feelings she kept experiencing just didn’t make any sense. It was like he had some kind of special power over her? Was that even possible? She shook her head at herself. No, there had to be a reasonable explanation.
Kevin frowned as he realized his slip-up. “Easy, sweetie, you have nothing to fear from me.” He held out his hand toward her.
“Can you read my mind? How did you know what I was thinking?” She repeated as she glared down at his extended hand as if it were the devil.
“The look on your face gives you away, love. You can almost read exactly what you are thinking just from watching your face,” he responded. When she seemed to accept his answer, he mentally congratulated himself. He didn’t deny that he couldn’t read her mind, he just hadn’t confirmed it either. No sense in giving her more than she can handle, he thought to himself. Although, he was a little surprised she didn’t already realize he could read her mind. She had been married to a vampire for the last four years, after all.
Erica’s mind went back to the original conversation of meeting his family. She knew she was going to have to meet them soon. She was living in their house, the least she could do was greet them and thank them for their hospitality. She wondered if Kevin had filled them in on her situation. Did they know everything? Well of course they didn’t know everything, Kevin himself didn’t know everything! But, she still worried about how much they did know. Would they hold that against her? Would they judge her for leaving her husband? She quickly realized she wanted to make a good impression on these people. And then she thought about meeting Jennifer yesterday afternoon. Jennifer hadn’t asked a single question regarding Erica’s past, she just accepted her as-is, as if the two of them could easily become the best of friends. Jennifer seemed to be an open, honest, and caring young woman, and Erica seemed to take a liking to her instantly. Could it be possible for the rest of Kevin’s family to be the same?
“Stop fretting, they are going to love you,” Kevin stated, and then continued. “My parents will probably drop in some time over the next couple of hours, or if you are feeling up to it, we could go meet them. They are in my father’s office.”
“Where is your father’s office?” Erica inquired, hoping Kevin wouldn’t be offended by her apparent lack of enthusiasm. He was gently rubbing a very sensitive spot on her inside wrist, and she felt like she was fast becoming a puddle of melted butter. She leaned against the back of the couch, slouching, as an unknown calmness and peacefulness continued seeping into her very bones, making her feel like Jell-O.
“It is downstairs, at the other end of the house,” Kevin replied with a seductive grin flashing across his gorgeous face.
“Oh,” was all she could summon up as an answer. She felt a tingling throughout her body, and wondered if he knew what effect he was having on her. Another quick glance up at his gorgeous face and twinkling eyes answered that question. Yes, unequivocally he knew exactly the effect he was having on her.
She sat up suddenly, jerking her hand out from under his. She needed to think clearly. If she had to sit next to him and wait for his parents to show up over the next couple of hours, she would probably be a basket case by the time they arrived. Better to go and get it over with. At least then, she would only have a few minutes to stress about the situation.
“I’m okay, if you want to go now,” Erica quietly stated. “I just need to change first.” Yes, she thought to herself, if I have to sit here and think about it, I’ll be a nervous wreck by the time they arrive. Better to get this over with now.
As Kevin escorted Erica through his father’s office door, they were greeted by both of his parents with warm smiles. “Welcome, Erica,” Charles stated in his deep, rich voice, as he stood up and came over to embrace her for a hug. He was a big, tall man, easily towering over everyone in the room. Kevin’s mother, Rosetta, a rather short woman compared to her husband, was right behind him with her own warm hug, and kind, gentle smile. Erica smiled in return, and was surprised as she realized these people seemed nice. Maybe there were some decent people left on this earth, after all!
Kevin’s mother broke into Erica’s train of thoughts. “I trust my son is taking good care of you?”
“Oh yes, thank you,” Erica replied, and then quickly added, “Thank you for allowing me to stay here.”
It was Kevin’s father, Charles, who replied, “Think nothing of it, dear. A friend of Kevin’s is a friend of ours. We are only too happy to be able to help.”
“Kevin, has Erica met Kate and Elizabeth yet?” Rosetta asked, as she looked over to her son.
“No, not yet. I am planning on giving her the ‘ten-cent tour’ in a few minutes. Maybe we will run into them,” Kevin replied to his mother.
Charles looked over at Erica and frowned slightly. “Erica, I just want you to know we are aware of your situation, and are here to help you any way we can. If Kevin is not around, and you need help, please come to us.” Then, as he glanced over to Kevin’s mother, Rosetta, he continued, “I have never understood any man who would hurt a woman.” As Erica watched him eyeing his wife, it was obvious that this man truly adored her. “I know there are men out there like Shawn, but for the life of me, I have never understood them. Women were made to be loved, cherished, and treasured.”
Rosetta’s hand became enveloped in Charles’s as he led her back to his seat. She sat down on his lap, and as Erica watched their lips lock together, it was obvious they were completely enamored with one another. What struck Erica as odd as she watched the couple, was that neither one looked old enough to have a full-grown son Kevin’s age. Kevin had to be in his mid-twenties. His parents didn’t look a day over thirty! Maybe he and his siblings were adopted. She would have to ask him about that later.
“Are you feeling up to a quick tour of the house?” Kevin wrapped his
arm around her and gently steered her towards the door. A quick backward glance confirmed the two love birds were going strong. “Don’t worry about them,” Kevin murmured. “They’ll still be at it by morning.”
Erica made sure the office door closed completely before speaking. “They really look like they love one another. You don’t see that too often.”
“They are one another’s true mate. They can’t help but love each other. Both would do anything for the other, and both would gladly give their life up for the other. It’s what I call true love.”
“You said they are mates. Are you talking soul mates?” Erica questioned.
“Something along those lines, yes. We believe there is one person out there that was made to be your other half. It’s like you live your life, and think you are living a full life, until you meet your mate. Then you realize just how empty your life was, and how much better life is when the two of you become one.”
“I didn’t think that kind of love and devotion even existed in today’s world. I’ve always thought it only existed in fairy tales,” Erica replied.
They ran into Kate shortly after starting the tour, thereby bringing an end to their conversation. Erica found herself again astounded by this girl’s beauty. To say that Kevin was good looking was an understatement at best. Although she had never told a soul, Erica thought Kevin was an extremely handsome man. He was tall, had broad shoulders and well-built arms, and a very pleasant face. He kept his dark hair a little on the long side, which just added to his sexiness. Now, after meeting two of his sisters, it seemed natural beauty ran in the family. Both girls could have been runway models. Although Kate had dark brunette hair and warm brown eyes compared to Jennifer’s blonde hair and blue eyes, she was every bit as beautiful as her sister.
Kate offered a quick tour of her suite, and Erica found herself fascinated by all the exercise equipment set up in Kate’s spare bedroom. She had her own personal gym set up.
“Do you work out?” Erica asked, and immediately winced as she realized what a lame question that was. Who owned a lot of exercise equipment without working out regularly?
“Yes, every chance I get.” Kate replied with a smile, and then added, “You are welcome to join me some time, if you would like.”
She seemed friendly enough, and Erica thought that given a little time, they could become friends. She glanced up at Kevin, and wondered what she could have possibly missed, as she watched him glare at his sister. It certainly seemed like he was trying to send a message to her without words. Erica thought he shook his head just a tiny bit, but was coming up blank as to the reason he continued to glare. Why would he be upset? Surely, he didn’t have a problem with his sister offering her to work out, did he? What could he possibly have against that? And then, before she could ponder on the situation any further, he smiled tightly and said, “Ladies, let’s give Erica’s body time to heal before working out.”
Erica had all but forgotten about her rib injuries, although it certainly seemed it was front and center in Kevin’s brain. It seemed he had just been concerned about her injuries. Erica glanced over at Kate and said with a slight smile, “Yes, I guess I do need to wait until my ribs heal, but thanks for the invitation.”
Kate answered back with a smile, “Anytime.”
They arrived back at Kevin’s suite a short time later. “I have to work tonight,” he stated while standing in front of Erica with his hands lightly resting on her upper arms. “I am having Jennifer come stay with you while I am away.”
“Kevin, that isn’t necessary. I’ll be fine here. Help is just down the hallway if I should need it.” She was unaccustomed to having someone protect her, or take care of her at all for that matter. This was all new to her, and at the given moment, she was unsure how she felt about everything.
Kevin brushed his hands down the length of her arms, gently rubbing them, all the while probing her mind in order to figure out how to best approach this. There was zero chance he was walking out his front door this evening, leaving her unprotected. He just had to figure out the best way of getting her to come around.
“Let’s just say I will feel much better knowing someone is with you, close by.” He then leaned in and gently kissed her forehead. Knowing she was feeling a bit overwhelmed due to all of the attention, he quickly added, “Consider it, you’re doing me a favor in having someone stay with you because it is the only way I’ll be able to concentrate on my job.”
The gentleness of him caressing Erica’s arms, and then his lips on her forehead, almost had her in tears. For reasons she could not name, she had found herself extremely emotional these last two days. She found herself continuously surprised at how gentle this man was. He was so gentle every time he touched her, as if he were afraid she was made of spun glass and would break at the slightest pressure. What a complete opposite he was, compared with what she had dealt with over the past four years. Was it possible that there was a man on this earth who truly knew what the words compassion and tenderness meant? It would certainly appear so, she thought to herself.
Erica smiled up at him and said, “Okay, if it will make you feel better.”
“Thank you.” He replied softly, and brought her up against him, wanting her body warmth up against his. He smiled as he felt warmth steal over him as he replayed her thoughts in his head. She thought him compassionate. Well, that was a good start to their relationship. Compassion could easily lead to trust, making it easier for her to succumb to his passion.
Jennifer showed up moments later with her arms loaded down with movies.
“Hey, Erica,” she greeted. “Are you up for a movie? I thought we would try out Kevin’s new equipment while he is at work.”
“New equipment,” Erica repeated with a puzzled look.
“Yes, he just installed the Blu-ray and surround sound system. I brought numerous action movies. I thought they would do well on the flat screen.”
“Oh, okay,” was all Erica could think to answer.
Jennifer dumped the stack of movies on the love seat, and Erica walked over to glance through the pile. She spotted Twister in the stack and pulled it out. It was one of her favorites, even though she hadn’t seen it in quite some time. She held it up and as Jennifer spotted it, she laughed, “That’s what I’m talking about. Let me have it, and I’ll put it on.”
Jennifer practically kicked a reluctant Kevin out of his front door after reassuring him numerous times that she had everything under control. She leaned theatrically against the closed front door once he left, rolling her eyes. “I didn’t think he was ever going to leave!” Sighing heavily in her theatrics, she glanced over to Erica and asked, “How about some popcorn to go with the movie?”
The thought of this brought a smile to Erica’s face. “Do you think Kevin has some in his kitchen?”
Jennifer smiled slyly over to Erica as she held up a microwave bag of popcorn in her hand. “Probably not, so I brought my own.” Erica took the bag from her, and headed into the kitchen to pop it.
“Jennifer, do you want some soda?” Erica asked from the kitchen. “I think your brother has some Coke in here.”
“No thanks, I’m good.” Jennifer replied from the living room.
Erica finished popping the popcorn, and poured herself a glass of Coke. Now, time to sit back and relax. She thought back, when was the last time she took time out for herself and just sat back to relax and enjoy a movie?
The girls settled in and Erica openly admitted that watching the movie with Kevin’s setup felt just like being in a movie theater, only better. The seating was more comfortable. And, of course, you could just hit the pause button and stop the movie, if needed. She kept the bowl of popcorn between herself and Jennifer, but she seemed the only one eating it. Erica mused Jennifer had brought it for her enjoyment, and enjoy it she did! They finished Twister, and Jennifer started flipping through the channels, looking for something else to watch. She came across My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It had just started, and
they settled back to watch it.
They hadn’t been watching the movie for long when Jennifer hit the pause button. She glanced over to Erica and stated, “Rosetta’s favorite part is coming up.”
“What is it?” Erica asked her curiously.
“Just watch, it’s coming up,” Jennifer restarted the movie, and Erica had to laugh as she watched the mother in the movie tell her daughter that “Yes, the man is the head of the house, but the woman is the neck. And the neck can make the head turn whatever direction she wants.” Both girls chuckled at the scene.
“Yes, that’s Rosetta’s favorite part. The men of this house like to think they are in control, but Rosetta usually manages to get her own way.” Jennifer chuckled as she hit the play button again on the movie.
It was getting close to midnight, and Erica was starting to get sleepy. She wondered when Kevin would be home. Jennifer glanced over and noticed Erica yawning, and suggested for her to go to bed.
“Is Kevin coming back tonight, or are you spending the night here?” Erica inquired. He had not been real explicit on how late he was working, nor had he given her any details.
“He will probably return in about another hour or so, and if I get tired, I’ll just doze off here on the couch until he comes home,” Jennifer lightly stated.
“It’s getting pretty late for me. I am going to go to bed, if you are sure you won’t mind?” Erica asked of Jennifer.
“You are the one supposed to be taking it easy.”
Erica told her good night and went to bed.
* * * *
Kevin arrived back home in the wee early hours of Friday morning. Jennifer quietly asked him if the team had been successful, and he informed her no, not this time. Shawn seemed to be keeping one step in front of the team. By now, Kevin was sure that Shawn knew someone was after him, and probably had an idea as to whom. He wondered if Shawn was still trying to hunt down his missing wife. Kevin had caught up with the team on the way out to the bar, so the team arrived at the bar together. According to the manager, Shawn had been there less than a half hour ago. The bartender pointed to a corner booth and stated that Shawn and another vamp had hung out, finished off a couple of pitchers of beer, then both left. From there it was anyone’s guess as to where he had gone.
