Alexi understood his words well. The human law would put them on trial and send them to prison. Then, she could inflict her own punishment without any resistance or complaints from the pack. She toyed with the idea, but truthfully, she merely wanted the contents of the safe back with her.
“Right now, I just want my property. There are things…” She caught herself before disclosing how valuable the items missing were. “I need the safe returned.”
“The police have the names, and they are inquiring with the company. They’re also searching for matches from the fingerprints they took from the glass and on the handle of your front door.”
“I guess they weren’t smart enough to wear gloves.”
He half smiled. “In my opinion, anyone dumb enough to steal from a vampire has got a major problem.”
A tingle of warmth spread through her, seeing his kind face, his sympathetic eyes, and hearing his words. He cared and was determined to help her. No question about it.
“Don’t worry, I’ll contact them again tomorrow and see if they’ve placed an APB on the moving truck. I assume they used the same one since they had to use a dolly to move your safe. If the police haven’t ordered the bulletin, I’ll ask a friend to give me their records. Once I get the plate number for the truck, I can ask for help within the pack.”
She gazed at Greg with deep respect. The man had a plan of action. Trusting him to work with law enforcement to get her property returned was the right thing to do. She recognized it now.
“Thank you. I appreciate your help.”
“I won’t let you down, Alexi. I promise.”
His steadfast gaze filled her with resolve. It also stirred a desire within her. She owed him for his time, effort, and honesty. The temptation to get closer to Greg overwhelmed her, but she feared getting hurt and losing everything she worked so hard to gain. Not again. She couldn’t risk it.
She turned away from him and took a step forward. “I need to change before we leave.”
Greg stepped in front of her, bringing her to a halt. “You look fine. We’re not going anywhere extravagant.”
“I’d like to put my hair up.” She stepped to the side and he did too.
“Actually, if you wouldn’t mind, I like your hair down. When it’s tied back, you look a little…” He hesitated. “You look more relaxed and ladylike with your hair down.”
“Oh.” Blood rushed to her face and her cheeks warmed. She’d never received such a pleasant compliment from a man before. She brushed her hand under her hair, bringing a portion forward from over her shoulder. “You think it looks better this way?”
“Absolutely.” He reached to touch her, but drew his hand back quickly. “You have beautiful hair. I think you should be proud and show it, not tie it behind your head.”
“Okay, well, I guess we can go.”
Smiling, he extended his arm toward the car. “I have a wonderful surprise for you. I think you will enjoy this evening. And if you don’t, I’ll make sure the next time is better.”
Greg escorted her around his car to the passenger side. Her curiosity and nerves thrived to the point she was nearly shaking. A surprise? She hated surprises. Yet she decided to play along. He’d been courteous and professional, even took the “no touching” rule seriously. The man had gained her respect. Why should she turn back now? It was just a date between neighbors. Nothing more.
Pushing her anxiety aside and keeping her guard up, she remained confident they would have a pleasant evening full of conversation. For once, she doubted anything could go wrong.
14
Greg waited as Alexi lifted her long legs inside the car. He tried to avoid staring at them, but he couldn’t help it. She had firm calves that looked strong, perfect for wrapping around his body and squeezing tight. The light paleness of her skin gave her a healthy glow. Her appearance had improved vastly from the night she fell down the stairs. While he disliked the idea of her feeding from strangers when he offered himself, he wouldn’t harp on it. She’d fed and healed and that was all that mattered. He gazed at her lustrous brunet hair. The waves flowed gracefully around her face and over her shoulders. He’d come close to touching her and wished he could’ve as her locks looked as soft as silk. But he made a promise he planned to keep it.
Seeing her secured in the vehicle, he shut the door. As he strode around the back of his car, he wondered if she’d noticed how he tried to keep her from going inside her home. She didn’t seem angry or questionable. Maybe she hadn’t paid much attention. He blew out a deep breath, hoping he was right. His surprise was in her house and Corey was finishing with the cleanup.
Earlier, Greg had taken off from work to meet the glass installers and carpet cleaners. The two worked quickly, one installed a new patio door while the other removed the bloodstain in the basement carpet. They took several hours and after they’d left, the kitchen was in need of cleaning. He picked up their trash and had started mopping, but ran out of time to finish. Thankfully, Corey checked in with him and offered to help. Greg ran back to his place and prepared for his date. Not even ten minutes after he returned to check on Corey, Greg had heard Alexi talking to Justin outside.
“Did the forensics team make much of mess when the searched for evidence?” Alexi asked as Greg settled into the driver’s seat. The leather made a squishy sound underneath him.
He closed his door with a soft thud. “A little, but it’s taken care of.”
“What do you mean?”
He reached behind her seat and gazed over his shoulder as he steered the car down the driveway. “I cleaned it up.”
He was so close to her. Pressing his lips together, he breathed in her scent. She smelled of citrus and lime. The fruity aroma pleased him. Actually, it made him long to kiss and lick her from head to toe. Calm down, Greg. Christ Almighty, he really didn’t want to sport a woody this soon into the date.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she said, her soft voice a blissful sound to his ears.
“It was the right thing to do.”
He glimpsed at her and saw a smile on her face. Had he impressed her? Score one point for him. He was making progress toward his goal of getting her to trust him.
Reaching the street, Greg stopped and shifted the gear.
“I called my insurance company today. They told me to get the patio door replaced and they would reimburse me. As for my safe, they will only reimburse me for the storage unit, not the contents.”
“They won’t give you anything for the items inside?” he questioned as he navigated through the neighborhood.
“No, I didn’t insure them.”
He glanced at her with a question on the tip of his tongue. Why would she have a safe and not insure the items in it? It didn’t make sense.
“Can I ask a personal question?”
She clasped her hands tight together. Was she that nervous to answer? His curiosity rose. What could she be hiding inside the safe?
“You can ask. I won’t promise I’ll answer.”
“You’re a smart woman. Is there a good reason why you chose not to insure the items stored in your safe?”
Silence lingered for a while.
“Many of the items in it are so old they can’t have a price tag stuck on them. Then there are other items that have no monetary value, but can cause major problems.”
“What, like financial documents, passports or social security information?” He didn’t consider identity theft a problem for a vampire, but maybe it was.
“The information is extremely valuable. That’s why we have to catch these guys before they can open it.”
The desire to reach over and place his hand over hers festered within him. He wanted to touch her to assure her everything would be all right. Words could only go so far.
“I’ll stay on top of the investigation. I give you my word. It may not sound like much, but I’m a very honorable man.”
“I appreciate your help.”
He’d heard the sam
e words from her plenty of times and believed she meant them, but he sensed a touch of fear behind them.
“You know what?” he asked, and she looked at him. “Try to forget about everything for tonight. I’d like you to relax, and just…be yourself. Enjoy the night.”
Her lips twitched and he couldn’t prevent the smile from spreading across his face. When she nodded, his heart thumped a beat faster. More baby steps to progress.
“Where are we going?” she asked, staring out the window.
“Somewhere different.” He turned onto the ramp leading to the Interstate.
“We’re not staying in Westport?”
“No, we’re heading to Indy. I think you’ll enjoy where I’m taking you.”
“Is it a restaurant?”
He grinned. “No.”
She twisted in her seat to face him. “It’s a shame I can’t read your thoughts. I like to know where I’m going and what to expect from people.”
“Is it because you think someone might hurt you?”
“I’ve met a lot of dishonest people. I try to avoid them.”
“I know what you mean. I see a lot of insincere people in court. They use their children as excuses. It’s really sad. Mothers want money to buy expensive purses, manicures and fancy hairstyles for themselves. Fathers want their paychecks to come under the table so they can avoid paying child support. The one who suffers through all this is the kid. Little Johnnie doesn’t get proper clothing, attention or parental support. Why? Because mom and dad are bitter toward each other and don’t want to take responsibility. It makes me furious sometimes.”
“Did you come from a broken home?”
He tightened his grip on the wheel. His goal was not to relive his past, but rather learn hers and get her to open up. Somehow, his plan had taken a wrong turn.
Slowly, he let the tension pass and loosened his grasp. Maybe if he shared some of his unpleasant memories she would open up to him.
“My brother and I grew up with our mother in a crappy little two bedroom apartment. She’d always blame us for her problems, then drag us to court to get money from our father. Whenever our father visited, he’d spend more time in her bedroom then actually visiting us. We were lucky if we got Christmas gifts from him.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“I didn’t want to live like that. After I finished school, I joined the armed forces. Then I went to college and law school. I decided to help people, or rather, children in similar situations. I’ve spent over six years as a local prosecutor, trying to help families. Sometimes I wonder if I am.”
“You’re trying, and that counts. You have clear goals to help children. Yes, there are factors involved that are out of your control, but you don’t let it stop you. Though you may not see the results from your efforts, I think you are helping.”
“I guess.” He shrugged. “It’s different for Corey and Andy. When they prosecute people and win the criminals go to jail and the victims get some retribution, either monetarily or emotionally. In my line of work, I don’t see the children benefiting.”
“Have you considered going into another area, like child protective services?”
He rubbed his hand across his mouth and down his bearded chin. “I have considered transferring.” In truth, he had, but he delayed the change to gain more experience and connections with the different courts.
“What’s stopping you?”
He glanced at her. She looked curious, eager almost. As if he intrigued her. “I was holding off so I could acquire more contacts with judges and law enforcement. Plus, the court experience is helpful. But, maybe it’s time to move on now.”
“If you really want to make a difference, you should do it.” She sounded enthusiastic for him.
Grinning, he glanced at her. “Is that the wise advice of Alexi Cartwright?”
“Yes.” She crossed her arms. “And if you don’t, I think you are short changing yourself. Not to mention the children who could benefit from your work.”
“You’re a pretty convincing woman, even without your vampire charm.”
“I have my ways,” she said with a smile.
Greg flipped on the turn signal and veered onto the exit ramp. Although he’d learned nothing about her past, he discovered she had a very caring heart. Moreover, he’d impressed her and she seemed interested in his work. She smiled and offered advice. Baby steps forward.
From the interstate, he drove down the wide street and turned onto Washington. Alexi stared out her window, no doubt wondering where he was taking her. She looked relaxed from earlier with her hands loosely lying in her lap, her purse off to the side near the door. They passed a green sign and he hoped she didn’t see what was on it because she could easily figure out where they were heading. Reaching a stoplight, he switched on his signal.
Alexi twisted to face him. Her eyes were wide with excitement. “Are you taking me to the zoo?”
Damn, she’d seen the sign. “I hope you don’t mind. I thought it would be different.” He tried to hide his smile, but couldn’t.
“It’s an excellent idea. I haven’t visited a zoo in…I don’t know. A long time.”
Her cheerful voice and bright expression made his heart beat stronger. Another step in the right direction.
Greg parked in a spot among the half-filled lot. After cutting the engine, he dashed around the car to get her door. Energy filled his soul. He sensed he was finally gaining ground in his bid to win over the woman he longed for. He opened the door and held out his palm to her.
“Is the zoo always this crowded at night?” she asked as she slid her hand into his and stepped out of the car.
Her hand had a slight coolness to it. A zing of panic shot through him as he realized he’d touched her. Shit! He’d made such great progress and now he feared he’d screwed up. Quickly, but very tenderly, he lowered her hand, then shut the car door.
“A few months ago, they extended their hours three nights a week to accommodate our kind.” He walked at her side, his heart beating fast and palms starting to sweat.
“Oh, well that’s good. At least the zoo recognizes we exist.”
“Some of us are rare and exotic creatures.” He grinned. Maybe she didn’t notice he’d touched her. He’d merely done it to help her from the car. Surely, she wouldn’t be mad at him for that.
“Which are you?”
“What?”
“Which are you, rare or exotic?” She swung her purse at her side.
He rubbed his brow. “Uh, rare.”
“Hmm…” She tucked strands of her hair behind her ear.
Greg found it interesting how she didn’t comment. Did she agree with him?
Gravel crunched under his shoes as they headed for the entrance. “What about you?”
“What about me?”
“You have to select.”
“I’m neither.”
“Hey, I had to choose. You can too.”
“I’m not rare or exotic.”
“I respectfully disagree. In fact, I think you’re both.”
A loud chuckle burst from her and she placed her hand on his shoulder. “You must not have met many female vampires, or supernatural females. I’m definitely not rare or exotic.”
“For your information, I’ve had plenty of women and none would compare to you.”
“Wow, that almost sounds like I could be the worst woman you’ve ever met.”
They both stepped up to the curb. “No, no. It’s one hundred percent complimentary.” He leaped in front of her and turned to face her. “You’re very unique and incredibly beautiful. Maybe you don’t see how striking you are, but I do.”
She stood frozen, staring into his eyes. He quickly wished he had telepathy to read her mind.
“Alexi, I’m sorry.” He swallowed and shook his head. “I’m trying my best, but I’m going to be honest with you. That’s how I am. I tell the truth and nothing but the truth. And God help me, you’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever
met. I can’t help the way my heart feels.”
His heart pounded as he waited for a response. There was no reason to deny how he felt. He told her before, but maybe this time she would listen.
She lowered her gaze. “Thank you for being honest.”
A couple passed by and Alexi and Greg glanced at them. Greg gave a courtesy nod, then faced Alexi.
“We’re on a date. Can we…just enjoy the night together?” she asked.
The fact she hadn’t rejected him filled him with hope.
“Absolutely.” He stepped to the side and extended his arm. “It would be an honor to enjoy the night with you.”
* * * *
Alexi strode past the entrance until she reached a wide, open area, then she stopped. Greg’s confession had taken her by surprise. For a brief moment, she wasn’t sure if she should demand a ride back to her house. Sure, he’d mentioned being attracted to her before, but this time his words reached her soul and they frightened her. The way he stared deep into her eyes and admitted the truth seemed too…out of this world, yet very real. And he apologized for admitting the truth. What kind of man did that? None that she’d ever met.
He’d said he was rare and she couldn’t have agreed more.
“Where would you like to go first?” he asked, his head down as he studied a map.
She glanced around. A large building ahead had a sign. “Let’s start at the Oceans exhibit.”
Greg looked up. “Sounds good to me.” He folded the map as they headed toward the building.
She felt a little awkward walking next to him since she didn’t know what to say. A man never acted so open with her. Every fiber of her body believed he was sincere. While she didn’t know what to make of his heartfelt feelings, she knew one thing with certainty. She didn’t want to get hurt. In honor of his honesty, the least she could do was complete the date.
Greg opened the door and held it. Cool air gushed out along with scents of fish and mildew. She stepped into the dark building and headed for glass wall. Young children stood in front with their heads tilted back as they gazed up. Alexi stopped and stared at the sharks too.
“Hammerhead sharks. Now that’s one unusual species.” Greg stood next to her, watching the shark circle in the water.
Welcome to the Neighborhood Page 13
