At her place, Ned carried her suitcases up and waited while she grabbed fresh clothing. Anne checked her answering machine, booted up the computer long enough to read her emails, and called her parents to let them know she’d made it home. Ned listened long enough to note the strained tone in Anne’s voice so he gathered up her luggage and headed for the door.
“I’ll be in the truck,” he said and she nodded. At her suggestion they stopped at the market to pick up a few perishables and basics, then he made a visit to the feed store to get oats for the ponies. Gary had promised to feed the horses in Ned’s absence. When they bumped down the lane to the house, although the night loomed dark, Ned saw his buddy’s beat-up pickup parked out by the corral. Until then, he hadn’t thought about going back to work but he remembered now with an inner groan he might be scheduled to work as soon as tonight.
“There’s Gary,” he said. “I need to go say howdy and see if he knows when I work. The new schedule should be up.”
Anne’s expression wilted. “I forgot that you’d have to go back to work,” she said. “I thought we’d have all the time together.”
“We’ll have plenty,” he told her. “I hadn’t thought about it either, but I guess it’s back to the real world now that we’re home.”
“Go find out,” she said.
Ned nodded. “Okay. Leave the bags. I’ll get them … go on inside. I’ll be there in a minute.”
He walked across the winter brown grass to the corral. “Hey,” he called as he approached Gary. His ponies responded to his voice and Sun whinnied as if in response. Gary turned around.
“You’re back. Did you have a good time?”
Ned laughed. “Part of the time,” he said.
“I see she came back with you. Is Anne moving in?” Gary asked.
Ned patted Sun’s nose with one hand. “Naw, not now anyway. She’s spending the rest of her break from the college out here, though. Are the new schedules up at work?”
“Hell, yeah. I’m working every night through New Year’s Day and I think you are too… Wait, I copied it off.” Gary pulled a crumpled, folded piece of paper from his pocket. “No. You work the next three shifts on the 26th, 27th, and 28th, then you’re off until New Year’s Eve.”
“Shit,” Ned said. “I guess I’ll go break the news to Anne and get around. What time is it?”
“It’s almost ten, man. That’s why I’m out here. I thought I’d feed your horses before I headed into work. We both start at eleven tonight, work until 7:00 in the morning. You better get your ass in gear. The bosses weren’t thrilled you took off again.”
“I know,” Ned said. “They weren’t bashful lettin’ me know.”
He grabbed their luggage and headed inside. Anne curled up into a corner of the couch and he thought she’d been dozing. “Hey, honey,” he said. “Here’s our stuff. I gotta get ready for work and head out before long.”
Anne’s eyebrows lifted half way to her hairline. “Tonight?” she asked.
Ned sighed and sat down beside her for a moment. “Yeah, and I’m sorry. I work the next three, have two off, then I go back New Year’s Eve.”
She inhaled hard and released a sigh. “Oh. I’d hoped we could spend New Year’s Eve together.”
Ned would never understand the emotional attachment Anne had for special occasions and holidays, but her disappointment was evident. He’d never paid a lot of mind to the change of years, no more than numbers to him, but he remembered how many couples he’d seen together on New Year’s Eve at the casino and at other places in earlier years. It’s significant for couples, he thought. “I can see if someone will trade shifts with me, Anne. I’d like to spend it with you too.”
Her face brightened. “That’d be wonderful if you could try, Ned. How soon do you have to leave tonight?”
He glanced at the clock. “As soon as I change clothes and braid my hair.”
“Let me,” she said and he nodded.
“All right, honey.”
Putting on his black pants, the white shirt, and tie seemed almost surreal after his trip to Rusk and back but once he was dressed, Ned felt the same old routine wrap around him like a spider’s web. He undid his hair, combed it and headed for the living room. Anne had a kitchen chair waiting so he sat and she braided his hair with deft fingers. He enjoyed the feel of her hands working through his hair and if he’d had time, they would have shared some loving. If he didn’t leave, though, he’d be late so he kissed her good-bye. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said. “Have the coffee ready.”
He’d meant it as more of a joke than anything but she grinned. “Yes, Ned, I’ll have it waiting and I’ll be here.”
The full impact of that hit him with the force of a strong wind. Not since he was Pea’hocso had he come home to anyone. Once, Aiyana waited but it had been so long ago he’d almost forgotten how powerful coming home to someone one could be. Emotion welled up within his chest and threatened to drown him in its depths. He grasped her, and kissed her hard and fast. “I’m glad,” he said. “I’ll be looking forward to coming home for once. I love you, Anne.”
Anne’s smile beamed with the glory of a full moon. “I love you, too, Ned.”
After that, he drove too fast to get to the casino and although he needed blood after his long and emotional day, Ned steeled himself to wait until break. He’d take what he needed then, but his heart and thoughts drifted home where she waited…for him.
Chapter Fourteen
New Year’s Eve brought freezing rain and sleet, but Ned had to work. No matter what the weather, record crowds were expected to throng into the casino, so he took Anne with him to work. At first she protested but he insisted. “I’d rather have you with me,” he said. “I don’t want you out at the house alone if the power goes out. I’ll try to take my dinner break at midnight so we can ring in the New Year together, okay?”
He managed to nail the catch phrases she expected and after a few more protests, she agreed. “All right,” she told him. “I’d worry about you driving home anyway if the roads get icy.”
Ned didn’t care about slick roads. The worst thing that could happen to him would be crashing the truck, but he’d walk away without permanent damage. Anne wouldn’t, though, he realized as he glanced outside at the falling sleet. Any injuries she suffered could be serious or fatal. “Let’s head on into town,” he told her. “Pack a bag and we’ll get a room at the motel closest to the casino. If we wait until tonight, the roads could get pretty slick.”
He booked one of the last vacancies at one of the larger chain hotels near the interstate, less than a half a mile from the casino. Ned handed Anne the card key while he carried the luggage to their second floor room. He hadn’t stayed in many hotels or motels and when he had, they tended toward the one-story, cinder block basic variety. The spacious room boasted a king-sized bed, a table with two chairs, desk, dresser, and a large television. Anne adjusted the heat while Ned opened the drapes. The view overlooked the parking lot and the multi-lane highway beyond. He glimpsed the casino’s bright sign and turned to Anne with a smile. “What do you think, honey?”
“It’s nice,” she said. “I peeked in the bathroom. There’s a whirlpool tub!”
“You like that?” he asked.
Anne nodded. “We can enjoy it together later or in the morning.”
Ned glanced over at the digital clock on the bedside table. “It’s one-thirty,” he said. “I’m not scheduled until seven. Why not use it now?”
In one graceful motion she pulled off her sweater and dropped it to the carpet. “Let’s take a bath,” she said as she slid out of her jeans. “I’m game if you are.”
Sensual fire danced through Ned’s veins and his skin tingled with anticipation. He’d never tire of Anne or fail to be tempted by her body. If she failed to accept his reality or decided to part, Ned knew he’d remember the sensations she delivered for eternity. And he’d mourn the loss of their intimacy and pine for the love they shared. Mak
e memories, he told himself, and live in the moment. Ned circled Anne with his arms and tilted her head back for maximum kissing. He brought his mouth down onto hers with tenderness and hunger combined. He wanted to show her how he felt, something he often found difficult to express in words so he demonstrated with slow precision.
Her lips yielded to his and her body relaxed into his embrace until they molded into one. Anne’s soft mouth tickled his and she nibbled. Ned resisted the extreme temptation to bite and moved his lips down her throat. He kissed the hollow at the base and then pressed his mouth between her breasts.
Her body heat radiated over him in waves, fierce and fiery. He squeezed her butt and steered her toward the bed. Anne collapsed onto it, her hands roaming over his body, nails scratching, fingers caressing. Although he wanted to hurry, he took his time. Ned teased her opening with the tip of his cock, entered a little and retreated until he thought he’d die with wanting release. Anne, judging by her whimpers and the way she writhed beneath him, needed the same. Her garbled whispers included his name and the word ‘please’ repeated.
Temptation loomed and he gave into it, letting his fangs run down the smooth, skin of her throat but never breaking the skin. He didn’t crave blood, not yet, but he delighted in the sharpness against Anne’s softness. Ned ached to sink them into her flesh but he refused. Unknown to her, it would be the third and final time. He wouldn’t without her permission and as much as he’d like her as a permanent companion, he wasn’t at all sure he’d inflict immortality on her even if she desired it. How he longed to bite and drink, not for the blood, but for the intimacy and the forever aspects. But he didn’t. He raked his teeth over her fair skin and left love tattoos, but never broke the skin.
Ned couldn’t wait any longer. He drove his cock into Anne with might and force. Instant sensation gripped his dick and spiraled through him, intense and extreme. Pleasure rocked him and he pumped harder, pushing for the ultimate moment of climax. Anne wrapped her legs scissors style behind his back and held tight, driving him deeper. Her moans combined with her nails clawing at his back brought him home and he came in a series of powerful shudders. He carried Anne with him and she bucked as much as he did. Afterward he lay outstretched on the bed, his head resting against her shoulder, familiar and cozy. “That was good, honey,” he said.
“Oh, yeah!” Her heartfelt agreement evoked a smile and once he gathered himself, Ned swept her into his arms and carried her into the bathroom. He deposited her into the garden tub and turned on the taps as well as the whirlpool jets. Anne giggled as he climbed in beside her as the tub filled. He ran the water as hot as they could bear it and savored the relaxation. After such satisfying sex, he lay boneless and content. Anne kept her eyes shut, but from the bemused expression on her face Ned thought she basked in her own puddle of pleasure. They remained there until the water cooled, although Anne twice added more heat, but by late afternoon they emerged, fingers and toes wrinkled.
“Do you want to eat before we go?” Anne asked. Ned shrugged. “If you want, we can. I’ll buy you dinner at the casino.”
Anne retreated into the bathroom while Ned dressed in his standard work garb and emerged in sparkling glory. He admired the way the short, emerald evening dress swirled around her thighs and ogled the deep neckline. It fit her to perfection and he liked it. She’d tamed her hair into a riot of curls held up and back with a clip. Her make-up was a little heavier than usual. Her eyes gleamed bright, emphasized by kohl and mascara.
“What do you think?” she asked as she made a little pirouette.
“You look damn good,” Ned growled. “I could eat you up.”
She grinned. “Anytime but now,” she said. “I wanted to dress up for New Year’s Eve. Would you like me to braid your hair?” He nodded, afraid if he touched her he’d lose control and take her one more time.
Ned perched on the room’s single straight-backed chair and let her comb his hair, then braid it tight. By the time she’d finished, it was after four-thirty. “If we’re going to grab a bite, let’s go.”
Even at the early hour, every eating spot at the casino teemed full, from the snack bars to the formal restaurant. Although the bar appeared just as crowded, Ned led Anne inside and found a table tucked away in a rear corner. He ordered surf and turf, the evening special and since the server knew him, their food came in a reasonable amount of time. Ned seldom ate seafood, but he knew Anne loved it so he conceded to her tastes. “Thank you.” Her smile said more than her words could and he delighted in watching her enjoy the lobster tail.
As they dined, the crowds increased and by the time he left Anne after a quick kiss to report to the tables, Ned noticed long lines at all the eateries and at some of the machines. He waded through the gamblers to reach his station and Mindy greeted him with relief. “Oh, I’m glad you’re here,” she cried. “I’ve been here all day and I’m ready to go home.”
“I bet. Do you have a date?”
Mindy grinned. “Just with my son and a stack of Disney movies,” she replied. “What about you?”
Ned pointed over to a one of the machines. “My lady’s here tonight.”
Mindy’s eyes widened with surprise. “You’re a sneaky one, Ned. I didn’t even know you were dating anyone. It’s about time!” After more than a century, he thought so too.
Mindy left, card players crowded his table and time crawled. Although he focused on the cards he dealt, Ned remained aware of Anne’s presence. Even when dealing he knew where he’d find her if he happened to glance out into the crowds. In the dim light and smoke-filled environment her hair glistened bright. In the few moments he could spare, he watched her as she flitted from one machine to another like a brilliant butterfly.
Distracted by Anne, busier than any other night of the year, Ned also needed blood. Breaks ran late due to the crowds but when the pit boss sent him for his first, brief one, he pegged Anne’s location. She sat on one of the stools, her body leaning in as she focused on the game. Ned ambled toward the front exit with lithe grace and the speed of a panther on the prowl. He stepped out into the chill night. Sleet skittered down from a heavy sky onto the sidewalks, and despite the rock salt the maintenance crew had tossed onto the surfaces, Ned found it slick underfoot. With careful steps he moved away from the building and deeper into the dark. Despite the weather he spotted several people approaching the building so he headed farther into the parking area.
Ned shied away from groups and couples, but when he spotted a lone female teetering toward the casino on stiletto heels, he moved in her direction. As he came within a few feet, she lost her footing on the icy pavement and would’ve taken a header if he hadn’t leapt forward. He caught her in his arms, and in her shocked surprise, she clung to him. Her powerful floral perfume wafted into his face and her body heat roared toward him in a wave but she didn’t appeal to him as anything more than a blood donor. As he righted her, Ned leaned forward and bit behind her left ear, his fangs sinking into her vein. She assumed he kissed her and giggled, her hands tightening their grip on him. He drank more than his usual quota, aware he might need a larger amount to restore his strength, and to make it through the hectic night. “Oh, sugar,” the woman cried. “I like you. Are you alone? If you are, would you escort me tonight?”
He shook his head and released her. “I can’t. But please, watch your step. It’s pretty slippery underfoot. I’m working and my lady’s waiting to meet me at midnight.” Ned untangled from the woman and turned to head back inside. Two paces later he saw Anne. She stood and shivered without a coat, eyes round with horror and dark with hurt. “What’re you doin’ out here, honey?” he asked as he put an arm around her. “You’re gonna freeze or fall.”
Anne shrugged him away. “You kissed her! I saw you.”
“Anne, I didn’t. It’s not what it looked like.” For one terrible moment he thought he’d puke up the blood he’d just drank. Her expression made him sick because he’d caused it. “I wasn’t kissing her, I swear.”<
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“Then what was it? I saw you leave your table and I followed you so we could have a minute or two together. I wondered why you’d come outside. Silly old me, I thought you might be checking on the weather, but I watched you head straight to that woman. And I saw you kiss her, Ned!”
“No, you didn’t.” He managed to speak with calm patience. “Anne, I came out here because I needed blood. You said you wanted to keep an open mind and I’m tired of hiding the truth. I don’t want to kiss anyone but you, honey.”
Her lips pursed into a pout. “Do you know her?”
“I never saw her until tonight.”
Anne glared at him. He thought she was about to burst into tears until she pounded his shoulder with one fist. “I don’t know what to think. Do I believe the vampire shit or go with the idea you’d sneak out to kiss some bitch? Maybe I should just go home. I’m not sure how I feel or what I believe, Ned.”
Since she seldom swore, he knew how mad she must be. His first reaction had been regret she’d seen him in the act but his anger rose in response to hers. “Do you really think I’d smooch some stranger? C’mon, Anne, give me credit for being better than that.”
She shot him a smoldering gaze and then cocked her head. Anne reached out and touched his upper lip with the end of her pinky. She held out the finger and stared at the smidgen of blood. “I’ll be damned,” she said and stared at him.
He met her eyes without flinching. “I told you.”
The Comanche Vampire Page 18
