Twilight Desires

by Amanda Ashley

  “Get to work, Miss Ravenwood,” he said, tapping his finger on his watch. “Time is money.”

  * * *

  Sofia spent the morning screening phone calls, scheduling meetings for her boss, and answering his correspondence. Every time her phone rang, her heart skipped a beat, which she knew was silly in the extreme because Ethan didn’t have her work number, and even if he did, he wouldn’t be calling during the day.

  She went to lunch with Mr. Donaldson’s PA, Karen Stuart. Karen was in her mid-fifties, widowed, with three sons, two of whom still lived at home. She was always trying to fix Sofia up with her youngest, Jimmy, who was two years older than she was. Jimmy was a good-looking young man, with short brown hair and a crooked smile. Unfortunately, he was also a dyed-in-the-wool nerd with an affinity for “World of Warcraft” and “Doom.”

  Karen mentioned her son again during lunch.

  “I’d really like to see my Jimmy dating a nice girl,” Karen said, stirring cream into her coffee. “The girl he’s dating now is a horrible influence on him.”

  “I’m sorry,” Sofia said, “but I’m seeing someone.”

  Karen sighed dramatically. “I just know she’s going to get him in trouble. If you break up with your young man, promise me you’ll give my Jimmy a chance.”

  “I promise,” Sofia said with a smile, and hoped it was a promise she would never have to keep.

  * * *

  Sofia shut her computer down at five, turned on her cell phone, and headed for home.

  Her phone rang shortly after she walked in the door.

  “Hey, beautiful, what are you doing?”

  Just hearing Ethan’s voice made her smile. “Taking off my shoes. What are you doing?”

  “Wishing you were here.”

  “Where’s here? You’ve never told me where you live.”

  “I’ve got a house in California. I just put it up for sale.”

  “Oh, why?”

  “I decided it would be easier to move than to try to explain my sudden lifestyle change to my friends and neighbors.”

  “I never thought about that. Where are you moving to?”

  “I found a place on the other side of town.”

  “My town?” she asked hopefully.

  “Yeah. Do you mind?”

  “Of course not.” Sofia settled into a corner of the couch, one leg tucked beneath her. “So, what’s it like, this new house of yours?”

  “It’s just an old place that needs a lot of work.”

  “Sounds wonderful,” she said dryly.

  “I don’t need much—just a place to sleep.”

  She clamped her lips together to keep from suggesting he move in with her. As much as she liked Ethan, moving in together was a big step, one she wasn’t ready for. One she might never be ready for.

  “You still there?” he asked.

  “Yes. Are we still on for Friday?”

  “You bet. What are you doing tonight?”

  “Nothing; why?”

  “How’d you like to go furniture shopping with me?”

  “Sounds like fun. I love to shop.”

  “Pick you up in five?” he asked.

  “Make it fifteen. I want to change clothes.”

  “Fifteen it is,” he agreed, and ended the call.

  Hurrying into her bedroom, Sofia changed out of her dress and heels and into a pair of jeans and a sweater. She brushed her teeth, ran a comb through her hair, applied fresh lipstick. She had just slipped on a pair of sandals when the doorbell rang.

  It could have been anyone, but she knew it was Ethan, and it wasn’t just because she was expecting him. She just knew. Was it because he’d tasted her blood?

  Still pondering that, she opened the door. “Hi.”

  He whistled softly. “You look great.”

  She made a face at him.

  “Honest.” The jeans fit her like a second skin, the sweater outlined every delicious curve.

  “So, what are we shopping for?” she asked, locking the door.

  “Just the basics. Sofa, chair, bed. TV.”

  They took the elevator down to the parking garage.

  Ethan whistled when he saw her car—a new Mustang with a convertible top. “Nice.”

  “You drive,” she said, tossing him the keys.

  He held her door for her, walked around the car, and slid behind the wheel. “You’ve got good taste in cars,” he remarked as he started the engine and pulled out of the garage.

  “You like Mustangs?”

  “Yeah. I had one a year older than yours.”

  “What happened to it?”

  “I don’t know. Last time I saw it, it was parked outside the church where Holly got married. I guess it was stolen, because none of the impound lots I called had it.”

  “Wow, bummer.”

  “Yeah. I really miss that car.” He braked at a stop sign. “So, where’s the closest furniture store?”

  * * *

  “They have some really nice stuff here,” Sofia said as Ethan pulled up in front of Finnegan’s Furniture Outlet and parked the car. “And lots of choices.”

  Ethan killed the engine, got out of the car, opened her door for her.

  A bell rang as they stepped inside. The furniture was laid out in sections—bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, kids’ stuff.

  “Shouldn’t be too hard to find what you’re looking for,” Sofia remarked, smiling up at him.

  She was right again. The sofa was easy. Ethan found a dark brown leather couch and matching chair he liked right away. He was fussier about the bed. He wanted something king-size and firm, and there were dozens to choose from.

  “Which one do you like?” he asked after they had looked at everything twice.

  “That one.” The headboard was of carved oak.

  Ethan looked at the bed, then at Sofia. She felt her cheeks grow warm under his gaze. She didn’t have to be a mind reader to know he was imagining the two of them intimately entwined on the mattress.

  “I’ll take it,” he told the salesman. “And that small dresser, too.” He paid the bill and arranged for the furniture to be delivered the next night.

  “Are you going to show me your new place?” she asked as they left the store.

  “It’s not much.” He opened the car door for her.

  “I’d still like to see it.”

  “All right.”

  She frowned as they left the city behind. “You found a house way out here?”

  “It’s not a house exactly.”

  She lifted one brow as they turned a corner. “What is it exactly?”

  “An abandoned warehouse,” he said, pulling into the parking lot behind the building.

  “You’re going to live here? Did you buy this place?”

  “No. Judging from the rust and the dust, it’s been abandoned for a long time. I figured I’d stay until I find a better place or until someone comes along and tells me to move.” He didn’t think that was likely to happen anytime soon. And if it did . . . hell, he’d worry about that if and when the time came.

  “What about electricity? And water?”

  “The water’s still on. I can live without electricity, I guess.” Although he’d need it if he wanted a TV in the place.

  “Right. I forgot. So, do I get a tour?”

  “Maybe next time. You wouldn’t be able to see anything anyway.”

  “It’s just as well,” Sofia remarked. “It’s getting late and I have to work tomorrow.”

  Ethan nodded. For her, the night was winding down. For him, it was just beginning.

  “Thanks for going with me,” he said as he pulled away from the curb.

  “Thanks for asking me.”

  They drove the rest of the way in companionable silence. When they reached her place, he parked the car in the garage, held her hand in the elevator, walked her to her door.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow night,” he said. “Oh, here.” He dropped the keys to the Mustang into her
hand.

  She unlocked the apartment door, stepped inside, and switched on the light in the entryway. He paused a moment, then followed her inside and drew her into his embrace.

  Ethan rested his forehead against hers. She felt so good in his arms, her slender body soft and pliable where his was hard and unyielding. He kissed her then, lightly at first, then longer, deeper. He needed her, he thought. She calmed the anger that still burned deep inside—anger at Saintcrow for turning him against his will, for stealing his life and everything that had been familiar. He knew it was foolish to blame Saintcrow when he should be blaming the vampire who had attacked him and left him for dead. Had that never happened, he would have met Sofia at the wedding, a mortal man who could hold her and kiss her without yearning to sink his fangs into her flesh and drink her dry.

  He groaned as that need grew. “Sofie.”

  At her nod, he lowered his head to her neck. His tongue slid over her skin, sending a tingle down her spine. She leaned into him at the touch of his fangs, closed her eyes as pleasure moved through her. And for that moment, she felt what he was feeling—the way her blood warmed him, strengthened him, satisfied his hunger.

  She shivered as his tongue sealed the tiny wounds in her throat.

  He hugged her close for a moment, then tilted her face up. “Are you okay?”

  “Fine.”

  Taking her by the hand, he led her to the sofa and pulled her down beside him.

  “I felt you,” she said, a note of wonder in her voice.

  Ethan frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “In my mind. I felt you there. It was weird. Kind of like I was you for just a moment. I knew what you were feeling, thinking.”

  He lifted one brow. “Really?” He wasn’t sure he wanted her wandering around in his head. Some of his thoughts, especially those about her, were best kept private. “Has that ever happened before?”

  “No.”

  He frowned, wondering why this time had been different. “I’d better go so you can get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow night.” He kissed her lightly. “Sweet dreams, sweet Sofie,” he murmured.

  And he was gone.

  Chapter Six

  Yawning, Sofia stretched her arms over her head. At last, it was Friday. She had hoped to see Ethan Wednesday night but discovered she was expected at a co-worker’s wedding shower she had completely forgotten about.

  Thursday night was her father’s birthday and she couldn’t skip that. She had been tempted to invite Ethan, but after the recent trouble with Leticia Braga, she wasn’t sure how her family would react. Micah had lied to them about what he was for years, and even though they had accepted it, she doubted her parents would be thrilled at the thought of their youngest daughter dating one of the Undead. Accepting a son who was a vampire was one thing. A son-in-law was another.

  But now it was Friday. She shut down her computer at five o’ clock sharp, bid a quick good night to Mr. Moore, and was out the door and running for the elevator. Eager to get home and get ready for her date with Ethan, it was all she could do to keep from putting the pedal to the metal. She didn’t know where they were going or what they were going to do, but it didn’t matter as long as they were together.

  But when she got home, her sister, Rosa, was inside, waiting for her.

  “What’s wrong?” Sofia asked, sitting on the couch beside Rosa.

  “Nothing. Everything.”

  “Well, that clears things up,” Sofia muttered. “Come on, ’fess up.”

  Rosa sighed dramatically. “I got fired today, and . . . Frankie broke up with me.”

  “Well, I’d love to feel sorry for you, but you hated your job. And Frankie’s a jerk. So, I’m thinking we should celebrate with chocolate.”

  Rosa scowled at her a moment, then grinned. “I’d love something dark and rich.”

  “I have just what you need. Come on.”

  Sofia’s phone rang on the way to the kitchen. “Go on, Rosie, I’ll be there in a minute.” When her sister was out of the room, she answered the phone. “Hi.”

  “Are we still on for tonight?”

  “I’m not sure. My sister’s here.”

  Ethan dragged a hand over his jaw. “I guess that means I’m persona non grata.”

  “I’m sorry, but, well, she’s kind of down right now.”

  “Hey, I understand.”

  “It’s not like that. It’s just that . . .” Sofia broke off as Rosa stuck her head around the door. “Do you want hot fudge on yours?”

  “Silly question.”

  Rosa looked at her, one brow raised, clearly wanting to know who was on the phone.

  Sofia made a shooing motion with her hand.

  With a knowing grin, Rosa went back into the kitchen.

  “You still there?” Ethan asked.

  “Yes. See you tomorrow night?”

  “Sure; what time?”

  “As soon as the sun goes down.”

  Chuckling, he ended the call.

  “All right,” Rosa said, carrying two bowls filled to the brim with chocolate ice cream topped with hot fudge and whipped cream. “Who are you going to see tomorrow night? You never told me you were dating anyone.”

  “Just a guy.”

  “Well, duh, I figured that,” she said, following Sofia back to the couch. “Details, girl. I want details.”

  Sofia shrugged. “I met him a few days ago. He seems nice.”

  “Well, they all seem nice in the beginning.”

  “Careful, Rosie, your bitterness is showing.”

  “Is he anyone I know?”

  “No.”

  “So, what’s he look like? How old is he? What does he do for a living?”

  “He’s got dark blond hair and the most gorgeous brown eyes. He’s twenty-six and at the moment, he’s unemployed.”

  “Twenty-six!” Rosa exclaimed, grinning. “An older man.”

  “Not that much older.”

  “So, when do I get to meet him?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Rosa waggled her eyebrows. “Maybe I’ll just stop by tomorrow night when the sun goes down . . .” Her eyes widened. “Sundown? Oh, Sofie, he’s not a vampire, is he?”

  “Why on earth would you jump to such a conclusion?”

  “Why do you think? Does the name Micah mean anything to you?”

  “Just because I’m meeting him after dark doesn’t mean . . . oh, hell,” she muttered. “He’s Holly’s cousin. Ethan. Saintcrow turned him at the wedding.”

  Rosa shook her head. “I was just kidding about him being a vampire. Sofie, what are you thinking? Have you forgotten that awful Braga creature and what she did? Mama still has nightmares about it.”

  “Ethan’s not like that. Promise me you won’t say anything to the family. I mean, it might not last, so there’s no sense worrying everybody.”

  “I don’t know . . .”

  “If you say a word, I’ll tell Daddy who really put that dent in his new car.”

  “Okay, fine, I promise!” Rosa said petulantly. “But I still want to meet him.”

  Chapter Seven

  Sofia was on edge all day Saturday. It didn’t bother her that Ethan was a vampire. She could learn to live with that, but she still couldn’t help wishing he was just an ordinary guy, that she could call him and wish him good morning, that they could go out to breakfast and spend the whole day together.

  She changed the sheets on her bed, did the laundry, took her car to the car wash. On the way home, she stopped at the store to buy groceries for the week, and all the while, she wished Ethan was beside her. If they stayed together, she would never cook him dinner, never share a meal with him. True, there were lots of things they could do together after the sun went down—go for moonlight strolls, take in a movie, wander through the mall.

  At five o’clock, she took a long shower, washed her hair, shaved her legs. It took her thirty minutes to decide what to wear, twenty minutes to do her hair and nails, and she was rea
dy to go five minutes before the sun went down.

  Ethan knocked at the door ten minutes later, his hair still wet from his shower. He stepped across the threshold, took her in his arms, kicked the door shut with his heel, and kissed her until she was breathless.

  “Did you miss me?” he asked with a knowing grin.

  “Maybe a little.”

  “Wow, I can’t wait to see what it’s like when you miss me a lot.”

  Rising on her tiptoes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down toward her. “Shut up and kiss me again.”

  He was all too willing to oblige.

  When they came up for air, Sofia blew out a sigh. “Okay, we need to slow down.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I do. So, did your furniture get delivered?”

  “Yeah. The place is so big, it still looks empty. I’m still trying to figure out a way to get some electricity in there so I can have a TV.”

  “Good luck with that. I don’t see how you can get the electric company to turn on the power when you’re not the owner.”

  Ethan frowned. “There might be a way around that,” he drawled. It was easy enough to mesmerize his prey. If he could do that, it shouldn’t be too difficult to hypnotize workers into believing he owned the place.

  “What way?”

  “I’ll tell you after I see if it works.” For a moment, he thought she would argue, but, apparently, she thought better of it.

  “So, what do you want to do tonight?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “Anything you’d like to do is fine with me.”

  She looked thoughtful for a moment, then said, “I think we should go bowling.”

  “Bowling?”

  She nodded.

  “You’re not afraid to be alone with me, are you?”

  “Yes. You’re far too tempting. Let’s go.”

  * * *

  “What else do you want to do?” Ethan asked. They had gone to the bowling alley only to find out that some league was having its tournament and there were no lanes available.

  “Let’s just go for a walk,” Sofia suggested. “There’s a nice park not far from here. It’s well-lit at night.”

  Ethan shrugged. “A walk it is.”

  It took only minutes to reach their destination. Hand in hand, they strolled along wide cement paths lined with lacy ferns and flowers.