by Rose Pressey
“What was that supposed to mean?” My stomach did a little flip.
“I wanted to kiss you. I’m a man. So sue me.” He shrugged.
“Just don’t let it happen again, is all I’m saying.” I straightened my shirt and tried to regain my composure.
“Yes, ma’am.” He winked.
“Well, well, well, what have we here? Won’t Jack be thrilled to see this little affair?” I recognized Lily’s shrill voice anywhere.
I looked over my shoulder and saw Lily standing at the end of the alley with that stupid smirk on her face. How long had she been watching us? Apparently, long enough. Lily beamed with glee at her discovery of us. She really rejoiced in my unhappiness. Not very bridal behavior, if you asked me… and she wanted me to be her maid of honor.
“Beat it, Lily. I don’t have time to deal with you now. Why don’t you go find your better half and leave me alone.”
“Fine. I have a phone call to make anyway.” She arched one of her over-plucked eyebrows. “But be thinking about the whole something borrowed, something blue, crap. As much as I hate to, I guess I’ll have to borrow some of your junk.”
Why did I even continue to talk to her? She was a pain in the ass. That was what I got for feeling sorry for her.
“A friend of yours?” Cole asked.
“If by friend you mean enemy, sure,” I said through gritted teeth.
“They say you should keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.” He grinned reassuringly.
“I’m not sure if I believe that. I’d like to keep her far, far, away.”
Chapter Eighteen
How to Date a Demon, Rule #18
Don’t tell your date that the devil made you do it.
With reluctance I agreed to let Cole in to look at the book with me. He’d just kissed me. I was asking for trouble. Why had he done it? He must have very little restraint. I wasn’t about to let him ruin my relationship with Jack. If I didn’t know better, I would swear it was the curse at work. But that was all behind me now, right?
Half-way up the steps to my apartment, the sound of my phone ringing made me pause. I thought about not answering, but then I worried it might be Jennifer, so I pulled it from my pocket. Cole waited behind me.
“Rylie, I’m glad you answered,” Jack said with concern in his voice when I picked up.
“Why wouldn’t I answer?”
Okay, I’d just been contemplating not answering the call, but it had nothing to do with him. Guilt fell over me. Did he know that Cole had kissed me? Maybe Lily had already called him. But she didn’t have his phone number, right? Jack sounded out of breath.
“Is something wrong?” I asked as I stopped on the stairs.
Cole stood on the step beneath me, patiently waiting. I held up my index finger, indicating that I needed one minute.
“I have more information. The demons, whatever they are, may be looking for you. I just spoke with Quinton and another vampire here, and well, you just need to get out of your house. I’ll be there as soon as I can to get you.” The sound of people chatting came across the line. How many people had he been discussing my dilemma with?
“Is my life in danger? What the hell is going on?”
I looked at Cole. He gave a little grin. Little did Jack know that the demons had already been after me. This was nothing new. But did he know why they wanted me?
“I can’t say. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll be there soon.” His voice sounded even more panicked.
“There’s no time for you to come here. I don’t want to be a sitting duck. I’ll come to you.”
Yes, I had lied to Jack, but it was for his best interest. I’d do this on my own. If I could get rid of Cole I certainly would. At first I had wondered about Cole, but so far, he’d done everything that he said he’d do. And things that he hadn’t said he’d do, like kiss me.
“Are you taking this seriously?” Jack asked.
“Of course I am, but you I need you to tell me everything,” I said into the phone.
“I think it’s that demon hunter who’s after you. He’s not who he says he is. Good thing you got rid of him. You need to get away from there before he comes back.”
Yeah, good thing I got rid of him. I eyed Cole again. He looked as if he knew we were discussing him. A chill ran down my spine. Was that why he kept hanging around? Why he kept coming back?
“Who is he?” I asked, hoping Cole wouldn’t put two and two together.
“He’s a demon.”
“That’s ridiculous. How do you know?” I shook my head in confusion.
Was Cole taking me to my apartment to attack me? What had I been thinking allowing him into my home?
“That’s what Quinton told me,” Jack said.
“No offense to Quinton, but I’m not sure he knows what he’s talking about.”
“Rylie, I need to go. Are you coming here?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.” My heart sank a little.
Jack gave me the address and I promised to be there soon. I wasn’t sure I could keep that promise. I hung up the phone. But I had a dilemma. I couldn’t exactly ask Cole to leave now. He was standing right behind me.
“What was that all about?” Cole asked.
I’d never heard Jack that panicked before.
I stuffed the phone in my pocket and continued up the stairs. I didn’t say anything to Cole and I hoped he wouldn’t ask. Probably too much to ask for though.
“So are you going to ignore my question?” Cole asked when we reached my door.
Yep. Too much to ask for.
“Jack is just getting used to the vampire lifestyle, that’s all. He’s newly turned,” I said, trying to sound casual.
That wasn’t a lie. He couldn’t say that I’d lied to him.
“It can be difficult from what I’ve heard,” Cole offered.
He sounded like he believed me. Maybe my lying skills were improving. Right then I had to make a decision: take Jack’s advice or ignore him. Even if Cole was a demon and wanted to get to me, I had to have answers. And I was determined to get answers about Jennifer’s whereabouts from him. She’d do the same for me. Where I came from you didn’t abandon your friends. Jack only wanted to help, but this time he just couldn’t help me.
I unlocked the door and walked in with Cole following closely behind. I tried to breathe normally, not letting on to my apprehension. I pushed Jack’s words out of my mind. My stomach churned. It felt strange having Cole in my personal space. He looked around the room, taking in everything.
“Nice place,” he said.
“Thank you.” I pulled out the book. “Do you want to have a seat at the table?”
If we sat on the sofa it would give him the opportunity to get too close and I didn’t need that. Cole pulled out one of the white wooden chairs out from the table and sat down, stretching his long legs out in front of him.
“Would you like something to drink?” I asked as I placed the book on the kitchen table.
The question came out of politeness, although I should be careful not to make it too comfortable for him. I had to remain nice so he wouldn’t suspect that I might be on to him. Wait, I hadn’t exactly been Ms. Congeniality toward him. Why start now?
He paused, so I said, “How about I make us some coffee? It’ll help keep us alert.”
“Sounds good.” He pulled the book closer.
After putting on the coffee and pulling cups from the cabinet, I pulled out a chair across from Cole. He looked different in the light—more boyish and vulnerable. Not quite as much a tough guy.
He lifted open the cover on the hardback book and began flipping pages. “Why don’t you tell me a little about your friend? It might help me figure out where we should go to look for her.” Cole glanced over at me as we talked.
“What does that have to do with anything? And why didn’t you ask that question before now?” I asked. My mouth probably hung open at his lack of demon-hunting ability.
“You didn’t
give me a chance to ask. We’ve been playing a game of tag all day.” He paused. “Anyway, the demons make people do the exact opposite of what they’d normally do. If she was quiet and reserved then she’ll be the opposite.”
Hmm. “That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard of.”
“It explains the way she’s been acting and it makes sense, though, doesn’t it?”
I looked at his little smirk. He was so happy with himself. When could I ask him if he was a demon? That seemed like a risky question. What if I was sharing a pot of coffee with a demon? Did demons take sugar and cream? No, surely they liked it black.
In order to keep up the charade, I said, “I guess it makes a little bit of sense. But she wasn’t exactly a schoolmarm. But now, I expect her to come out wearing a meat dress like Lady Gaga at any moment.”
He chuckled and continued flipping pages.
“It’s not funny. This is serious.” I crossed my arms in front of my chest tightly.
“I know it’s serious. I’m the one who told you how serious this is. That’s why I’m asking all these questions. Now tell me about Jennifer.” He pointed.
I sighed. “Okay. Um, let’s see. She’s a veterinarian. She loves animals, of course.”
“You’re a werewolf and you live with a veterinarian? That’s classic.” He chuckled and held his stomach.
“Do you want me to continue or not?” I asked through gritted teeth.
He tried to suppress a smile. “Okay. Please. Do continue.”
“She hasn’t had much luck with dating lately. Well, okay, she hasn’t had luck with dating ever. That’s why I set her up with Neil. She wanted me to after she had a nasty breakup with a newly turned vampire cop.”
“This is like listening to a recap of a paranormal version of Days of Our Lives.” He massaged his temples.
I threw my hands up. “That’s it. I’m done. I’m not telling you anything else.”
“Will you please relax? You need to calm down. I was only joking to try to lighten the mood.” He shook his head.
Calm down? He had to be joking.
I scoffed. “Sure, I’ll just relax and let my friend’s soul be dragged to hell. Not to mention, you’re trying to put me down.”
“I am not. Why would I want to do that?” he asked sharply.
“Because you are a jerk,” I said matter-of-factly.
“Thanks for the compliment.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Anyway, back to the question. She has bad luck dating… hmm…”
After taking a couple deep breaths and trying to calm down, I said, “What would be the opposite of that?”
“Never dating again?” He paused. “I know, joining a convent!”
I shuddered at the thought. “In the dress she was wearing when she left here? The nuns would have a heart attack. There is no way she would do something like that. Possessed by a demon or not.”
“Don’t be so sure about that,” he said.
“Maybe we should put up missing posters?” I glanced at him.
“She’s not a dog.” He shot back.
“Is that a remark?” I narrowed my gaze.
“About what?” he asked with a frown.
“About me being… oh, never mind.” I waved off the thought.
“Is there anything else you can tell me about Jennifer.” He stuck his hands in his pockets.
“Tell me why I should tell you more?” I didn’t take my gaze off him.
“Because her behavior will lead us to places she may be right now. Get with the program, please.” He shook his head.
This guy was pushing his luck with me. Demon or no demon. Speaking of which, if he was a demon, why was he still trying to help me?
“Well, about the whole convent thing, she’s been known to go to church a few times… Christmas, Easter, that kind of thing. So that wouldn’t be exactly out of character for her. I’m not sure if I trust your theory though. Because like I said, she wasn’t demure, but she isn’t a slut either, although she was dressed like a total slut when she left here though.”
“Okay, so what do we know? She was dressed slutty. She goes to church only when it’s expected of her.” He looked at me innocently.
“Hey, don’t be an ass.” I scowled.
“Sorry, I’m joking again.” He held his hands up.
“Don’t quit your day job. Although I don’t see that you’re all that spectacular at the day job either.”
“Ouch. That hurts so badly.” He held his chest as if I’d just stabbed him.
I rolled my eyes.
“Anyway, back to the point,” he said. “I think maybe we should check the bars, the strip clubs…” He didn’t blink. Obviously he was dead serious.
“What? Strip clubs? Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you. You can go there on your own time. I don’t have the time right now.”
“Well, I didn’t want to grab a bunch of dollars and hang out, but we can skip that. If you don’t find her though, don’t blame me.” He flashed a sweet smile.
“I’ll take my chances,” I remarked with a snort.
“Which way was she headed the last time you saw her?” he asked.
“Well, Lily saw her behind my office at the window. She could still be in the area. Jennifer’s not much for walking long distances in heels. There’s a bar right around the corner, maybe she’s there.” I pointed in the general direction.
“It’s worth a try. Let’s go.” He jumped up and motioned for me to follow.
I hesitantly stood from the table and followed him. How did I get myself into these situations?
“So, what do we do if we search all over this town and don’t find her?” I had considered the possibility. It was always good to have a backup plan.
“I don’t think about that,” he said without looking over at me. “I always find my mission.” He walked with a military stride, his head held high and his shoulders back.
“Would you not call her a mission? She has a name, you know,” I retorted.
“We’ll find Jennifer,” he said, glancing over at me.
“That’s more like it,” I said.
Chapter Nineteen
How to Date a Demon, Rule #19
Your date isn’t evil, just up to no good.
We passed all the familiar spots in the French Quarter and I couldn’t help but notice some of Jennifer’s favorite places. Unfortunately, her favorite café and boutique were closed, so that ruled out those options. Maybe we should check the Victoria’s Secret at the mall. No, she only wanted to go there when I needed to be embarrassed about my granny panty choices.
Cole was quiet as we walked the street, which surprised me. I’d almost come to believe anytime he was being quiet was a bad thing. I glanced over at him. He looked straight ahead, seemingly lost in thought. He didn’t notice me watching him, or if he did, he didn’t let on to it.
I studied his features. He had a strong jaw and I noticed another little scar on the side of his cheek. Had he gotten that one from fighting a demon too? Or fighting a demon hunter? Maybe it was from a woman who’d finally gotten sick of his sharp tongue. Okay, taking the might-or-might-not-be-a-demon thing out of the equation, I guessed he wasn’t that bad, but he wasn’t good either. At that moment, I wondered what Jack was doing. Was he thinking of me? Wondering why I hadn’t shown up at the conference yet?
After a short distance, we’d made it to the bar. The façade was distinctly New Orleans and all that I loved about my hometown—cast-iron railings and quaint courtyards. I could do without the Mardi Gras parties when my werewolf relatives converged on my apartment’s balcony, but everyone had their dysfunctional family activities to deal with, I guessed.
A few people milled around the front door. Mostly tourists who looked somewhat lost. Unfortunately, I knew the feeling all too well. My whole life seemed to be one giant wrong turn. I scanned the faces for Jennifer, but no luck. She wasn’t in sight. I prayed I’d find her inside the bar.
Jazz music spilled out from th
e door when we entered. The bar was jammed between a restaurant on one side and a gift shop on the other that sold items unique to the French Quarter. Old New Orleans atmosphere dripped from the walls and ceiling surrounding us. The red walls reminded me of vampires and art covered most of the space.
Cole followed me into the dimly lit room. No one seemed to notice that we’d entered. That was a good thing. I wanted to keep a low profile. The fewer people who noticed us, the better we’d be. I made a mental note to ask the bartenders if they’d noticed anyone who fit Jennifer’s description. Something told me that they’d remember her if they saw her.
Cole leaned in close and asked, “Where would you like to sit? Is that corner over there okay? We can get a good view of the room from there.”
“Yeah, that’ll be fine,” I said.
My pulse thumped in rhythm to the music. Something about the place gave off a strange vibe and spiked my anxiety. Cole gestured toward the table, then placed his hand on the small of my back leading me through the bar. So he had some gentlemanly traits after all. What a surprise. We weaved through the maze of people to the corner. Tall tables with stools placed around them took up the space. A sign with the words Bon Vivant was to my left.
He pulled out the chair for me and I sat down. He took the seat beside me. I’d been hoping he wouldn’t have sat so near. Although if he said something out of place it would be easier for me to push him off the stool. The table to our left had a couple engaged in what appeared to be a deep conversation. The table to the right was empty.
“Would you like a drink?” Cole asked over the noise of the crowd.
“Do I want to sip on wine instead of looking for my friend?” I gave him an incredulous look.
“I meant like a glass of water or something. I wasn’t going to throw back a few beers or anything.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest.
I pointed at him. “Don’t you shake your head at me. You never know with you.”
“What does that mean? You don’t even know me.” He focused his attention on me.
“I know your type and that’s all I need to know.” I picked at the edge of the table, ignoring his stare.
