A Deal with Death
Page 27
Emily wasn’t the type to swoon, but something about Westley made her knees weak. “You really are a fantastic dancer.”
“It’s all part of my diabolical plan.”
“Your plan?”
He smiled. “To keep you here until midnight, when the masks come off, and the identity of the most beautiful woman in New Orleans is revealed.”
Her heart slammed into her throat. She wanted to know this man. More than his identity, she wanted to know him. But she couldn’t. Trish was right. She shouldn’t latch on to the first hot guy she met.
She needed to kiss him and walk away.
His phone vibrated in his pocket again, and he let out a disappointed grunt.
“You should answer that. It’s probably important if they’re calling again.” She released her hold on his shoulders, but he tightened his grip around her waist.
“You’re not getting away so easily.” He fished the phone out of his pocket. Checking the screen, he sighed and pressed the device to his ear. “This had better be important, Jason.”
He closed his eyes and listened. “You have got to be kidding me. Did you call Syd?” He stroked his fingers down her cheek and mouthed the word sorry. “How many over are we? Twenty-five? No, I’ll be there in fifteen… Yeah. On my way.”
He mashed the screen with his thumb to end the call and shoved the phone into his pocket. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her into a tight embrace and pressed his lips to her ear. “I have to go.”
She fought the shiver running down her spine. “I figured as much.”
“Can I see you again?”
She bit her lip to keep from saying yes. “Tonight, for me, was about learning to live again. To enjoy life, and I’ve enjoyed every second I’ve spent with you. But this is all I’m able to give right now.”
He pulled back, disappointment evident in his eyes. “How about this? I’ll give you my number, and if you ever decide you have a little more to give—and I’m not asking for much…just a little of your time—then you can call me.”
The temptation overwhelmed her. She couldn’t form an appropriate answer, so she did the only thing she could.
She crushed her mouth to his.
A deep groan rumbled in his throat as he parted his soft lips to let her in. He tasted sweet, like honey laced with warm whiskey, and when his tongue brushed against hers, fire shot through her veins. He tightened his arms around her, and she allowed herself to get lost in his embrace. They were the only two people in the world, and being in his arms was all that mattered. The kiss slowed to a gentle brush of the lips, and she had to get away before she gave in.
She took a step back and rested her hand on his cheek. “Thank you, Westley, for a lovely evening I will never forget.”
His gaze was heavy and filled with longing. “Can I at least know your name?”
“My name is…” She shouldn’t. The moment with Westley was ending, and sharing names would only quell the mystery. She stepped toward him and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
“Call me Buttercup.”
He chuckled and lowered his chest into a formal bow, his heated gaze never straying from her eyes. “As you wish.” He lingered for a moment as if hoping she’d change her mind.
“Goodbye, Westley.”
“Farewell, Buttercup.” He nodded and walked away.
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Acknowledgments
This book would not have been possible without the help of my friend James Corbyn. His Voodoo tour in New Orleans was the start of my research on the subject, and his guidance helped me understand the religion to the best of my ability. I hope I did it justice. Thanks, James.
I’d also like to thank my amazing friend and critique partner Kerri Keberly for reading every book in this series and helping me fill in the holes before sending it to my awesome editor, Victoria Miller. And Kaci Singer and my husband, Michel, for proofreading. These books wouldn’t be what they are without their expertise. Thank you.
Also by Carrie Pulkinen
Crescent City Wolf Pack Series
Werewolves Only
Beneath a Blue Moon
Bound by Blood
A Deal with Death
Crescent City Ghost Tours Series
Love & Ghosts
Spirit Chasers Series
To Catch a Spirit
To Stop a Shadow
To Free a Phantom
Stand Alone Books
The Rest of Forever
Reawakened
Bewitching the Vampire
Young Adult
Soul Catchers
About the Author
Carrie Pulkinen is a paranormal romance author who has always been fascinated with things that go bump in the night. Of course, when you grow up next door to a cemetery, the dead (and the undead) are hard to ignore. Pair that with her passion for writing and her love of a good happily-ever-after, and becoming a paranormal romance author seems like the only logical career choice.
Before she decided to turn her love of the written word into a career, Carrie spent the first part of her professional life as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher. She loves good chocolate and bad puns, and in her free time, she likes to read, drink wine, and travel with her family.
Connect with Carrie online:
www.CarriePulkinen.com