Page 1 of Tempting the Dhampir

Chapter one

Sadie

“I’m so happy to have an excuse to get all dolled up tonight,” I say excitedly to my sister as I wind a section of my long blonde hair around the curling iron.

The music blasting from my phone echoes my mood as I dance in my seat in front of my travel mirror propped on the table.

Cece stares out at the slice of sea visible from our balcony window but turns at my words. “I’ve got a good feeling about tonight,” she sighs dreamily, reflecting my sentiments.

“Oh yeah. Sunset. Cruise. Island. Party.” I punch each word out, my anticipation bubbling over into every syllable.

Cece glides toward the faded blue armchair next to me and gracefully lowers herself into the seat. She brings her long blonde hair forward over one shoulder and starts running her fingers through her natural waves.

“It still feels unreal being on vacation in the Caribbean, never mind being lucky enough to get invited along on a ladies’ night out on the water,” she says with a slight shake of her head, a gentle smile curving her rosy lips.

I reach forward and lower the volume so I can hear Cece’s dulcet tones better.

Nodding, I say, “Meeting Iris and Helena at the beach bar earlier this week was really cool. Them inviting us on their chartered cruise is mind-blowingly awesome.” Amazement coats my words as I target my curtain bangs next, wrapping some strands around my iron.

Iris and Helena were seated at the table next to ours at lunch, and we soon got to chatting, which led to joining tables and sharing life stories. We ended up hanging out together until closing time and exchanging contact details.

Cece’s hands pause midway in her hair. Her eyebrows draw together as she emphatically says, “Right? They’re so generous. I’m sorry for Helena’s heartbreak, but Iris organizing a breakup celebration is a new level of friendship right there.”

I finish the final section of my hair and carefully put the hot curling iron down.

Pivoting in my wooden chair to continue the conversation face-to-face, I arch an eyebrow at Cece. “I’d totally organize a special event for you too. But maybe not at their level of luxury, though.” I can’t quite meet Cece’s eyes as I admit, “A teacher’s salary can only stretch so far.”

I chuckle to hide my grimace, thinking about how long it would take me to save up for the type of yacht Iris chartered for tonight.

Sitting up straighter, Cece lays a comforting hand on my forearm and gently says, “I’d never expect you to. Besides, if it came to it, you know I’d much rather have a picnic out in nature with wine and cheese.”

I cover Cece’s hand with mine, the corners of my mouth turning up with appreciation for my big sis. “Too true. I’d organize the best picnic. All the wine, all the cheese.”

Cece’s laugh tinkles through the air. “I know you would. And I’d organize a big glitter fest for you, with loud music and lots of dancing.”

My giggles join hers, and I singsong, “Which is basically what tonight is.”

I close my eyes and squeal through pressed lips, my foot bouncing against the floor in excitement.

Cece’s eyes are bright as she sits back and crosses one leg over the other. “I’m looking forward to meeting the other women they invited. I wonder where everyone is from.”

“Me too. They said there’ll be about ten of us, right?” I ask, tilting my head as I think back to the conversations and how the night came to be.

Iris, Helena’s ride-or-die bestie, arranged a post-breakup trip for her to the Caribbean and, as the cherry on top, organized tonight as the main event. They invited some women they met throughout the week to join them and make it a proper celebration before heading back to Florida.

Cece nods, her eyes widening as she blows out a slow breath. “Yeah, ten total. That’s a lot of energy in one place.”

I reach out and squeeze her hand. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find a moment to recharge your social batteries. Maybe a couple of minutes of quietly staring at the sunset once we get to the beach will help.”

With soft eyes and a voice rich with gratitude, Cece says, “It definitely would. Thanks for understanding me so well. This is so your scene, you’re probably already planning your moves for a dance-off.”

My grin is wide as I answer, “My stomach has been a fluttery mess all day. There’s just something about tonight that has me feeling tingly all over. Now, let’s pick outfits.”

I grab Cece’s hand and lead her to the small closet stuffed with our vacation outfits. My short, bright dresses hang next to her long, muted ones, a clear distinction of our personalities. I move my hand along her flowy maxi dresses before settling on her favorite color and pulling out the lilac dress.

“This one,” I say confidently and hold it out to her.

“I don’t think this one screams fancy boat party. Do you think it’ll work?” Cece asks quietly, hand tentatively reaching out toward the beautiful dress with its small embroidered flowers along the bust.

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