Page 22 of Tempting the Dhampir

I snap my head around at the sound of that voice. Expecting him to be staring at the sea, I’m caught off guard to see Everett’s attention fixed on me.

It should be illegal to look as good as he does so early in the morning. He’s dressed in all black, the epitome of elegance with his linen shirt tucked into his tailored wool silk pants. His dark hair flops artfully onto his forehead while a hint of stubble frames his jaw.

“Morning.” It sounds more like a question than a greeting, but he doesn’t look bothered by my lack of eloquence, rather amused.

“Incredible view, isn’t it?” Again, he’s staring directly at me and not even attempting to hide his flirting.

He looks so confident, leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, and one leg crossed over the other at the ankle. The picture of arrogance. But what a delicious picture he makes.

I slept surprisingly well last night, so if he wants to play this game at the crack of dawn, I can play too.

“A downright feast for the eyes. Wish my other senses could also have some… fun.” I rake my eyes up and down his body.

He stands up a bit straighter, eyes sparking. “What kind of fun do you have in mind?”

I lean back in my chair and pretend to think about it, taking my time to stare at him while I part my mouth and slowly run my tongue along my teeth.

“Oh, my goodness. Not to interrupt whatever is going on here, but I think it would be best if I excuse myself right now. Morning, Everett. Dede.” Cece makes a run for the bathroom, the lock clicking into place once she’s inside.

“I was just hinting at breakfast,” I say innocently, forming my lips into a pout. Looking up at him, I feel my smile pulling my lips into something more mischievous and add, “My sense of taste could use some… satisfaction. Think you can satisfy that need?”

I feel like I’m playing with fire here, and it is so much fun watching all the different emotions flit across his face as he processes my words.

“Oh, sparkles. I can leave you very satisfied,” he purrs. “Breakfast first, though.”

He zooms over to me and holds out his right hand. I shrug off the throw blanket and place my left hand in his, nearly sighing at his touch, calmness blooming over the rest of my skin and settling in my chest. Too late, I notice the devilry spark in his eyes. He pulls me up—clearly showing off that extra strength of his—and I fly forward, losing my balance. In any other circumstance I might have thought I’d end up sprawled on the ground, but I also know this was by design, so I let go—and trust him to catch me.

He does.

I’m plastered to his body as he wraps his free arm around me, splaying his left hand across my lower back. My own free hand is pressed against his firm chest.

For a moment, neither of us moves. We just take each other in, our breathing in sync.

Feeling overwhelmed by my visceral reaction to him, I push back a little. “Is there coffee with this breakfast?”

The corner of Everett’s mouth tips up and he bands his arms a little tighter around me, then zooms us into the room and stops close to the door. I press my lips together to keep the squeal from escaping, not willing to give him a strong reaction.

He reluctantly lets me go, trailing his fingers along my waist as he steps back. “Anything you want, sparkles.” He actually sounds sincere right then. “Head up to the dining room when you’re ready. It’s in the main building, on the other side of the great room we were in last night. I can hear most of the other women are already up and about, but maybe let them know there’s food and coffee available.”

“Sure, I’ll go around and tell them to head up.” I give him a small grin.

“By the way, you look wonderfully tantalizing in nothing but my clothes,” he purrs, hungry gaze eating me up.

In a blink, he’s gone, the door snicking shut quietly behind him.

My feet are rooted to the spot, and I stare at the closed door. Behind me, I hear Cece exit the bathroom.

“Dede, you’re going to have to do something about all that chemistry. He’s not my type, but I swear even I was about to combust back there.” She fans her face dramatically and turns to the mirror to start finger combing her freshly washed hair.

“Right?! His banter is next level. Add that to his pretty green eyes, the thick brown hair, the strong jaw… Such an enticing package.” I put the back of my hand to my forehead and fake a swoon. “Not to mention his body. He looks like he should be posing on the cover of Vanity Fair.”

I’d for sure buy a copy. Or two.

“Do you think he has? What’s his job? Do dhampirs have jobs?”

“He said something about a hotel last night, but I’m not sure what he does. Let me grab a quick shower too, and then we can gather up the girls for coffee and breakfast in the dining room.” I pause, realization dawning painfully. “Cece. I’m not wearing any makeup. That’s something I usually save for a third date. I look so different from last night without my winged eyes or my lips painted.” I’m slowly freaking out.

“I can assure you, he more than appreciated your face this morning. He was definitely interested last night, but I think even more so this morning. I can only imagine the two of you dialed things up a notch after I excused myself. Am I correct?” Cece’s chin dips and her brows raise.

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