Page 42 of Tempting the Dhampir

“I guess I’m going to say peonies. Don’t know much about flowers, but I’m now oddly invested in finding out what peonies look and smell like.”

She beams at me. “Favorite food?”

“Are you going to throw all my own questions back at me?”

“Maybe.” Sadie gives me a flirty smile, and I swear my eyes have hearts in them.

I let my eyes roam over her face, trying to memorize each feature and simultaneously figure out what it is about her that’s making me addicted to her smiles.

“Tomorrow you’re going to ask questions first, and then I’ll throw them right back at you. Be warned,” I tease.

“I’m ready for it. Now answer the question.”

“I’m going to be boring and also say steak.” I shrug unapologetically. “Looks like we’re two peas in a pod.”

“Music?” she asks slowly, stretching the word out like she’s nervous to hear my answer.

“I wish I had a really cool answer for you, but I usually just listen to podcasts.”

“Oh.” Her lips turn down at the corners. “I guess preferring podcasts is better than having atrocious taste in music. You’re not much of a dancer then, are you?”

“I’m not, but I think I’d be okay with watching you dance for me.” I wink at her and instantly scold my eye for doing it. Again.

Sadie shakes her head, but I don’t miss the faint smile she’s trying to cover when she scratches her nose. “I’ve got two more. I’ll keep this one easy, same as yours—favorite drink?”

“I do enjoy some top-shelf whiskey. I have a couple of brands at my place that I rotate depending on my mood.”

I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have Sadie there with me. To sit out on the balcony at sunset, enjoying a good whiskey while watching the lights turn on across Vegas. The image warms something inside me, like a cold-blooded lizard basking in the warm desert sun.

Unaware of how long-term thoughts of her have become, Sadie asks, “Your place? Where do you live?”

“Ah, the final question. I’ve got a place in The Ridges. I’d love to show it to you sometime.”

“I’d love to see it.” Her smile is soft, genuine, and it ignites something deep in my soul.

The rest of the conversation is easy and the mood comfortable. There is no more blatant flirting, yet I feel more drawn to her with every minute, every smile that passes between us. She’s smart as a whip, wonderfully kind, and incredibly funny.

She’s the complete package.

I’m already lamenting that this is temporary. I wonder what it would take for her to be enticed to stay. Surely she wouldn’t want to be saddled with a monster boyfriend who mostly works late hours. And to be honest, I don’t know what I’d do in Kentucky.

Once our meal is done, I place her hand back in the crook of my elbow and lead her out to the lobby. I want to introduce her to more of my staff and show her where Pierce’s office is.

Pierce is so important to the running of my everyday life and knows me well. If I’m not available, then I want Sadie to feel comfortable enough that she can contact him.

After knocking on his open door, I step inside, pulling Sadie in after me.

“Mr. Ülavere, Ms. Everly, good evening. How can I help you?” Pierce stands from behind his desk and inclines his head in a greeting.

“Hi, Pierce. I’m just showing Sadie around. I want her to know where your office is in case she needs something and is unable to reach me.”

“I thought we agreed that you’ll call me Sadie?” she playfully scolds him.

Pierce looks chastised, his hulking frame shrinking in on itself with a wince. Addressing Sadie, he says, “Sorry, Sadie. I’ll keep that in mind. I have already reported your stay to the staff you might come in contact with. Don’t be alarmed if you are greeted by name. But they’ll most probably call you Ms. Everly.” He winces again.

Sadie scrunches her nose up as she considers it. “You worry too much, Pierce. I just don’t want to cause any hassles while I’m here.”

His shoulders sag with relief as he extends his hand toward Sadie. “Please take my business card. You can call me if you need anything, even if I’m not on duty. ”

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