Page 62 of Tempting the Dhampir

I thank the fates that we’ve crossed the physical boundaries between us because I can’t wait to run my hands over the soft skin of her back. Maybe sneak my hand around under the front and toy with her nipples, and—

No. I’m going to focus.

Car. Date. House. This is the mantra I’ll be repeating in my head all day.

“Sparkles, do you know how tempting you look? I’m not going to share the dirty thoughts I had just now because we’d never leave the room if I start thinking about them again. And I’m focused on wooing you today.”

I grab the box I had delivered earlier and place it under my arm. With my other hand, I reach for Sadie’s, lifting it to my mouth and placing a chivalrous kiss to her knuckles.

“Ms. Everly, your car awaits.” I try my best impression of an English gentleman.

“Why, Mr. Ülavere, I’m charmed.” She plays along, but her accent comes out more Southern than English.

I steer us toward the elevator with anticipation for the day biting at my heels.

When we get into the elevator, I draw her in front of me, tucking her back to my front and wrapping my free arm across her shoulders. She fits against me like the fates designed our bodies for each other.

Sadie leans her head back against my shoulder and holds on to my arm with both hands, snuggling closer as the elevator whirrs with its descent.

When we reach the bottom, I almost don’t want to get out. But then I remember my mantra. I grab her hand and lead her to my car that’s waiting for us.

With a nod to Pierce, I pass him the box and open Sadie’s door for her. After she lowers herself into the seat, I lean over to buckle her in.

Sadie chuckles. “You know I can do that myself, right?”

“Just because you can do it doesn’t mean you have to do it. Besides, I like taking care of you.”

I give her a quick kiss, grab the box again, and pop it in the trunk. When I get into the driver’s seat, Sadie eyes me suspiciously.

“What’s with the box?”

“What box?” I ask, feigning ignorance.

“Don’t play coy with me, dhampir.” Sadie’s so cute, narrowing her eyes and pointing a playfully accusing finger at me.

“You’ll find out soon.” I smile, imagining Sadie’s reaction when she sees what’s inside. I put a lot of thought into the gift and how I want to present it to her.

As we drive through the city, I point out various landmarks and places that might be of interest to her. My hand rests comfortably on Sadie’s thigh the entire way, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the back of my hand.

I don’t know why I’m nervous, but my palms get clammy and my heartbeat becomes a solid thump, thump, thump in my chest the closer we get.

After parking in front of the house, I run around to get her door, grateful that she’s getting used to this habit.

She gives me her hand distractedly, her eyes taking in every detail of the monolithic structure as I grab the box from the trunk.

I try to see my home from her perspective.

The two-story modern concrete structure looks slightly masculine with its clean lines and sharp corners. Its many windows allow light to flood the whole house, but the black-and-white color scheme makes it look cold against the warm desert hues.

“Let’s go inside.”

I tug her along and through the front door.

“That’s the swimming pool, patio, outdoor dining”—I point to the left—“one bathroom and my office that way”—I point to the right—“kitchen, formal dining room, and living room straight ahead.”

“Wow. You’re… This is… I’m… Wow.” She stumbles through her words, eyes blinking furiously as they jump around.

“Sorry if this is too much or not what you expected. Can I show you upstairs?”

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