Page 17 of Her Vampire Hero

Jenny lost it completely at that, sliding down the side of the car as she shook with laughter. Rook joined her on the ground, his own laughter mixing with hers in the quiet night air.

As their mirth subsided, Jenny was acutely aware of how close they were sitting. Their shoulders were nearly touching, and she could feel her body reacting to his nearness. She wanted him to sling an arm around her shoulders.

"Your turn again," Rook said softly, his eyes twinkling in the low light. "Surely you have some dating disasters of your own to share?"

Jenny groaned, leaning her head back against the car. "Oh, do I ever. But nothing quite as epic as your speed dating fiasco."

"I'm all ears," Rook encouraged, turning slightly to face her.

Jenny sighed, a rueful smile playing on her lips. "I was fresh out of trade school, full of optimism and motor oil. I meet this guy at a car show—tall, dark, handsome, knows his way around an engine. Dream boat, right?"

Rook nodded, his expression one of exaggerated investment in the story.

"So, we go on a date. Dinner, movie, the works. It's going great. Then, as he's driving me home, his car starts making this awful noise. Being the helpful gal I am, I offer to take a look."

"Let me guess," Rook interjected, "You fixed it?"

Jenny pointed at him. "Bingo. Spent two hours on the side of the road, in heels and a little black dress, fixing his timing belt. And you know what he did?"

Rook winced. "I'm afraid to ask."

"He dropped me off at home, thanked me for fixing his car, and then told all his friends I was a lesbian."

Rook's jaw dropped. "You're joking."

Jenny shook her head solemnly. "I wish I was. Needless to say, there was no second date. And I learned a valuable lesson about not mixing business with pleasure."

"What an utter cad," Rook said, his voice filled with genuine indignation. "Please tell me you at least slashed his tires or something equally vindictive."

Jenny laughed. "Nah, I'm not that petty. But I may have left a few choice reviews on some local mechanic forums. Let's just say he had a hard time finding someone to work on his car after that."

Rook grinned, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

"Wise decision," Jenny teased, nudging him with her shoulder.

As their laughter faded, a comfortable silence fell between them. Jenny studied Rook's profile, admiring the strong line of his jaw and the way the streetlight caught the angles of his face.

"What?" Rook asked softly, catching her staring.

Jenny felt a blush creep up her neck. "Nothing, just thinking."

"Dangerous pastime," he quipped, turning to face her fully.

"I know," she said, feeling a connection click into place. There was something in Rook's gaze that made her pulse quicken.

Almost unconsciously, they had shifted closer to each other. Jenny could count every eyelash framing Rook's dark eyes, couldsee the faint freckles dusting his nose that she'd never noticed before.

"Jenny," Rook murmured, his voice low and husky. "I..."

Whatever he was about to say was lost as Jenny closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his in a sudden, impulsive kiss.

With a low growl that sent shivers down Jenny's spine, he responded, his lips moving against hers with a passion that took her breath away.

Jenny's hands found their way to Rook's hair, tangling in the soft strands as she deepened the kiss. Rook's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer until she was practically in his lap.

The world fell away, narrowing down to the points where their bodies connected. Jenny's skin felt electric, every nerve ending alight with sensation. Rook's tongue teased at the seam of her lips, and she opened for him eagerly, moaning softly as the kiss intensified.

Rook's hands roamed her back, tracing patterns that left trails of fire in their wake. Jenny arched into him, desperate for more contact. She nipped at his bottom lip, eliciting a groan from Rook that vibrated through her entire body.

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