Page 45 of Vampires and Violas

“Maybe,” I say, honestly unsure how I feel about all that. “Let’s go pick out a gift bag.”

I walkthrough the front door with Noah’s gift, ready for the party. The house is quiet, but I know he and Cassian are both here because their vehicles are in the front.

I find them in the dining room, staring at a laptop, with various printouts and pads of paper scattered on the table.

“This doesn’t look like leaving work for Monday,” I say, surveying the mess.

Both engrossed, the vampires turn like they didn’t hear me come in.

Noah stands, stretching his neck—making me think he’s probably been at this most of the day. “Did you have fun with Olivia?”

“I did. What time do we leave for your parents’ house?”

“In about thirty minutes.”

“How formal are these things?” I look down at my shorts. “Should I change?”

“No, you’re fine. We’re all pretty casual.”

I turn my attention to the mess of paperwork. “What was so important you decided to work on your birthday?”

“I called the woman who gave you the contact card.”

“What did she want?”

“She said her boss would like to meet with me. She was hoping to set up a time.”

“Where does her boss want to meet?”

“Somewhere private.”

I don’t like that idea.

“That sounds like a good way to get yourself staked,” I point out. “Do you think her boss is Cassian’s ex-girlfriend?”

“It’s possible,” Noah says. “There’s no way to know.”

“Are you going to meet her?” I ask Noah, growing nervous.

A determined look crosses his face. “I am.”

Great.

“When?” I ask.

“She said she’d contact me with a time and place.”

I really don’t like the sound of this, but Noah’s been a hunter for a long time. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.

Cassian stands, shutting the laptop. “I should get going. I’m supposed to meet Olivia soon.”

I catch his arm as he passes me. “Be good tonight.”

“You too.” He lifts his eyebrows like we’re heading somewhere far more romantic than dinner with Noah’s parents. “Happy birthday, Noah.”

“We might think about rearranging my office sometime,” I say after Cassian leaves. “I bet we could get another desk up there for you.”

Noah smiles as he straightens the papers. “Are you saying you’d like your dining room table back?”

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