Page 21 of The Kissing Challenge

Opening the door, I was surprised to find Captain standing there.

"Hey," I said in wonder. "Were we supposed to do something today?"

Captain threw me a smile. "I'm here to suck your blood," he said in what had to be the worst Transylvanian accent ever.

I laughed. "What was that?"

"Nothing," he said. "Just my semi-decent attempt at a vampire impression. You did say we would do it next time."

I was taken aback. "Yeah, but I didn't think you'd want me messing with your face again so soon. I haven't even released the alien video yet."

"Can't hurt to add more looks to your portfolio."

"That's true," I said, trying to figure out why he was really here. But did I honestly care? No, I decided. I was thrilled to see him, and if Captain wanted me to vamp him up, I was all for it. "Well okay, let's go to my room."

"Sounds good," he said.

A few minutes later, I had everything prepared, my tools, all of the colors I wanted to use and a ready and willing Captain in my makeup chair.

"This is such a cool surprise," I said. "I didn't think I'd see you."

"But you're glad, right? That I came?"

My brow scrunched. "I'm always happy to see you, Captain. You know that."

His shoulders seemed to relax, and it was only then that I realized how tense he'd been before.

"Is everything okay?" I asked hesitantly.

"Oh yeah, great."

"Your head feeling better?"

Cap nodded.

I waited a beat, but he didn't say more. Reaching for my phone which was already set up on a tripod, I hit the record button.

"Hey everyone! Whether you're a fan of paranormal or not, I think we can all agree that shifters and vampires are always in style. And today, our focus is on the undead. Hope you like it!"

As I was about to put the sponge to his skin, Cap grabbed my hand.

"Anne," he said then swallowed. "I wanted to say…"

"What?"

My heart started beating faster the longer he held my hand. Captain searched my eyes, and I don't know what he saw. But a second later, he grinned.

"If you make me look like Edward Cullen, I'll never forgive you," he finished.

I huffed a laugh. "No sparkle. Got it," I said.

"As long as we're clear."

"Crystal." I tilted my head. "I was thinking moreVampire Diariesanyway. Subtle, just bringing out your natural vamp. Or even like Eric fromTrue Blood."

"He's a badass," Cap said. "I'm good with that."

"Can I carry on then?"

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