Page 44 of Twilight Longings

When shopping lost its appeal, she decided to go to the movies, thinking it was better than wandering around the city or going back to her lonely hotel room.

She charged her ticket, a small bag of popcorn, and a Coke on her new credit card and made her way into the theater. Being late afternoon in the middle of the week, most of the seats were empty.

Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Saintcrow sitting in an aisle seat about halfway down the carpeted walkway. Was he stalking her? But that was impossible. He had been there first.

Forcing a smile, she said, “Well, fancy meeting you here.”

“A nice surprise on my part,” he replied. “I know you wanted to be alone, so don’t feel obligated to sit with me if you’d rather not.”

“I never really liked going to the movies alone,” she said. “At least I don’t think I did.”

“Would you rather sit in the middle?” he asked, as he stood up.

At her nod, he moved to the middle of the row, waited for her to sit down before he did.

“Would you like some popcorn?” Kadie asked.

“No, thanks. I wouldn’t have figured you for someone who liked scary movies.”

Kadie shrugged. “I don’t think I do, but it was the only one starting at this time.”

She was glad when the lights went down and the trailers came on. It was decidedly uncomfortable, being with someone you were supposed to know but couldn’t remember.

It was indeed a scary movie, all about a vampire, a werewolf, and a young man all fighting over the same woman. During one particularly bloody scene, she let out a gasp, dropped her popcorn and covered her face with her hands.

Leaning toward her, Saintcrow whispered, “Do you want to leave?”

When she nodded, he stood and followed her out of the theater.

“I feel so silly,” Kadie said. “I know it’s just make-believe and that vampires and werewolves don’t really exist but …” She shrugged, obviously embarrassed by her reaction to something that was only special effects and make-up.

“Today’s technology makes it seem all too real,” Saintcrow said. “In the old days, you could laugh at the monsters because they were obviously fake. But not anymore.”

Kadie smiled at him, grateful for his understanding.

“Would you like to have a drink?” he asked. “There’s a nice bar in the hotel.”

“I think I’d like that.”

They strolled down the street, side-by-side. Kadie felt a little thrill of excitement when his hand brushed hers. Maybe theyhadbeen friends, she thought, as Saintcrow opened the door to the hotel lobby and followed her inside.

Considering how kind he’d been, how generous, she was beginning to think they might have been more than just friends.

Saintcrow proved to be good company. They danced several times. She had been nervous the first time he took her in his arms but they moved together as if they had done it for years. He told her about a town he owned in Wyoming. Morgan Creek.

“I never knew anyone whoowneda whole town,” Kadie said, mightily impressed. Maybe he really was a millionaire.

“It used to be a ghost town,” he said. “We fixed it up, modernized the hotel and the shops, added a campground. It’s closed right now, but I hope to open it again soon.”

Her curiosity piqued, Kadie said, “I’d love to see it.”

“I’d love to take you there,” Saintcrow replied. And he fully intended to, when it was safe, in hopes that it might jar her memory.

Saintcrow bid Kadie good night in front of the elevator at ten-thirty.

“Thank you for this evening,” she said. “I had a wonderful time. I just hope I don’t have nightmares about vampires and werewolves tearing each other to shreds.”

“You won’t,” he assured her. “Sweet dreams, Kadie.”

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