Page 82 of Twilight Longings

“Naturally,” Saintcrow said dryly.

“So, I guess we’ll just have to wait until you’re human again and see if anything happens.”

He grunted softly. He had been a vampire almost a thousand years. How likely was it that any kind of enchantment could make him human again? But, human or not, he had to face reality. One way or another, it looked like there would be a baby in their future.

Chapter Forty-Four

Tuesday started out like any other day. Kadie slept late. When she woke, she kissed Saintcrow on the cheek, then slipped out of bed and went upstairs to make breakfast. Even though he could be awake when the sun was up, he preferred to rise later in the day. She wasn’t sure why and when she’d asked him, he had simply reminded her that he was a vampire and resting during the day was natural, even though it was no longer necessary.

She didn’t really mind. It was kind of nice to have a few hours to herself. She missed working at the hotel, but Saintcrow had told her to stay close to home since Eleni was hanging around.

Kadie grimaced. Why didn’t Eleni just leave Saintcrow alone? It was obvious he didn’t want her. Didn’t the woman have any pride? Why would she want to seduce a man who obviously wasn’t interested? Especially a woman as beautiful as Eleni. She could have any other man she wanted, whether they were willing or not. Maybe Rylan’s refusal wounded her pride. Or maybe Eleni just wanted Saintcrow because he didn’t want her. Some women were like that.

After a leisurely breakfast, Kadie wandered through the house, thinking she would like to repaint the living room and maybe the kitchen. And maybe whatever room they decided to use for a nursery, once they found out if the baby was aboy or a girl. Just thinking about it made her smile as she imagined what it would be like to have a baby in the house. And then she frowned, thinking she had a lot to learn. She didn’t have much experience with children, other than Jenny. But she could learn, she thought, as she skipped down the stairs. How hard could it be?

Kadie was trying to decide what to have for lunch when Saintcrow sauntered into the kitchen. “I know how you hate to cook,” he said, nuzzling her neck. “Get dressed and I’ll take you out for a late lunch.”

“It’ll be nice when you’re human again and we can eat together,” she said, a smile in her voice. “What do you think you’ll try first?”

“I don’t know. I never thought about it.”

“Well, think about it.”

He ran his tongue along the side of her neck. “Maybe a good steak. Blood rare.”

“I should know better than to try to get a straight answer out of you, Rylan Saintcrow.”

He turned her to face him. “Seriously, I don’t know. Probably something light, in case it doesn’t stay down.”

“I didn’t have any trouble.”

“You weren’t a vampire as long as I’ve been,” he reminded her. “I’ve got almost a thousand years on you.”

Sometimes she forgot just how old he was. She couldn’t help wondering if he ever got tired of living so long.

“Not since you came into my life,” he said, and kissed her. He might have carried her off to bed right then if her stomach hadn’t growled loudly. “Go get dressed,” he muttered, giving her fanny a loving swat.

Laughing, she hurried downstairs.

Kadie was in the mood for Kung Pao chicken and stir-fry noodles, so Saintcrow transported the two of them to Cheyenne where she could get a full course dinner instead of just takeout. She ordered all her favorites, thinking again how nice it would be when she and Rylan could sit down and share a meal together.

Her order had just arrived when Eleni strolled up to their table. “Mind if I join you?” she asked.

“What do you think?” Saintcrow replied brusquely.

“I think you need to work on your manners.” She pulled out the chair next to Saintcrow’s and sat down. “It’s customary for a gentleman to hold a lady’s chair for her.”

“When I see a lady, I’ll hold it.”

“I’m tired of waiting,” Eleni said impatiently. “I’ve rented a house in Casper. You will fulfil our bargain tonight or your woman dies tomorrow.”

“Fine. I’ll meet you there at midnight. Now, get the hell out of here.”

“Don’t be late,” she warned. “Your whore will pay for it if you are.”

“Whore!” Kadie exclaimed. “You’re the one whoring after a man who isn’t yours and doesn’t want you!”

Green fire sparked in Eleni’s eyes as she glowered at Kadie, her lips pulled back just enough to reveal her fangs.

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