Page 47 of Blood Ties
“She’s still asleep, Damien. Is there something I could help you with instead?”
“Actually there is. In four months time I want to have a ball in which I bring in humans along with vampires. You are a vampire yet are a powerful figure in the human world. To have you by my side at this event would be most promising and as my future son in law I would consider it a huge favor.”
“And where does Gaby fit in?”
“I wish for her to plan the event. I know she recently left her employment. I also know that neither of you ishurting for money,” I almost giggled at how ridiculous he sound saying those three words. “But she enjoys planning. Please let her know and of course price isn’t an object.”
“I will. You have a good day Damien.”
Once the call was disconnected, I rolled over to face Grayson.
“Were you awake for all that?”
I nodded. “The ringing woke me.”
“I’m sorry, my love. I hoped answering it would allow you to get a little more sleep. After all I was the reason that you’re so tired this morning.”
I blushed remembering our extensive love making session last night, but his heart beat caught my attention. It was slightly rapid. He was anxious about something, but I didn’t know what.
“I gotta go. Call your dad back.” He leaned down and kissed me chastely on the top of my head before he was gone.
A few days later, I was leaving my father’s nest after a meeting. I had decided taking the job was a way to form some semblance of a relationship with him. I was on the phone with Grayson as I rode the elevator down.
“It went well. I have an idea as to what he’s looking for. Luxury meets decadence.”
“That’s wonderful Gaby. What are you up to now?”
“Nothing. I think I’m going to call and try to have lunch with Shawn before I head home.”
“So you’ll be there before me?”
“Hopefully, but you know how Shawn and I are when we get to talking.”
“So don’t expect you for dinner then?” He joked.
“I’ll try, but I make no promises,” I laughed.
After we hung up, I looked up in time to see Sebastian walking through the door. His leather jacket hung open framing his body. His blonde hair looked slightly tousled, but in a way that looked deliberate. My steps faltered, but I quickly recovered before he could notice. I had a sudden urge to jump behind something to keep myself hidden, but quickly dismissed that idea, not by how childish it would appear, simply because there was nowhere to hide in the open room.
“Gaby?” Sebastian’s gaze locked on me.
“Sebastian,” I offered with a nod. I hoped a simple hello would suffice to get me past him, but as he slowed to a halt in front of me, I knew that hope was lost.
“It’s good to see you. Damien go over his party ideas with you?” His attempt at small talk felt awkward and forced, which was strange. When we spoke the other night out on the balcony it seemed easy, almost natural.
“He did.” I didn’t know what else to say. We stood there in silence for a moment. I saw Sebastian’s eyes catch a glance of something over my shoulder. His face morphed as he glared at it, then his face returned to normal as his gaze settled back to me. I quickly checked my phone for the time, hoping to hurry him along. It didn’t have the desired reaction.
“Am I keeping you from something?”
I knew I couldn’t lie to him. He may not be a vampire, but his senses were just as heightened. “No, I was going to try and catch lunch.”
“Oh, I was just going to do the same. Do you mind if I join you?”
“Um…” He caught me off guard. I expected him to let me be on my way, not invite himself along. I didn’t think Grayson would be happy with me spending time with Sebastian, but if I didn’t, wouldn’t that be confirming his insecurities had precedents? I didn’t know the right answer to the question and luckily Sebastian didn’t make me come up with one.
“I know this great deli that makes the largest sandwiches you have ever seen.” He led me out the door through the busy streets of Manhattan.
Once we were away from The Angelo Tower, the conversation flowed between us like we were long lost friends. We talked for so long that we lost track of time. It wasn’t until the deli was closing that it became apparent how much time had passed.
