Page 52 of Don’t Rush Me (Nora Jacobs 1)

My throat closes up at the promise. It’s still overwhelming to have someone I trust looking out for me.

“I’ll always protect you, too,” a smooth, soft voice says from behind me.

The hairs on my neck stand up, and I have to take a deep breath and smooth out my face before I turn to face Parker. My heart skips a beat when I see him. I can’t help it. He’s dressed in designer jeans that fit him like jeans should fit a man, and a nice button-down shirt the same color blue as his deep blue eyes. The sleeves are rolled up on his strong forearms. And he’s looking at me as if I’ve stolen all the air from his lungs.

“Hey,” I say. I cringe when the word comes out raspy.

He doesn’t speak right away. He’s still taking in the sight of me. “Nora,” he finally whispers, slowly shaking his head. “You look…”

Before he can find the right word, Terrance clears his throat. Parker blinks a couple times and flinches as he breaks from whatever spell he was under. Knowing that I was the cause of his trance, heat rushes to my cheeks. He clears his throat. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”

“It’s just business.” At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

Parker’s lips twitch, as if he can see right through my no-nonsense attitude. Considering the man can sense my attraction to him, he probably does. That only makes me more determined to keep things professional. “We have a lot to discuss, so let’s get a move on.”

His lips twitch again. “Anywhere in particular?”

“Nowhere underworld affiliated,” Terrance orders. He’s gone back to scowling at all the hovering men.

“How about Greektown?” I offer. “That’s not run by the underworld, is it?”

Parker laughs. “Nope. Just the Greek.”

“Great. I’m starving, and I love me some falafel.”

“Greektown it is.” Parker’s eyes sparkle with amusement. It only makes him look hotter.

Parker grins as if he knows why I’m suddenly scowling, and moves to place his hand on the small of my back.

“No touching!” Terrance snaps as I sidestep Parker’s hand. “And keep a damn eye on her.”

Parker drops his hand and gives Terrance a grave look. “I’ll keep her safe, Terrance. You have my word.”

“You’d better.”

“I will.”

The two share a look that I want to roll my eyes at. I’m not some fragile doll. But I’m not ungrateful to have people looking out for me while I’m wearing a dress, so I resist the urge.

Parker, keeping to the no-touching rule, waves his hand, signaling for me to lead the way. We head out the front door, and I have no doubt the Mercedes Coupe waiting at the valet is his. He hurries forward and opens the passenger door for me, and now it really feels like I’m on a date. For the first time in my life, I’m conflicted by that feeling.

I shouldn’t want to date Parker. In my head, I know he’s a vampire. He’s one of the same disgusting, murderous things that killed my mother. He drinksblood. But the more I get to know him, the harder it is to see the vampire, and all that’s left is the man.

I’ve never been interested in guys before. Normally when one gets too close, all I feel is fear. When Parker slides into the car and his heady cologne fills the air, fear is not the feeling that overtakes me. I don’t understand why he has this effect on me, and I don’t like it. It makes me nervous.

“You okay?” Parker asks as he pulls away from the club.

“Fine.” I realize I’m completely stiff and that my answer came out clipped, but I can’t seem to relax.

I don’t say anything else until we reach the restaurant Parker insists is the best in Greektown. It’s too nice for my taste and has a romantic atmosphere, but since it smells heavenly, I don’t argue.

We’re escorted to a small, candlelit table for two. Parker pulls out my chair for me, and now I know I’m on a date. How the hell did he trick me? What have I gotten myself into?

I startle when I hear my name called. Parker and the guy who escorted us to our table are both looking at me. “Wine?” Parker asks again.

“I don’t drink.”

I cringe inwardly for sounding so bitchy. But I’m on a date with a vampire, and I’m so nervous I’m about to start shaking.

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