Page 33 of Pursued

I blinked. I hadn’t slept that late in years.

“What time does he usually get up?”

“I couldn’t say, miss. But if there’s something I can help you with, let me know.”

“No. I’m fine.” Just itchy to see Gabriel.

“Then if you’ll come with me?”

I followed him back to the foyer and through a door down to the lower level, where I found Lougenia bustling around the kitchen. Like the rest of the beach house, the kitchen was comfortable, almost casual. Somehow I’d figured all vampires lived in Gothic manors complete with heavy velvet curtains, antique furniture and flickering iron sconces. Black Oak Manor had been kind of like that.

But the kitchen and the adjoining dining room were clean, airy spaces with off-white cabinets, maple floors and sea-colored walls.

“There you are.” Lougenia gave me an easy smile. “You must be starving. Here.” She handed me a glass of orange juice. “I have brunch ready for you.”

She led the way into the light-filled dining room. My guard faded back into a shadowy corner. Maybe he was a vampire after all, although the windows had a bluish-green tint to protect sensitive skin.

“I wasn’t sure what you like.” Lougenia gestured at a large maple table heaped with enough food for a family of four.

My stomach growled. “I’m not picky.”

I sipped my orange juice and grinned at Lougenia. “Oh, that’s good. You must’ve squeezed it fresh.”

“Sure did,” she returned, pleased. She nodded at the nearest chair. “Sit yourself down, then. I’ll bring you another glass.”

“Thanks,” I said as I took my seat. “And may I have some coffee, please?”

“Coming right up.”

I ate some of almost everything: eggs, bacon, home fries, and a Belgian waffle topped with blueberries. I considered the pancakes but decided I’d had enough, although I couldn’t resist the fresh cantaloupe.

When I was finished, I carried my plate and silverware into the kitchen, but Lougenia snatched them out of my hands. “That’s my job,” she scolded.

I lifted my shoulders in apology. “I’m not used to having someone wait on me, and besides, I wanted to tell you how good everything was.”

A smile lit her broad face. “Tomorrow I’ll make my mama’s famous shrimp étouffée and grits.”

I grinned back. “Bring it on.”

Leaving the housekeeper to her work, I carried my coffee mug to the balcony outside the dining room. The wind tore at my hair and clothes, and far below, the surf threw itself against the rocks.

I was so used to being wound tight that being tense felt like my natural state. But now, I raised my face to the wind and the sun. I drew a deep breath, let it out.

My shoulders eased away from my ears.

Right here, right now, I was happy…at peace.

It wouldn’t last. It couldn’t last.

I could almost hear the seconds ticking by. Whatever Andre had planned, it would happen soon.

But for these few moments, I let myself enjoy it.

12

Gabriel

Ifound Mila on the balcony, looking like a wildflower in the bright clothes, her face lifted to the sun, her hair in a careless ponytail. Already, a few strands had escaped to whip around her head.

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