A Vampire for Christmas(42)

She danced her tongue across his and surprised herself that she didn’t feel the sharp prick of fang. He tasted wonderful. Not like blood, but rather, coffee and caramel and maybe a dash of cream. The idea of a vampire drinking coffee was silly, yet so mysteriously sexy, she clasped his head with both hands and deepened the fierce kiss. A sense of success giddied through her system. She’d done it; mastered her fear of being unable to take risks.

She’d experienced an excess of lackadaisical lovers of late. Pretty boys who merely wanted to be seen with her, but when it came to pleasing her? They hadn’t studied Woman 101. Daniel the vampire was no slacker. He knew his curriculum, and oh, but he knew how to kiss.

A giddy thrill swirled in her core, a reward for stepping up and taking a chance.

Hell, you taste incredible,” he murmured, and then pressed kisses along her jaw that alternated between nips with his front teeth and lush, licking strokes that curled her toes.

When he neared her neck, Olivia pulled back and pressed a palm to his iron-hard chest. Thundering heartbeats warned her not to get cocky. She hadn’t mastered this one, after all.

This could get hot and heavy, Daniel.”

I thought it already was. You willing to take it to the next level?”

I never sleep with strangers. That’s not my thing.”

So why’d you invite me up? You were the one who kissed me. If you’re a tease—”

Because I was curious, and…I want you,” the danger-seeker inside her confessed. “But in order for me to know if I can trust you—”

You can’t trust me.” He opened his mouth to reveal a fang.

Pretty. But still not scared.”

He was right; she was crazy if pin-sharp fangs did not frighten her. But that was what this little embrace was all about: risk and conquering the debilitating need for approval.

What I mean is, there’s a deeper kind of trust involved when a man wants to get busy with me. And seriously, I’m as much a monster as you are. It’s hard to explain. You have to see it to understand.”

That makes no sense whatsoever.”

Standing, she grabbed his hand, and led him toward the door. “Put your boots on, sexy. I’ve a gig tomorrow night at the Wollman Rink in Central Park. Stop by around 9:00 p.m. if you want to see me again, and get another kiss.”

He pressed his hand to the door frame over her shoulder, pinning her against the door. Olivia’s heartbeats rocketed to her throat. Did her rapid pulse attract the vampire?

Just a kiss?” he asked.

Oh, she hoped not. “The kiss will be a start.”

Considering, he nodded. Daniel shoved his feet into his boots, then swept a kiss onto her mouth before she even saw it coming. Glee sparkled in his freckled eyes at the stolen morsel. “You know, there’s nothing to stop me from creeping back into your place in the middle of the night now that you’ve invited me in.”

You won’t, if you are the man I think you are.”

Oh, sweetie, you are sadly mistaken. I’m a monster. And monsters don’t ask permission.”

Still.” She opened the door and shoved him outside into a brisk flutter of snowflakes. “If you keep the date, I’m all yours. Beyond kisses, I promise.”

CHAPTER TWO



WHAT KIND OF GIG took place at the Wollman ice rink? Was Olivia a figure skater? An athletic woman appealed to Daniel’s sensual cravings.

The area was packed with an audience that made him wonder if an Olympic gold medalist were skating. Teen girls jumped up and down and screamed and wielded banners that read We Olivia. Even the guys were getting into it as they waited for someone to take the stage.

The stage? It had been set up at the end of the ice rink and while some skaters glided and twirled across the span, it appeared the focus was not going to be on the ice.

What was all the fuss about?

Walking a wide circle around the crowd, Daniel got near to the backstage area and heard the loudspeaker introduce Olivia. Just Olivia. No last name. The crowd went wild, cheering and pumping their fists.

Lights flashed in Daniel’s face and swept around to focus on the woman who took center stage in a long red gown. Black fur rimmed her wrists and circled her neck, caressing her porcelain face. She began to sing a Christmas song.

A singer?” And a popular one at that, to judge from the cheers.

He leaned in next to a man who listened raptly. “Is this chick pretty famous?”

Dude, she’s going to be the next Celine Dion. Where have you been?”