“And you’re willing to die for her?”
“For her, with her, whatever.”
In spite of himself, Roshan found himself admiring the young vampire’s grit. “You’ll bring her nothing but heartache.”
“Shouldn’t that be her decision?”
“If you hurt her…”
Vince held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I know, you’ll destroy me.”
“Without a qualm,” Roshan said, though, if it came down to that, he wondered if he would emerge the victor. Though Cordova was young in the life, he exuded the power and arrogance of a much older vampire. Roshan held the younger man’s gaze for stretched seconds and then, with a sigh of resignation, said, “Shall we go in?”
Cara was pacing the entry hall when her father entered the house. She felt relieved to see that her father hadn’t scared Vince away. She couldn’t keep her eyes off Vince as he walked toward her. He looked as handsome as sin in a pair of Levi’s, a black T-shirt, and a dark sports jacket.
“We were about to play Canasta, Mr. Cordova,” Brenna remarked. “Would you care to join us?”
“Sure. And it’s Vince.”
“Brenna,” she said, smiling.
The atmosphere at the table was, to say the least, strained. At least it was between Cara’s father and Vince. The tension was so thick between them, it was almost tangible. Cara had expected her father to be suspicious of any man she brought home, but this went way beyond that.
After a few hands, she asked Vince if he wanted a coke. When he declined, her father suggested a little red wine.
“Thanks,” Vince said, “that sounds good.”
“I’ll have some, too,” Brenna said with a smile. She turned to Vince. “So, tell us about yourself, won’t you?”
“There’s not much to tell,” he replied good-naturedly.
“Have you been here long?”
“No.”
“Where are you from originally?”
“Georgia.”
“Ah, a southern boy,” Brenna said, laughing softly.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Do you come from a large family?”
“I’ve got three brothers and a sister and about a dozen nieces and nephews.”
“And a cat,” Cara added.
Vince grinned at her. “And a cat.”
“Your family sounds wonderful. I would have liked to have a large family,” Brenna said wistfully. “But it never happened.” She smiled at Cara. “I’m hoping for lots of grandchildren.”
“Mom!”
“Cara tells me you’re a mechanic,” Roshan said, returning to the table with four glasses and a bottle of wine.
“That’s right. You got a car that needs fixin’?”
“Not at the moment. How are things going?” After opening the bottle, Roshan filled a glass and handed it to Brenna.
“I’m doing all right,” Vince said with a shrug.
“Are we going to play cards, or are you two going to give Vince the third degree all night?” Cara asked.
“You can hardly blame us for being curious,” Brenna said. “After all, this is the first young man who’s come calling.”
“Mom!”
“Oh, I’m sorry, dear, was that a secret?”
Vince tried not to laugh, but he couldn’t help it. The look of horror on Cara’s face was priceless. He couldn’t blame her parents for being curious about him. After all, he was dating their only daughter, and he was a vampire. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing in their eyes or not.
Roshan filled the other three wineglasses and resumed his seat.
Cara simply sat there, mortified by her mother’s reference to grandchildren. What must Vince be thinking, and why had she ever thought having friends over would be a good idea?
At midnight, Vince took his leave.
Cara walked him to the door, then followed him outside. “I’m sorry about that,” she said.
“Nothing to be sorry for. They’re just looking out for you.”
“I guess so.”
Vince slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “I do think I deserve a reward, though.”
“Do you?”
“Yes, ma’am. I was on my very best behavior all night long. I think at the very least I deserve a good-night kiss.”
She swayed toward him. “Do you?” She was smiling now. She had never openly flirted with a man before, let alone one that was as handsome and sexy as Vince. It was a heady experience.
“Uh-huh. Do I need to ask daddy’s permission?”
“No, silly, just kiss me.”
Grinning, he lowered his head and claimed her lips with his. She tasted of sunshine and honey and warm summer days that were forever lost to him. She was love’s first kiss and a baby’s first cry, spring’s first flower and presents on Christmas morning. He drew her closer, wanting to lose himself in her sweetness, to feel the heat of her skin against his own, to explore all the subtle curves and valleys of her body.
But this was not the time, and definitely not the place. Not with her father on the other side of the door.
Vince kissed her again, long and deep, savoring the taste of the wine on her lips before he moved away. “I’d better go. Can I see you tomorrow night?”
She started to say yes, and then remembered that Anton was coming to call. “I’m sorry, I’ve got a…a date.”
“Ah.”
“I’m sorry, I made it before we…a while ago.”
“It’s all right.” He gave her a last, quick kiss. “I’ll see you soon.”
Chapter 11
Brenna sat in the window seat in the bedroom, brushing out her hair, her brow furrowed. “I didn’t know there was another vampire in the city.” She looked up at her husband. “You knew, didn’t you? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“There was nothing to tell. I sensed his presence once before.” He didn’t tell her he had sensed it here, in the house, in their daughter’s bedroom.
“Do you think he means her harm?”
“No, I think he loves her.”
“And she loves him,” Brenna said. “You can tell that just by looking at her. Do you think she knows what he is?”
“No, I’m sure she doesn’t.”
“Maybe you should tell her, before things go too far. I don’t want her to be hurt.”