Filthy Rich Vampire Husbands (Filthy Rich 2)

He sighed. “I’m a work in progress.”

“Me too. But, come on, you’re right. Let’s go home.”

I walked into the house to find Carter pacing the floor like an excited ant. “Oh thank God, you’re back. I have news.”

Jayden shook his head. “Guy’s about to pop. If you’d been any longer I reckon he’d have floated up into the sky like a balloon.”

My eyes searched Carter’s face. “Have you heard back from your audition?”

“I got it!” He squealed. “I got the job! I’m going to be in ‘Madison’s World’ playing her new love interest. They’re saying if my part goes well, I could end up a regular as they are wanting her to settle down. I start tomorrow!” Moving closer, he picked me up and swung me around. “Filming is only forty minutes away, although sometimes it can go on into the night and if so there’s a trailer for me. It’s just perfect.”

I laughed in his arms. “Carter, I’m so happy for you. That’s amazing. Finally you are getting your big break as an actor.”

“And I’m not the only one with news. Flynn has been shortlisted for a prestigious photography exhibition under a pseudonym. He’s off to New York.” He placed me back on my feet and I swung around to look at Flynn, whose face was not happy despite the news.

“Yeah, thanks, Carter. Kinda would have liked to tell Serena myself.”

“Sorry, man. I’m buzzing.” I giggled at Carter. He was wired from the news.

I sat on the couch opposite Flynn. “Tell all.”

“So as you suggested, I entered a photography competition. It’s about architecture. I found a competition that had only a day left to enter and submitted under a different name. I found out today I’ve been shortlisted to the final ten. The winner is announced at The Diamond Gallery in New York City on Thursday.

“This Thursday? Wow, that’s quick.”

“I know. So I need to start making arrangements to travel over there. Even if I don’t win, I got to the final ten, Serena, without them knowing who I am. That in itself is reward enough.”

I squeezed his arm. “I said you were talented. Now will you believe me?”

“Oh my God, could life be any more perfect?” Carter almost sang. “I’m an actor, Flynn’s a photographer, Smith’s sober, Jayden is… well, Jayden, and you are a vampire. It’s time to marry you, Serena.”

I don’t know how my chin did not actually hit the floor, such was my shock.

“Err, Carter. That’s kinda jumping the gun a little. We’ve been together a couple months and I’ve been a vampire for a couple days. We need a little more time.”

“What do we need time for? We’re yours and you’re ours.”

“You make it sound like I’m some kind of pet cat.”

“Well you are our pussy.”

I sprang up off the sofa. “I suggest you calm yourself down, Carter, because I’m finding you a little offensive right now.”

“But I’m excited. Be our wife.”

“And have you discussed this with the others?” I looked at the surprised faces around me. At the strained expression on Flynn’s face; the hangdog expression on Jayden’s; and the set jaw of Smith’s.

“No. Well, we all feel the same. Don’t we?”

“This only works if we all discuss things, Carter. You’re barreling through us all like skittles at a bowling alley.” Flynn commented.

“But we want one woman, right? Serena? To be our wife?” Carter looked at Jayden.

“That’s what we hope for eventually, yes. Right now I’m just trying to figure out who I am, seeing as like you said, I’m Jayden. That’s the sum of me. You’re acting. Flynn’s doing photography, Smith’s finding his way in life, and I’m, well, who am I? I wouldn’t offer myself up as a marriage prospect right now. Not until I have something to bring to the table.”

“You bring a lot to the table. You’re kind and caring, Jayden.” I said.

“Yeah, but I want to be a husband, not a puppy. We’re not ready yet, Carter. Not ready at all.”