“It’s that obvious?”
“Nah. You’re fine.”
Ice clanked into the glass.
“The guy over there has been checking you out.”
Bewildered, I spun around on the stool. “Who?”
Then I remembered that I was not supposed to make eye contact if I didn’t want to hook up with anyone, but it was too late.
Pale golden eyes locked on mine, like jewels shining from under thick dark eyebrows with deep lines between them. He had the most perfect cheekbones I’d ever seen. At first, he was frowning, which made me feel strangely helpless even though he sat across the room from me. Then his lips curved with an ageless, sardonic smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and suddenly, my stomach plunged.
Evolution, boy. You’re programmed to find him attractive.
Breathless, I turned back to the bartender, gazing at him as if he could save me. From what, I had no idea.
“I’m not here as dinner. I just came with a friend.”
The bartender shrugged. “He’s coming over.”
“Shit.”
“Chill, my dude. You say no, and he’ll leave you be.”
Okay. That’s easy. Just say no.
“Hello.” A deep voice with velvety undertones.
The bartender set my drink down, and before I could do anything, the man next to me flashed his phone.
“That’s on me.”
The bartender raised his eyebrows at me. I said nothing, too stunned to protest.
The stranger paid for my drink and settled on Sheri’s stool. I fixed my gaze on the shelves with bottles behind the bar. My heart was fluttering around my ribcage like a hummingbird.
“My name’s Russel. Can I have yours?”
“Eddie,” I piped up.
“Nice to meet you, Eddie.”
In my peripheral vision, I noticed the offered hand. It would be rude not to accept a handshake.
I glanced at the vampire again, and the room seemed to grow quiet around us.
I couldn’t look away. His eyes were changing color, gleaming like liquid metal. His hand wrapped around mine, broad and surprisingly warm.
Russel had a neat, short beard and a thoughtful forehead with just enough lines to make him look mature and interesting. I’d always liked older men—and if I could ever afford a therapist again, they’d have a field day with that. But of course this guy didn’t age the same way a human would. There was a sprinkle of salt at his temples, yet his skin was impeccable and his lips smooth. Broad-shouldered but lean, he looked powerful and agile, with a sort of quiet strength in his posture. His cologne wafted toward me, and he smelled like a forest in the spring.
He stroked his thumb over my wrist, and I realized I was still staring at him, holding his hand.
“Oh. Sorry. I…” I pulled my hand away and dropped my gaze.
“You’ve never been here before, have you?”
“A friend dragged me with her. She’s the redhead over there…” I gestured aimlessly behind me. “I’m not here to…um. I’m not here as food. Sorry. Was that offensive? I don’t mean to be offensive.”
