“Thank you. I enjoy growing things. I also enjoy going into the park to forage for herbs and mushrooms. When you walk in the park, I’ve heard you sing. Your voice is beautiful.” I sit on the steps and look at her drawing while trying not to be too aroused by this alluring vampire who doesn’t drink human blood.
Deep sorrow fills her dark eyes, and she stares over my shoulder. “In another life, I was an opera singer. Now I only sing for myself and play a few instruments to get my fill of music.”
I can understand why, as a vampire, it would be challenging to maintain a public career in an era when social media makes information instantaneous. “Have you considered teaching music?”
“I taught for a while in Vienna in the 1920s. I enjoyed it, but then the rumors started, and it was safer to disappear.” She shakes her head. “What is it about you, Sam? I have never told one person so much about myself. Is this some kind of giant magic? Do you have a spell that makes those around you tell all their secrets?”
As much as I want to know all of hers, I know she’s exaggerating. “No magic here. I think people tell me things because I listen, and I seriously doubt you’ve told me even a fraction of your secrets, Mari. Though I’m here for them whenever you’re ready.”
“Why?” She narrows her gaze at me.
“With your keen senses, I think you probably know why.”
There’s a moment when time seems to stand still as she stares into my eyes. Then, as if the spell were broken, she sits back, slaps her hands on her thighs, and lets out a breath. Standing, she puts distance between us. “When can you start on the wall?”
I’ve never wanted any moment back more than the one where she sensed my desire, and I have no doubt of hers. Even if my vampire will never act on it, I saw it in those nearly black eyes. “I can get it measured out and start digging the footings tomorrow.”
“We haven’t agreed on a price.” She keeps her gaze over my shoulder.
“As we’re neighbors, I’ll only charge you for materials.”
“How do you make a living in town if you don’t charge your neighbors for your work?” She finally looks at me again. “I must pay you for your work.”
“Money is not an issue for me. However, if you feel you must, then decide what’s fair and I’ll accept the payment when the work is finished to your satisfaction.” I rise from the steps and pick up my notebook and tape measure. “See you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Sam.” Her voice is so soft, I almost miss it.
I stop with my hand on the top rail that runs around her deck. I’m on the ground, but it’s a perfect height for me to lean on. “I’m happy you’ve come to Harmony Glen, Mari.”
“That’s a nice thing to say.”
It’s the truth. I’ve never had this kind of reaction to anyone I’ve just met. I don’t know if anyone can break through her fortress of wariness and secrets, but I’m sure going to try. I smile and give her a second to return the expression. When she only watches me, I let out the breath I’ve been holding and head back home.
This isn’t going to be easy, but it’s going to be fun.
Chapter Three
Mari
I’m not out of bed yet when the digging noises begin. Admittedly, I’m not an early riser. I don’t sleep much at all. But I enjoy lying in bed and reading or relaxing after my evening walk.
My bedroom has sliding doors that open onto the back porch. I peek around the curtains.
My giant has a giant-sized shovel. It’s taller than I am and has a spade at least two feet wide. His cut-off shirt is already dirty, as are his arms, as he stabs the ground and moves great globs of dirt with ease. I’m not sorry to have the view of his bulging biceps or the tight cords of his neck. I’m mesmerized. If I weren’t trying not to like him, I’d sit on the porch and watch him all day.
I would have thought it was a job for a backhoe, but it’s evident that when you hire Sam, heavy machinery isn’t necessary.
Wanting the giant won’t do. If this place is going to be my home for the time being, it’s better to be cordial with myneighbors, but not get too close. That way, when it all blows up and I’m forced to move on, I won’t have regrets.
With a long sigh, I drop the curtain back in place and head for the kitchen. I have a stock of blood in the refrigerator. It’s pig’s blood, but it will keep me alive if hunting isn’t possible or successful.
Of course, human blood is superior, more nutritious, and more beneficial. Still, even in bottled form, I stay away from it. It would be like teasing myself, and the desire for more may become too great to resist.
A loud grunt from the backyard pulls my attention away from warming the blood in the microwave. I rush to the French doors and out onto the porch.
Sam has four large bags of concrete hoisted on one shoulder. When he sees me, he stops. Eyes wide, he scans me from head to toe.
“I heard a noise and thought you were hurt.” I could try to cover myself since my sheer black nightshirt disguises nothing, but deciding that would make the situation worse, I lift my chin and stare back.
