Nova was turning out to be far different from what I’d expected. What did I think exactly? That she’d be a hotshot from New York who’d parade into the place and act like she owned it, which technically she did? That she’d only look at her inheritance with a cool eye focused on her financial gain? She wasn’t like that at all. Somewhat overwhelmed by the situation, she still wanted to do what she could to help others—even me.
How did she survive in the city without those sharks eating her alive? Maybe she was tougher than I thought.
Then again, I’d seen her in her most vulnerable state as she’d stumbled in the kitchen, shaken, and then my unexpected presence terrified her. I now wanted to soothe her fears and take away her distress.
Wait a minute, why was I thinking this?
Just because she’d agreed to pose as my girlfriend for one night didn’t mean anything. We were just doing each other a favor and would soon be out of each other’s lives.
Yet, that drive of wanting to watch over her continued until the early morning hours. It stirred something inside I hadn’t felt for a long time—caring for another person. It felt good. It gave me a flicker of hope that I could be more than just an animated corpse taking up space.
Could someone as damaged as me find purpose in the world?
Nova stirred. I moved from the couch over to the recliner so as not to freak her out when she woke and found me beside her.
I glanced at her. Could someone like her ever care for someone like me?
Nope.
I shook my head, an attempt to knock that foolish idea loose. Why even have a mad fantasy that a woman who was only in town for a short time would ever be interested in a vampire?
Chapter 5
Nova
Iwoke in the early hours of the morning on the sofa in Diego’s apartment. He sat in the arm chair, reading a book by the light of a lamp beside him.
What a night. I pulled myself up. “Sorry I fell asleep here.”
He put the book down. “Not a problem at all.”
I shuffled back to my apartment and curled up on the couch. Ugh, I’d acted like a kid afraid of the dark.
But it’d felt so real.
Diego had been considerate, though, with making sure I was okay. He’d calmed me enough that I’d fallen asleep beside him while watching the movie. This guy confused me on every level, not only with his behavior but my reaction to him. Something about him lured me in. And after finding out about what his ex had done to him, I was even more resolved to help him face that bitch.
Hours later, I awoke and checked my phone. A text from Gianna readDon’t forget about laser today. Make sure you shave all the parts you want treated.
Shit, yes, it was Tuesday. I opened my planner and saw the appointment noted with an Edvard MunchScreamsticker.
I thought it was just a consultation.
You might as well try it while you’re there.
I groaned.Freakin’ Gianna.
Why the hell had I agreed to physical torture? I had enough to deal with while I was in town. I could blame it on the alcohol and Gianna’s pushiness, but I’d only had one drink.
Oh well, if laser minimized dealing with hair removal as part of my beauty regime, it would be worth it.
Wish me luck, I texted Gianna.
Good luck, she replied.Don’t worry. You’ll be happy you did this when it’s all done. You’ll be as sleek as a seal!
That doesn’t sound very sexy.
She replied with a laughing emoji.
