I need to calm down and get a grip. He has a booming new business; he’s probably busy. This also raises the question of what he sees in a bartender like me. Wealthy men rarely come to The Lair, and when they do, they’re looking for an easy fuck. Is that all he’s after?
Emris seems different though. I keep trying to deny it, but he is. Both times he’s been flirty, but interested in conversation. Forward, but not too pushy. His words and actions seem genuine. He’s intriguing and incredibly sexy, which is a problem for me. Why do I care so much about him texting me?
Buzz, Buzz.
My head snaps in the direction of my phone fast enough to make my neck hurt. I need to relax. It could be anybody texting me. It’s probably Cerise, seeing if I’ve heard from Emris yet.
I scoop up my phone quickly, the screen glowing with a single notification. My heart skips a beat at the sight of an unknown number, the message reading:
Hello gorgeous, I’m shocked you gave me your number last night.
At least he’s shocked I gave him my number. It makes sense after the fuss I put up about not answering his questions. Being secretive has protected me so far, and I’d like to stay safe, emotionally.
Trying not to type too fast or seem too eager, I send back:
I only did because you helped us out.
That sounds good and uninterested. Wait, is ittoouninterested? Maybe he won’t be able to see through my dry texts. I don’t want to scare him off, as much as it pains me to admit.
Three dots pop up, my heart beating faster as I stare at them. It’s just a text message, why am I stressing so much about it? Emris is just a man, he’s nothing special. At least, I’m trying to convince myself that he isn’t.
The dots disappear, my lips turning down and palms sweating slightly. Oh gods, I shouldn’t have texted like that.What am I doing? In my head, I don’t want him, but at the same time, my heart—among other things—tells me I do.
Suddenly, my screen changes, a call incoming. It’s Emris’s number. My heart briefly stops and my frown disappears. Why is he calling me, instead of just responding to my text?
I let it ring for a moment before answering with, “Hello?”
“Hello Mallorie,” he purrs from the other end of the phone, sending a ripple of excitement running down my spine.
After a few seconds of silence, I ask, “Why did you call me?”
“I didn’t realize it was a crime.” He laughs, continuing on to explain himself. “I personally hate texting. Yes, I know that is such an old person thing to say, but I really despise it. It lacks a personal touch.”
I can’t hold in my laugh; it’s nice that he can poke fun at himself. It does make me wonder how old he really is, but with vampires, it’s always hard to tell. Is that something I can ask? Or is it offensive?
“Okay, I’ll cut you some slack then, old man,” I tease, earning a scoff through the phone. “Is there something I can help you with?”
He quickly responds, his silky voice bringing a warmth to me. “Yes, I am still looking to get that date with you.”
“What’s the proposal exactly? I won’t agree without some details.” It’s a lie, since I already know my answer.
“Well, for starters, me, you, dinner,” he begins, detailing our date. “On me, of course. I’d like for some of it to be a surprise though, if that’s alright with you.”
My heart is practically beating through my chest, a stupid grin on my lips. “I might be willing to take a risk for a surprise, but only if it’s a good one.”
“I assure you, it is,” he responds, sounding more excited.
“When?” I don’t take many days off of work, but I could always go out before my shift, I suppose. I’d just have to wake up early, which I’m not very good at.
“Tonight. I’ll send a driver to get you, if you are okay with that.”
“Tonight? How do you know I’m available on such short notice?” I argue, not wanting to reveal that I genuinely have no life or plans outside of work.
“Well, a little birdie told me you usually have Sundays off of work.”
Curse you, Cerise, but also, thank you. More so curse you, though. I’m not surprised she went behind my back to push this along. She’s just trying to be a good friend. I’ll have to send her a message with an update after this phone call.
“Fine, I’ll send you my address in a few minutes. How fancy is this place going to be?” I ask, walking over to my closet and beginning to look through my dresses.
