“I like it.” Dennis ran a hand along my side, admiring the work. “Why a fox?”
“For my middle name. You heard the conversation, remember? I picked it out the day after Halloween when you kept popping up at the mall.”
“Right.” He seemed distracted.
To be perfectly honest, so was I. My eyes strayed to his lips. A familiar sensation started as I tried not to focus on his hand still tracing my new tattoo. I fidgeted, causing him to smile.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.” His other hand rested against my waist, toying with the hem of my shorts. “Am I making you nervous?”
“No.” My heart was beating a millisecond too fast.
“You’re lying.” His eyes glistened in the lack of light, which did nothing to help how intimidated I suddenly felt. Not intimidated as in danger. More like hopelessly horny, out of control, wildly attracted to him.
“You never make me nervous…” My breath caught as his hand reached the lowest part of my new tattoo.
“Still lying.”
“You know what?” I finally composed myself and nudged him away.“I’m not nervous. Go away.”
“It’s my room,” he said.
“Oh, yeah.” I looked at the black carpet. He’s totally right, this is his room.“Well fine. I’ll leave you alone.”
“Stay.” He caught my arm when I made to leave. “I’m messing with you.” He grinned at my annoyed sigh. “I have fun talking to you. Evenwhen you’re being awkward.”
“Aw, you like hanging out with me? I feel so special. Is that why you bound me?” I went to sit on the closed coffin, getting comfortable since he wanted me to stay.
“No. That would be a waste of a bind.”
“Oh.” I frowned, trying to process the brutal honesty. I was used to his insults, but this one seemed personal.
“You took that the wrong way.” He sat in the chair, once again watching me like I was the most interesting thing.“I’m not saying you’re a waste of a bind. I’m saying I wouldn’t bind someone just because they’re fun to talk to.Thatwould be a waste. There are other reasons.”
“That means you bound me for something better?” I perked up. “Tell me! Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me—”
“If you don’t stop, I’m throwing you out.”
“You can’t throw me out. I’m a vampire now.”
“I’m still stronger than you. I can carry you out.”
“Alright, fine. If you’re still stronger than me, then how does that work?It seems like we should be the same now.”
“Biology,” he said. “Genetics, size, muscle mass, everything that factored in as humans still makes a difference as vampires. It’s not as drastic, but it’s still there.”
I was having a hard time focusing. I was listening, but at the same time I was fully aware of the way his hair was falling toward his eyes. His lips moving. His heartbeat. His scent. How far he was and how much closer I wanted him to be.
“Huh,” I murmured, hoping he couldn’t tell how much I was lusting over him.
“I can tell.” He smiled.
“I dunno what you’re talking about.” I averted my eyes as butterflies took over.
“Lying again.” He ‘tsk’ed and shook his head. “What am I gonna do with you?”
“With huh?” I watched as he came to kneel in front of me, hands trailing up my thighs. I was never this awkward. Never this hesitant, or anxious, or excited.
