Page 23 of The Vampire and the Barista

Ivan turned and saw Jamie and returned the smile as he strode over to him. “Morning.” Before Jamie could answer, Ivan dipped his head and kissed him.

Jamie wrapped his arms around Ivan and happily kissed him back. Ivan was a head taller than Jamie, not that it mattered; Jamie had always liked taller men.

“Really? In the hall?” Karl said, walking out of his room, with Kitty next to him.

Ivan tapered the kiss and pulled away.

“Morning, Ivan,” Jamie said, happily.

Ivan laughed and took Jamie’s hand before looking at Kitty and Karl. ”Did you all sleep well?”

“I did,” Karl replied.

“Me too,” Kitty added.

“Me three,” Jamie said. “You?”

“Always,” Ivan replied. “Let’s go and have breakfast.”

They walked down the stairs towards the kitchen.

“I need to ring for a taxi, so I can get to work later, and then sort out my car, or phone in sick today.”

“If you want to go to work, I can drive you,” Ivan offered as they walked into the kitchen.

“How? Your car is still in that carpark.” Jamie queried.

“Royston and Olly brought it back for Ivan last night,” Seth replied for him.

“Thanks,” Ivan said, looking at the two men.

There were a lot of people at the table having breakfast. Jamie recognised a few from the library.

“Everyone, this is Jamie, Ivan’s mate and Jamie’s siblings, Karl and Kitty. Guys, meet everyone,” Dave said, waving his hand around the table.

Kitty moved closer to Ivan’s side.

Ivan put his arm around her shoulders and looked at her. “This is my family, no one here will hurt you.”

“I know,” Kitty said softly.

“Come and sit, help yourselves to breakfast,” Annie said, bustling over and ushering them to the table.

They sat down, and dishes were handed out. Jamie caught Hunter’s eye. “Morning, Hunter.”

Hunter smiled. “Hey Jamie, welcome to the family. This is my Gavin.”

“Thanks,” he said, looking at Gavin. “Hi Gavin, I think I saw you at the library.”

Gavin nodded and signed.

“I’m sorry, Gavin, I don’t know sign language,” Jamie told him.

“Jay, Gavin said it is nice to meet you as well, and he remembered seeing you at the library,” Kitty said.

Gavin smiled at her and signed.

“I’ve been teaching myself online, sorry if I misinterpret anything.”