Page 47 of Vampire's Vixen

“I found out more about him,” I said, proceeding to tell him about the seventh-grade girl.

“I hope they nail his ass to the wall, then,” Kyle said.

The waitress came to take our orders. “Our specialties tonight are calamari steak, and a surf-and-turf platter with filet mignon and lobster tail.”

“I think I want a bowl of chowder, and the halibut fish and chips. And I’ll have a glass of white wine, please.” I handed her my menu.

“I’ll try the turf-and-surf, with a starter of a cup of chowder,” Kyle said. “White wine for me, too.”

Once she brought our drinks, the nervousness began to wear off and we started talking. I found out that Kyle had been born in Terameth Lake, but he felt more comfortable here in Midnight Point, near the water. He had family there, and while they didn’t get together for holidays every year, he got along with his sister and parents.

“Is your sister a tech mage as well?”

He nodded. “Everybody in my family is, even though, as I said before, I was the first one the Aseer formally assessed as such. My sister’s younger, and she was assessed as a techno witch as well. My parents are air witches, but they’re really early techno witches.” He paused to sip his wine. “So, you were born here?”

I nodded. “Yes. My parents died in a plane crash on the way to the UK. They were going on vacation and had left me in the care of my aunts. Astra and Sara took custody of me—they were my guardians appointed in my parents’ wills—and so, from the time I was seven, they brought me up.”

“You were married, right?” he asked.

I nodded, and—because it felt right—I told him about Dan. “It was a good marriage. Not perfect, but it was good. And I do miss him,” I added.

“I imagine you must.”

The questions turned into conversation as our dinner came, and I realized that I was already invested in Kyle, whether it turned into a friendship or something more. I liked him, and by the end of dinner, I’d decided that I wanted to see him again.

In the parking lot, he turned to me. “So…”

“So…” I said.

“So, I guess the next question is: where is this going? Although I should probably ask if you’re interested in it going anywhere?” Kyle leaned against my car, a questioning smile on his lips.

I took a deep breath. Time to be upfront and not dodge the question.

“I’m interested in seeing where this goes,” I said. “I think…we’re already friends. I’d like to see if we might…be compatible as more than just friends.” I felt so awkward that I stumbled over the words. I wanted to say kiss me…but I wasn’t ready to go that far.

Kyle held my gaze, then slowly leaned down, pressing his lips against mine. I leaned in, and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. His lips were soft against mine, and I felt lightheaded, almost faint. It had been so long since I’d kissed anyone. Kyle’s chest was warm as he pulled me into his embrace, and for the first time in two years, my body ached to be touched, to be loved.

“Maisy, you’re so beautiful,” he whispered, then kissed me again.

I kissed him back, eagerly, and then—as the heady kiss went on—I suddenly froze as a wave of guilt swept over me. I pulled back, both wanting more and wanting to run.

“What’s wrong?” he whispered. “Did I move too fast?”

“No…yes…” I broke out of his embrace. “I… I don’t know. It’s not you—not at all.”

“You’re not ready, are you? You need some time.” He sounded disappointed, but he wasn’t planting a guilt trip on me.

I stared at the ground. “I like you, so much. But…I didn’t know I was going to respond that way. I didn’t know it would shake me up so much.” I looked up, about ready to cry. “I feel so confused, and now I’ve ruined everything.”

“No, no—you haven’t,” he said, reaching out to take my hand. “Listen, we’re just getting to know each other. It’s only been two years since you lost your husband. If this is your first…”

“It is,” I said. “I haven’t been on a real date since Dan died. Friends tried to fix me up, but I just couldn’t go through it. This is the first time I’ve wanted to go out with somebody. I like you, Kyle, and I would like to see where things go, but I’m going to have to take it slowly. If you aren’t willing to wait, I do understand.”

“I’m not going to just run off because you need some time. What about a hug instead of a kiss? And if you’re free, maybe we can go to a matinee on Saturday? I know you have coven meetings Saturday nights.”

“Not every Saturday night, but this upcoming one, yes. And I’d like that. I think I can handle that pace.” I hesitantly opened my arms and he embraced me again, but gentler, and it felt warm and soft and comforting. He kissed me on the top of my head and then let go.

“What do you think will happen to class?” he asked.

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