Chapter 1 Dine and Dash #2
The crisp autumn air was almost too cold once the sun went down. String lights lit up the space, and ivy crawled up the side of the building. Rowen held the door open wider for me, and I peered up at him through my lashes. His cheeks were flushed, his throat working as he swallowed.
He followed me onto the brick patio. I pivoted to face him, and for a moment he stared at me awkwardly, like he was worried he’d misinterpreted the situation. He was so cute with his full bottom lip slightly pouted.
Stepping closer, I rested my hand flat on his chest and looked up at him. One of his hands went to my waist, and the other tucked my hair behind my ear.
“You can kiss me if you want to,” I whispered.
The blush on his cheeks darkened, but his hand moved to my jaw, gently cupping my face. Leaning into him, I pushed up on my tiptoes and tilted my face up.
He was so sweet, it took my breath away. His lips brushed over mine, tentative, seeking permission. I kissed him back, my hand moving to the nape of his neck and weaving into his silky hair.
It was like a switch flipped, and the tentative kiss grew heated. His hand at my waist moved to my lower back, his entire arm hooking around me and dragging me against him.
His other hand at my jaw shifted to my hair so he could control our angle. I melted, holding onto him for dear life and letting him dominate me.
This witch can kiss.
His mouth was warm, tasting of cider and cinnamon. He was everywhere, his tongue in my mouth, his hands squeezing my waist and gripping my ass through layers of soft fabric.
When our kiss broke, he pressed his lips to my jaw and down my throat. Letting out a groan, I tipped my head to let him suck on the delicate skin of my neck.
The way he took control had me panting. He walked me backward until my back pressed into the brick wall, along the only stretch not covered in ivy, his mouth never leaving my skin.
His tongue dragged up my neck and I let out a whimper. Desperate, I used my hold on his hair to drag his lips to mine. He kissed like he was starving for me. It was overwhelming in the best way.
Leveraging myself up, I hooked my leg over his hip. His hand went to my thigh, squeezing and holding me in place as he ground against me.
His rumbling groan had me gasping. I’d never been with a partner who was vocal, and I wanted to hear more.
I’d kissed a lot of guys in the last few months, but none of them were like Rowen. I was starting to understand the meaning of having your mind blown, because my thoughts were scattered and it took every shred of focus I could muster to remember my purpose.
“Rowen,” I rasped. “Can I bite you?”
His breathing broke rhythm, his glazed eyes widening as he pulled back and stared at my mouth. I couldn’t read his expression, and my anxiety spiked. My leg dropped out of his hold.
What if I’d offended him?
I wanted to take my question back, but I needed him to say yes. The last thing I wanted to do was walk away from this witch and go find some other guy to drink from. My molars bit into my cheek as I waited for his answer.
He wet his lips, the words coming out ragged. “I’ve always been curious.”
“I think you’ll like it,” I said quickly, blinking up at him.
“I’m not worried,” he said, his voice dropping low enough that I shivered at the vibration. “Go ahead, if you want to.”
A rush of adrenaline pumped through my blood, and I tugged him back down, angling his head gently. He braced one hand against the wall behind me, steadying us as I placed a soft kiss on the tendon in the side of his neck.
Tension hardened the muscles of his shoulders, and I kissed down his neck, urging him to relax. His breathing accelerated, his hand tightening on my waist.
I swallowed, trying to stay in control of the vampire instincts that still felt foreign to me. Slowly, I dragged my tongue up his neck until I found a spot I liked.
Even after several dozen times, I still cringed at the idea of biting someone. I’d learned that biting slowly hurt more, so I tried to be quick, pressing my fangs into place and biting down sharply.
My fangs sank into Rowen’s skin easily, but he still twitched under me and sucked in his next breath in a hiss.
My instinct was to pull back, but I stayed still, letting some of my venom seep into his bloodstream.
It was what made the experience pleasurable for him, and I wanted to be sure it was affecting him.
His fingers splayed over my skin, and he let out a soft moan. Yeah, he definitely felt it.
Gently, I pulled my teeth free, sealing my lips around the wound. His blood poured into my mouth, sweet and metallic. I could taste the magic. It had a bright, fizzy flavor, like a raspberry soda.
The alcohol in his blood added a sour note that I didn’t really mind. The combination of it with the richness that was distinctly Rowen was delicious. I sucked at the holes I’d made, taking in more of his luscious blood.
He softened under my bite, grinding against me again as he let out a guttural groan. “Fuck.”
I swallowed another mouthful and then licked over the two puncture holes, healing them up with my saliva. It wasn’t useful for much other than closing up my bites, but at least I didn’t leave him messy and bleeding.
That should be enough blood to get me by. I didn’t want to take too much and have Rowen feel any side effects from blood loss. He was almost a foot taller than me, so if he swooned, I wouldn’t be able to catch him.
Smiling at the feeling of satiety, I leaned back and looked up at Rowen. His lips were parted, and his eyes were glazed. He looked absolutely devastated.
“Good?”
“Sadie,” he said hoarsely. “Fuck, I had no idea. No wonder everyone says they want a vampire girlfriend.”
Giggling, I patted his chest awkwardly. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed that.”
He bent and kissed me, not worrying if his blood was still in my mouth. His tongue swept in, and I sucked at it, earning another moan.
His hand moved over my ass and grabbed my thigh, pulling it back up, opening me up so he could grind into me. There was no mistaking his arousal, and I was dizzy with the blood and magic rushing through my system.
Nuzzling against my jaw, he trailed kisses down my neck, scraping his teeth like he was the vampire. “I want you to bite me again,” he rumbled. “Come home with me.”
My breathing stuttered and the heat in my veins turned to ice. “Rowen.”
He pulled back. “I’m sorry,” he said, concern knitting his brows. “I didn’t mean—we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”
“I know,” I said, trying to both pacify Rowen and calm the panic flooding my system. This response wasn’t logical. Rowen didn’t make me feel unsafe.
But the last time I slept with a guy, I was drained of blood and accidentally turned into a vampire. Rowen didn’t know that, and I wasn’t about to share my very recent tragic backstory with him.
“It’s fine. This was great, but I think I need to go. Thanks for—you know…”
“Wait, what?” Rowen said, his gaze sharpening. “You’re leaving? I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Placing my palm on his chest, I met his gaze so he could see my sincerity. “Rowen, it’s fine. I’m just busy.”
“Can I see you again?” he asked.
His unabashed interest took me by surprise.
“Um, maybe,” I said, straightening as he took a reluctant step back. “Do you want my number?”
He nodded and fumbled to get his phone out of his pocket. I rattled off my number to him, and my phone buzzed as he texted his name.
“Thanks, Rowen. Have a good night!” I said, rising up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
He stood there, still looking a bit disoriented, as I headed back inside, through the bar, and out onto the downtown street.
I shouldn’t have given him my number, but he was so delicious, maybe somehow I could make him a repeat meal. Perhaps I could have a whole schedule set up. It would be like meal planning. The thought made me giggle as I headed back to my car.