Chapter 3
Today was possibly the busiest day the garden shop has ever seen, which is especially impressive for mid-winter.
Noah’s car is parked in its usual spot when I get home.
We officially bought the house from my grandparents last year. Now, it’s all ours.
I’m greeted by the smell of cooking cow when I walk through the front door. Apparently, Noah wasn’t joking about the steak.
I walk into the kitchen, eyeing the ribeyes in the cast-iron skillet. “I’m home.”
Noah gestures me over for a kiss, not wanting to leave dinner because it looks like it’s about time to flip the bloody hunks of protein. “You look disappointed.”
Immediately, I soften my expression. It’s not Noah’s fault the holiday revolves around carbs I can’t eat. Carbs like candy, chocolate, pastries…
Pretty much all the sugary, forbidden things.
But it’s not like Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. I’ve made it through several Christmases, and missing out on holiday cookies, pies, gingerbread, and stuffing is so much worse.
I can be a big girl and suck this up.
“I got you a little something.” Noah gestures toward a pink gift bag on the counter.
Interest piqued, I walk over to it. “What is it?”
“Open it and see.”
I tug out the tissue paper and then find a white envelope. When I open it, I pull out a card and…
“You got me a subscription to a blood of the month club?” I look up, pasting a smile on my face.
“Every month, you’ll get to try a new type,” Noah says innocently, like he thinks I might actually like this. “Antelope, crocodile, water buffalo…”
I can’t hide my revulsion, and he chuckles, delighted.
“You really shouldn’t have.” I set the card on the table, more disappointed than I should be. He tried. Kinda. “Thanks.”
The doorbell rings, pulling my attention from the photo of the hairy yak that someone at the blood company decided looks appetizing. “Who’s that? Are we expecting someone?”
“I can’t leave these.” Noah focuses on the steaks. “Why don’t you go see?”
I’m not in active danger anymore, but it’s dark out, and Noah is usually a little more cautious considering how many enemies he makes in his line of work. Suspicious, I head to the door.
Car lights shine in the window as someone pulls away from the house and turns back to the road.
“They just left,” I call to Noah.
“Did they leave anything?” he asks, sounding suspiciously like he knows they did.
“Okay, what are you up to?” I walk back into the kitchen and peer at him.
He can’t contain his grin. “Just open the door, Piper.”
When I do, I find a pizza box on the welcome mat.
“What the heck,” I murmur, nearly doubling over with hunger when I get a whiff of cheesy, bready, carbiness.
Returning to the kitchen, holding the offensive food, I demand, “Is this pizza? Actual pizza? Why?”
Noah slides the steaks onto a plate and turns to look at me. “That’s what you said you wanted.”
He’s apparently lost his mind.
“Noah…” I set the box on the counter and open the lid, nearly sobbing when I see it’s not just a pizza, it’s a veggie pizza. With lots of cheese.
Oh no.
Oh no.
“Please tell me looks are deceiving and this is a chicken crust or something,” I practically beg.
He stands next to me, peering into the box. “No, it’s a regular crust.”
I start to get…well. Grumpy. Because this is not funny, nor is it romantic.
Before I can say anything, Noah turns to me. “Cassian called me with your blood test results this afternoon.”
I go cold. Like, colder than usual. Stunned cold, not just monster cold. “If you tell me I’m not a vampire anymore, I might die. On the spot. Right here.”
Noah barks out a laugh. “Piper, there is currently no cure for vampirism. Of course you’re still a vampire.”
“But the daylight drugs—” I stop. “I’m on a new version.”
He grins, so adorable. “You are.”
“What exactly does this new medicine do?” I whisper.
“It does what Cassian said. Just…a little extra. We didn’t want to get your hopes up. It hasn’t worked for everyone, so we had to test your blood first.”
“If you’re about to tell me that I can eat this pizza, I’m gonna need you to stop stalling.”
“Piper…” He grins. “You can eat that pizza.”
“Shut up,” I breathe, overwhelmed.
Laughing, he draws me into a hug. “Cassian has had his people testing dozens of versions of the daylight drug since he became archduke. The funds that were poured into this project…you don’t even want to know.”
“For me?” I whisper.
“Not just you. Eventually, this is going to improve all our lives. But I’m certain he thought of you when they made this breakthrough.”
I am a ball of emotion as I turn toward the box. Taking a deep breath, I pick up a slice…and stare at it.
“It’s kind of scary,” I admit.
I messed up once—ate a pickle and was violently ill.
“I promise it’s okay.” Noah says. “That’s what the blood test was for.”
Bracing myself, I take a bite…and nearly die of happiness.
“It’s so good.” I sink onto a barstool. “Oh my gosh.”
Noah watches me, smiling. “I’m glad you like it.”
“What about you?” I ask, realizing he’s not grabbing a piece. “You started the drug, too, didn’t you?”
He shrugs. “This version of the drug doesn’t work for me. I can still go in the sunlight while on it, but I can’t eat plant-based foods yet.”
“Are you serious?” I ask, deflating. “You can’t have any pizza?”
Noah shakes his head. “Not yet. Like I said, they’re still working on it. We’re in the early stages.”
I look down at my half-eaten piece. “I feel so bad eating this in front of you. Can you, like, turn around or something?”
Noah tips back his head and lets out a loud, highly amused laugh. “I happen to like steak. I’m fine.”
“This is so much better than what I got you.” I close my eyes as I take another bite. “I’m sorry.”
“What did you get me?”
“I’m regifting that blood of the month club to you. I don’t want it.”
“That was just a joke.” He chuckles. “I knew you’d hate it. What did you actually get me?”
“My real gift can’t be wrapped, if you know what I mean.” I give him an exaggerated wink that’s probably more comical than sexy. But you know. I tried.
“I like that gift,” he assures me, his eyes darkening. “It’s my favorite.”
“I thought it might be.”
“But the pizza isn’t all I got you. Wait until you see what’s in the fridge.”
Pausing as I dive in for a second slice, I stare at him like an owl. “There’s more?”
“There’s more.” He opens the refrigerator and produces a bouquet.
A vegetable bouquet—like those fruit ones, but with broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, celery, radishes, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and cucumbers.
“I saw these online, but no one sells them in Glenwood Springs,” he says. “So, I had to make it myself. Sorry it’s a little lopsided.”
And it is, but I don’t care.
“I can eat that?” I ask, becoming a lioness who’s spotted her prey.
“I suggest you pace yourself, considering you haven’t had vegetables in several years. But yes.”
“You made me a vegetable bouquet.” I meet his eyes, overwhelmed. “Noah.”
He smiles, looking rather smug. “And you were worried I wasn’t romantic.”
“I really love it.”
“Good.” He leans down for a kiss. “Because I really love you. Now, grab your pizza. We’re going to the living room.”
“Why?”
“I thought you might like to watch a K-drama.”
“I take it all back. You are so romantic, Noah.”
“That’s right, I am.”
I pick up the box, holding it like it’s a precious treasure. “You might want to start planning next year’s gift.”
“What?” He scowls. “Why?”
I grin as I pass him. “You set the Valentine’s Day bar really high.”
Groaning out a laugh, he follows me to the couch.
I hope you enjoyed A Vampire’s Guide to Gardening!