The Undead Next Door (24 page)

Heather shuddered, and he tightened his grip on her hand.

“That night, Roman found me. I didn’t want to die.”

“Of course not. You were so young.”

“Yes, but it was more than that. I wanted to be in charge of my own destiny. I was sick of being powerless. I wanted power, even power over death.”

Heather swallowed hard. “I guess you got it.”

He smiled wryly. “I can still die. And the final joke to my short life as a mortal—the following morning, my body was gone, so the Battle of the Spurs has gone down in the history books as a bloodless battle. I was the one forgotten casualty.”

“I’m sorry.”

He squeezed her hand. “Only a few know my story. I hate to even remember how pathetic I was.”

“I felt pathetic, too, that I let everyone boss me around. But you know, we’re not pathetic at all. We’re conquerors. We have both struggled to change our lives for the better.” She winced inwardly. She’d just admitted his life as a vampire was an improvement.

“I won’t lie to you, chérie. The vampire world is just as violent as the mortal one. The Malcontents are growing an army, and another war could break out. That would be a disaster for us all. Such a war could not escape notice. The media would be all over it.”

She took a deep breath. “Your secret would be out.”

He nodded. “Exactly.”

And there would be people determined to hunt down all vampires and kill them. “That would be a disaster.” She withdrew her hand and leaned back in her chair. The vampire world was a dangerous one. How could she drag her daughter into it?

He stood and wandered to the window overlooking the showroom. “I need to warn you about the runway show a week from Saturday. I thought about canceling it, since it gives Lui an opportunity to attack you. But we decided to go ahead with it.”

She gulped. “So I’m going to be a sitting duck?”

He turned to face her. “I will be by your side the entire evening. We will be well prepared. It is better this way. Better to draw him here where we can control the situation. And better for it to happen at night when all the Vamps are awake and able to protect you.”

She nodded slowly. “Better to get it over with, too.” She didn’t want to live with the threat of Louie any longer than necessary. “But we have to keep my daughter and Fidelia safe. I won’t let you put them in danger.”

“Agreed.” He paced over to his worktable. “Now you know what I fear the most. I hate being powerless. Being a vampire has given me many powers, super strength and speed, and so on, but it also has one terrible weakness. I am totally powerless during the day.”

She rose to her feet. “You have your guards to keep you safe.”

He shook his head and picked up a swatch of green silk. “It is not my safety that worries me. Every morning at sunrise, when I slip into my death-sleep, I am gripped with a terrible fear that something will happen to you while I lie there powerless to help you.” He crushed the fabric in his fist. “I could not bear it.”

“It’ll be all right.” She rushed to the table. “I have Phil and Ian, and Fidelia with her guns. And I’m not totally helpless myself.” She touched his arm. “We all have fears that plague us.”

“And are you still afraid of me? Of what I am?” He dropped the fabric on the table. “How can I convince you that it changes nothing? I will still love you no matter what. I will always love you.”

Tears stung her eyes, and she turned away. “It’s not that I don’t—I think you’re a wonderful man.”

He picked up a peacock feather and dragged the soft fronds up her bare arm. “I’m trying so hard not to touch you.”

Her arm tingled. Her heart ached with a need to comfort him. He so needed to be loved. He deserved all the love that a good life should have, the love he’d never had.

With a small cry, she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight. “You’re a good man, Jean-Luc. A beautiful man.”

“Heather.” He held her lightly as if trying to retain control. “I want you so.” His hand skimmed up and down her back, inciting delicious little tingles.

She needed to back away, but he was so solid. So easy to lean on. She felt his chin rub against her hair. His lips brushed against her brow. The familiar tug of desire spread through her.

His arms tightened. “Let me court you.” He nuzzled her neck, then whispered in her ear, “Let me love you.”

She glanced at his face, and her breath stuck in her throat. The light blue irises in his eyes were changing. “Your eyes are turning red.”

He smoothed her hair back from her brow. “It’s a problem I keep having whenever I’m around you.”

“Why? Do I make you hungry?”

“You make me ache with desire. My eyes are merely a reflection of the passion burning inside me.”

“You mean they turn red when you’re…turned on?”

“Yes.” He smiled slowly. “You could help me alleviate the problem. But I’m afraid it would continue to arise, over and over again.”

Oh God, would that be such a bad way to spend the rest of her life? A seed of panic rose in her stomach. She wasn’t ready to commit to such a different life for her and her daughter. “I—I need to go.” She stepped back.

He released her. “As you wish, chérie.”

She left and slipped inside her dark bedroom. Good Lord, what should she do? She had no doubt that Phineas was correct, and being a vampire didn’t change a person’s character. Jean-Luc was just as noble and honorable as he’d been when alive. Maybe even more so. His additional years of existence had given him a wisdom and maturity that Heather found very appealing. And of course, he was very sexy. He was wonderful with Bethany, kind and generous to Fidelia. He was perfect in every way but one. He was a vampire.

But being a vampire hadn’t changed Jean-Luc, and it wasn’t changing how she felt about him. Now that she was over the initial shock, she realized she was still attracted to him, still in love with him. And that scared her more than his pointed teeth ever had. For she was seriously considering a relationship with him.

Part of her told her that was crazy. She’d known Jean-Luc a week now. How could she make a decision that would affect her entire life? And Bethany’s, too. How could she explain to her daughter that Mommy’s new boyfriend was dead during the day? How could she burden a young child with such secrets? But the alternative, keeping the truth from her daughter, would make Heather feel dishonest and guilty.

Overall, it was a difficult situation. She would age, and Jean-Luc wouldn’t. She would be dragging her daughter into a bizarre world. On the other hand, she might be giving her daughter a wonderful and loving stepfather.

But he would be dead during the day. Heather’s mind flipped back and forth between the pros and cons. It was enough to give her a major headache. She fumbled across the room in the dark to the bathroom, then she closed the door and turned on the light.

She looked at herself in the mirror. Fidelia had told her to follow her heart. Her heart longed for Jean-Luc, but her head urged caution. If Jean-Luc became part of her family and it didn’t work out, she wouldn’t be the only one with a broken heart. Bethany would suffer, too.

Heather sighed. She was at war with fear, but in this particular battle, fear was winning. The safest course of action was retreat. She should pull back before her love for Jean-Luc overwhelmed her.

Heather worked hard Friday, trying not to think about Jean-Luc. That night, he asked if she’d like to talk in his office, and she declined. The sad look in his eyes pierced her heart, and she hurried to her bedroom. Fidelia asked what was wrong, but she could only shake her head with a lump in her throat.

During lunch on Saturday, she discovered another super power that vampires possessed. Great hearing. In the kitchen, Ian heard a car coming up the driveway. Heather accompanied the two guards to the foyer of the showroom.

Phil peered outside the window. “It’s a pickup truck, pulling a flat trailer.”

Heather peeked out the window to see who was exiting the truck. “Oh no, it’s Coach Gunter.”

“Is he a threat?” Ian asked.

“Only to every woman on earth,” Heather muttered. She noted the big black boxes in the back of the truck and piled on the flat trailer. “He’s brought the runway.” And that had to mean he was Liz Schumann’s new boyfriend. Good Lord, Liz had to be out of her mind.

Coach strode to the front door, ignored the doorbell, and pounded on the door with his fist.

Heather winced. “You’ll have to let him in. I’ll fetch Alberto.” She rushed down the hall to Alberto’s office. Even from there, she could here Coach’s booming voice as he entered the foyer.

“The runway’s here,” she told Alberto. “And I promised Liz three tickets to the show.”

Alberto reluctantly handed over three tickets. “I barely have enough for the school board and big shots in town.”

Heather winced. “I guess with only twenty guests, we won’t be raising much money.”

Alberto snorted. “These local people don’t have any money. Jean-Luc’s giving the donation. Twenty thousand.”

“Dollars?” Heather gulped. “That’s awfully generous.”

“He has his reasons.” Alberto waved a dismissive hand. “Not that he isn’t generous. Jean-Luc gives a lot to charity. But in this case, he’s paying for silence. When the store closes after the show, Jean-Luc wants this place to be forgotten. I believe your job will be over.”

She remembered that he’d hired her for only two weeks. “You mean no one will come here at all?”

“Hopefully not. If they do, there’ll be a guard here to turn them away. I’ll be returning to Paris with the models, and Jean-Luc will go into hiding.”

It sounded so lonely. Heather recalled the first card Fidelia had turned over for Jean-Luc. The Hermit. He would be so lonesome. But she could change that if she agreed to let him court her.

“Well, I should take a look at this runway.” Alberto strolled from the office.

Heather took her time returning to the foyer. Phil and Coach had set several runway sections in the showroom, and Alberto was examining them.

“Hey, Heather!” Coach yelled as he headed outside for another section of runway. He pointed at Ian, who stood in the shadows looking embarrassed. “That kid’s no help at all. You should fire his lazy ass.”

Heather gave Ian a sympathetic look. She knew he had to stay out of the sunlight, but apparently Coach was giving him hell. After twenty more minutes, the runway was completely unloaded.

She gave Coach his tickets.

“You know I’m dating Liz Schumann now.” He paused by the front door.

Heather nodded. “I figured that.”

“Yep.” He flexed his biceps. “She’s one lucky little lady. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“I’m devastated. Please tell Liz to drop by on Friday so I can make sure her gown fits.” Heather had already arranged for two other teacher friends to model.

“How fancy is this shindig?” Coach asked. “Do I have to dress up?”

Her gaze drifted over his tank top and gym shorts. “You might consider wearing pants. And leaving your whistle at home.”

“Oh, really fancy, huh?” He marched out the door. “See ya next Saturday.”

Heather went back to the design studio to work on her second outfit. Alberto left to hand-deliver the rest of the tickets.

About six P.M., Ian collapsed again. Heather was relieved her daughter was having supper in the kitchen and didn’t see it. Still, Ian was starting to look older, and she was at a loss how to explain that to her daughter.

She was walking to the kitchen with Phil when the doorbell rang.

Phil peeked out the window. “It’s the sheriff.”

Heather opened the door and let him in.

“I wanted to make sure you were all right.” Billy looked her over while he stuck a toothpick in his mouth.

She shut the door. “We’re fine. Any news?”

“Nope. I can’t find this Louie guy.” Billy strode into the showroom and looked around. “We got some fingerprints from the museum, but they’re not in any system. And we don’t know his real name, so we’re at a dead end.”

“I see.” Heather followed him into the showroom.

“Did you find anything useful from Heather’s truck?” Phil asked.

“Nope.” Billy wandered around the runway sections. “So you’re getting ready for the show Saturday?”

“Yes,” Heather replied. “Since I’m going to be at the show, Jean-Luc thinks Louie will come.”

Billy wheeled around to face her. “He’s using you as bait?”

Heather shrugged. “He’s bait, too. Louie wants to kill us both.”

Billy chewed on his toothpick, frowning. “I’ll need to be there, along with my two deputies.”

“We’ll be glad to have your help,” Heather assured him. Ian had told her that if the mortals saw anything they shouldn’t, the Vamps would erase their memories.

Billy strolled back to the front door. “Cody’s acting weird again. He was at Schmitty’s Bar last night. Got drunk and started raising a stink about you. Then, all of a sudden, he says he’s a cockroach and scrambles all over the pool tables, messing up everybody’s games.”

Heather sighed. One more problem to deal with.

“I had to lock him up for the night.” Billy opened the door and paused on the front porch. “He was fine this morning, but I’m telling you, the guy’s psycho.”

“I understand. Thanks for stopping by.” She closed the door and locked it.

It was a strange world when the vampires appeared more normal than the mortals.

That night, Heather learned about another super power the vampires possessed. She stood in the showroom, amazed, while Robby and Ian hung material from the catwalk to make a curtain that partitioned off the back of the showroom. The models would use the back section as their dressing room during the runway show.

What amazed Heather was the two Scotsmen didn’t need a ladder. They simply levitated in the air.

“I guess you can do that, too.” She slanted a glance at Jean-Luc, who stood beside her.

“Yes.” He leaned toward her. “In my arms, we could rise to new heights together.”

She wasn’t sure he was referring to levitation. “I’m fine being a lowly mortal.”

“There’s nothing lowly about you. And I’ve had some trouble lately with certain parts levitating on their own.”

She snorted. “What other powers do you have?”

“Superior vision and hearing. An advanced awareness of my surroundings. For instance, did you know Fidelia is hiding behind the scarf display case?”

“No. Why on earth would she do that?”

Jean-Luc’s mouth twitched. “You can’t guess?”

Heather lifted her gaze. Above the display case, Robby was hovering in the air, wearing his blue and green plaid kilt. “Good Lord. This is embarrassing.” Thankfully, Bethany was in the kitchen, eating cookies, while Phineas stood guard.

Ian dashed into the showroom, carrying more bolts of fabric to use as curtains. He moved so fast, his body was a blur.

“You’re super fast and strong,” Heather observed.

“We have great endurance.” Jean-Luc smiled. “We can last all night long.”

She scoffed. He had a one-track mind tonight. In that respect, Vamp men had not advanced one iota from their mortal beginnings. “Your eyes put you at a disadvantage.”

“How’s that? Don’t you like knowing when you turn me on?”

“Yes, but if I ever see you look at another woman, and your eyes turn red, you’ll be in big trouble.”

He winced. “I never thought about it that way. Fortunately, I plan to be faithful.”

How could he remain faithful when she was old and gray? Heather sighed. “What other powers do you have?”

“Telepathy. We don’t do it that often, because it’s not private. Any Vamp could pick up a message being broadcast. That’s the problem with vampire sex.”

“What?”

“Vampire sex. Any Vamp can join in and play along.”

Heather grimaced. “That’s disgusting.”

He arched an eyebrow. “You might like it.”

“I am not into group sex.”

“Good, because I refuse to share you.”

Time to change the subject. “What other powers do you have?”

“Mind control. We can manipulate and erase thoughts.”

She nodded. “You think Louie might use mind control on someone involved with the show. Even Simone.”

“It’s possible, but don’t worry. I won’t leave your side.”

She wondered whom Louie would choose. Would his victim act strangely, making it obvious? “Oh my gosh, what if he’s messing with Cody?”

Jean-Luc blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Cody’s been acting weird ever since Louie arrived on the scene. Maybe Louie’s using him to get to me.”

Jean-Luc shook his head. “No, he’s not.”

“How can you be so sure? Cody went berserk again last night.”

“He must have cursed you.”

“Billy said he was ranting about me, but—how would you know?”

Jean-Luc sighed. “He is being manipulated. By me.”

Heather gasped. “Why would you do that?”

“He was cursing you. He deserved it.”

“He’s been running around like a cockroach.”

“Exactly.” Jean-Luc nodded. “It suits him perfectly.”

“That’s not your decision to make.”

“I was protecting you.”

“No.” Anger sizzled inside her. “You were scaring the hell out of me. I’ve been worried for days. I had to call my lawyer to see about changing visitation rights.”

“I’ll pay your bill.”

“That’s not the point! You had no right to interfere in my personal life.”

“I thought I was part of your personal life.” He crossed his arms, frowning. “The next time I see your ex, I’ll erase the command. He’ll go back to being his usual repugnant self.”

“Thank you. I can’t believe I’ve been worrying over this, and it was just a joke to you.”

“I was not laughing, Heather. I wanted to kill the bastard for the way he was treating you. A hundred years ago, I would have.”

Her chest constricted, making it hard to breathe. She felt…closed in. Suffocated. She wasn’t ready for this.

“Are you all right?” He touched her shoulder. “You’re heart is pounding.”

She stepped back. “I have fought too hard for my freedom just to throw it away now.” She turned and stalked to the kitchen to be with her daughter.

He was losing her, and he didn’t know what to do about it. Vampires weren’t accustomed to rejection. In the old days, if Jean-Luc wanted a pint, he could always resort to mind control. That way, the lady in question never said no.

But it wasn’t blood he wanted from Heather. He wanted her love, and that was proving much harder to obtain. His sense of honor precluded using mind control on something this important. He wanted her love to be true.

His old methods of seduction hadn’t quite worked on Heather. She had her own career, her own home, her own family. She valued her independence, and she didn’t really need him.

Merde. The more she pulled away, the more he ached for her. In the days that followed, he was tempted several times to whisk her down to his bedroom and make love to her till she couldn’t see straight. He also considered using vampire sex to seduce her while she slept, but he rejected that idea, too. She’d not reacted well to his manipulating her ex’s mind. She would not appreciate his playing games with her head.

So he was left with a totally lame course of action—being a nice guy. He’d always considered himself somewhat nice, so it was surprising how much he had to work at it. He had to constantly remind himself not to tease her with his usual lewd sense of humor. He had to force himself, over and over, not to touch her.

She immersed herself in work, and every evening, he reviewed her daily accomplishments in a businesslike manner. He made polite suggestions while he mentally pictured her clothes falling off. He gave her sincere encouragement while he imagined her screaming his name in the throes of a massive climax.

As the week wore on, he even pictured her beautiful body growing ripe with his child inside her. Dammit to hell, he wanted to start a life with her. He wanted to be her husband. This being-nice crap was for the birds.

By Friday, Heather was ready to scream, and she didn’t know why. Jean-Luc was being very polite. He didn’t even try to touch her. Unfortunately, he also stopped teasing her and making jokes. He no longer looked at her like he was ready to devour her. Had his love for her already gone cold? If that was the case, then she was right to withdraw.

She had felt angry about his turning her ex into a cockroach, but when she’d gone to Fidelia to complain about it, they’d both ended up rolling with laughter.

Heather sighed. She missed the old Jean-Luc. In the last few days, all the fun had gone out of him. Even Fidelia noticed the difference.

“Poor Juan-Luc,” she moaned. “He has lost his mojo. You must help him get it back.”

“How?” Heather was hesitant to ask.

“Go down to his bedroom and take off your clothes while you do the tango.”

“I don’t know how to tango. Will the Cotton Eye Joe work?” Heather pictured herself stripping while doing a country-western line dance.

“I’m trying to help you, chica. If you don’t tell him you love him, you could lose him. Do you want to lose him?”

No. The answer sprang to her mind. No, she couldn’t bear to lose him. “I miss him. I miss the fun conversations we used to have. I miss the way he was always trying to steal a kiss or touch me. I miss the way he made me feel.” She’d felt loved by him. Oh God, she missed his love.

She kept herself occupied by working long hours. By Friday morning, she finished the last of the three outfits. That afternoon, her three teacher friends came by for their fittings. Everything was set for the show on Saturday. Her two weeks of employment would be over. Jean-Luc had said she could stay until her house was ready. Was he reluctant to see her go? She didn’t know how she could leave him and go back to her old life like nothing had happened.

Ian collapsed as usual about six P.M. They always made sure Bethany was in the kitchen when it happened. Heather had told her Ian was a special person who was aging very fast. Bethany seemed to accept that, although she announced she wanted to age fast, too.

A little after seven P.M., Sasha showed up. After fussing at her, Alberto fitted her for the outfit she was supposed to wear.

“Heather, your designs are fabulous!” Sasha hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you.” Heather was surprised. “You do know that my designs are for a size twelve?”

“Oh, I know. And I may be wearing them someday.” Sasha whirled in a circle, grinning. “Guess what? I’m going to retire! And start eating again!”

“Wow. Congratulations. When did you decide this?”

“When I fell in love.” Sasha clasped her hands together over her heart. “I met him in San Antonio. He’s so handsome. And rich. And he’s crazy about me!”

“Great! When do we get to meet this guy?”

“Soon. Henry is so fabulous. You’ll just love him. I do. Can you believe it?” Sasha practically danced to the front door. “I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Later that evening, after the Vamps awoke, Simone and Inga put on their gowns and tried out the runway. They pronounced it ugly, but adequate.

Meanwhile, Jean-Luc paced around the showroom, making sure everything was in order. The mannequins and display cases had been moved to storage. The black runway was flanked on each side by two rows of white folding chairs. The lengths of silk hanging from the catwalk glimmered in shades of black, gray, and white. The whole room looked very elegant.

Jean-Luc stopped beside Heather. “Your outfits are ready?”

“Yes. And my models were fitted this afternoon.”

“Good.” He paced toward the silk curtains and back. “You did well to have three outfits ready in such a short time.”

“Thank you.”

He paced toward the front door, then turned and came back. He glowered at her. “I’m about to explode.”

She blinked. “Excuse me?”

“I can’t take it anymore.”

Was he rejecting her? Heather’s heart began to pound. “I realize you only hired me for two weeks, and my time is up.”

“I’m not talking about employment. I’m talking about us.” He paced away, but returned after a few steps. “I’ve gone almost a week without touching you. I don’t know how to…act. I want to grab you and kiss you, but I don’t dare frighten you away. And I’m tired of waiting for Lui to make his move. You’re trapped here until I can get rid of him.”

“I think we’re all suffering from cabin fever. I’m nervous about tomorrow, too, but I’ll be glad when it’s over.”

“When it’s over, you’ll be free to go.” He dragged a hand through the dark curls on his head. “Will you accept full-time employment?”

She blinked. “You’re offering me a job?”

“Yes. I want to manufacture some of your designs. You can work out of New York or Paris. I’ll help you relocate.”

Heather’s heart lurched. Designing clothes in New York or Paris? It was all she’d ever dreamed of. “But where would you be?”

He sat heavily in a foldout chair. “I’ll be here in hiding.”

She sat beside him. Her dream job didn’t sound so wonderful if it didn’t include him. “Could I work here?”

“I suppose the daytime guard could let you in.” He gave her a wary look. “You can always go home before I wake.”

She bit her lip. “Is that you want?”

“No! I know exactly what I—” He leaned back in the chair. “But I shouldn’t tell you. It’ll scare you away.”

“Tell me. If Louie was gone, what would you do?”

“I would take you and your family to New York. We would stay at Roman’s townhouse. You would see the tourist places during the day, and then at night…”

“Yes?”

“We’d go to the Diamond District to pick out a ring.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“And then I would ask you to marry me.”

Her mouth snapped shut, and she gulped.

“I would be a good father to Bethany, and I would love to have more children with you. Two, I think.”

Did he have their colleges picked out? He certainly did know exactly what he wanted. She struggled to breathe.

He tilted his head, watching her. “What do you think?”

“I think you found your mojo,” she whispered.

“Is that an answer?” He looked confused.

“No.” Heather clenched her hands together.

“I’d better leave you alone. I’ve said too much already. Merde. I’ve probably scared you away.” He strode from the room.

Heather’s heart pounded in her ears. Good Lord, he wanted to marry her. Marriage to a vampire. And children.

Was he scaring her away? Didn’t she have enough to be scared about? Tomorrow was Saturday, the day of the runway show. And the night they expected Louie to try to kill her.