Vaulcron (Enigma Series Book 3) (20 page)

After a quick response to her friend that it was fine, she also sent a reply to the detective.
Sorry, Clay. Had a meeting. Call you tomorrow.

She set the phone aside and noticed Angel staring at her over the rim of his glass with a look that could only be described as hunger.

Clearing her throat, she asked. “Would you like some music?”

“That would be great.” His deeply accented voice did crazy things to her insides.

“Looks like I’ll be staying in tonight. Are you hungry?”

Something flickered in his eyes. “Am I keeping you from something?”

“Not at all. I was supposed to have dinner with a friend to celebrate my promotion, but she had to cancel.”

“Congratulations. What kind of promotion?”

Was that relief in his voice?

“I’m a reporter for the
Lakeland Hedger
. I just made lead photojournalist. What kind of music would you like?”

“Brains as well as beauty…and whatever you have is fine.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Music? I’m okay with anything you have.” There was no mistaking the twinkle in his eyes or the innuendo.

Ember laughed to cover her nervousness and strolled into the living room to search through her many CDs lined under the stereo. She selected the soundtrack to her favorite vampire movie.

His scent suddenly enveloped her, leaving no doubt he’d followed. She’d never been so attuned to another’s smell before…other than Alan’s breath, but that was on a whole different level. Angel’s incredible scent didn’t stop at her nose. It flowed through her body like lava, melting any resistance in its way.

“You have quite a collection. Vampires? I wouldn’t have pegged you for Team—”

A phone ringing cut off his words. “I have to go. I’m sorry.” Regret was evident in his voice.

He was almost to the kitchen before she’d turned completely around.

She wanted to run after him.
Yeah, desperation in its finest form.

He opened the door and glanced back at her. “Your last name should be Burns.” It closed softly behind him.

Ember Burns?
Her lips twitched at the play on words.

Chapter Three

Ember stripped out of her clothes and ventured back to the kitchen to finish her wine. She drank Angel’s also and picked up the bottle and her cell before heading to the bathroom.

Bright light nearly blinded her when she flipped the switch, leaving her to blink several times until her eyes adjusted to the invasion. After starting the shower, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. There was nothing unique about her body other than high, perky breasts. A narrow waist led to full hips and a slightly too plump rear.

Ember turned from her reflection to step into the shower and let the hot water soothe away the remnants of the day. With the complaint filed against her, the pictures showing up again, and a sexy Angel moving in next door, her emotions had taken one hell of a ride.

She really needed to talk to Laura about the day’s events. Ember rushed through her shower, grabbed a towel from the rack, and hurried out. The heavy terry cloth felt good against her skin. She dried quickly and dialed her friend.

“Hello?” Some of her tension left with the sound of Laura’s voice.

“Hi. You got a minute?”

“Yeah. Sorry I bailed on you, but Mom fell. She’s okay. They took her to the hospital for X-rays to be on the safe side.”

“Oh no. Just let me get dressed, and I’ll be on my way.”

“Don’t be silly. She’s fine. I’m heading up to check on her now. I’m sure they’ll release her tonight. What’s up?”

“It can wait. You have a lot on your mind right now. Call me when you know something.”

“Spill it, Em. I have a few minutes left of this drive; it’ll take my mind off things.”

Ember took a deep breath. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”

Laura laughed. “You really need to get laid.”

“No shit, but I’m serious.”

“Okay. Who are we talking about here? And, no, I don’t. Lust at first sight maybe, but love?”

“My new neighbor. I just met him an hour ago, but something happened between us, and my entire world tilted on its axis.”

“Wow, did you sleep with him?” Humor was still obvious in her voice.

“I’m totally not kidding here.”
Although I wish I were. How do you tell someone you may be in love with a stranger?
“I have never felt like this before. I know it’s crazy, but there it is.”

“What’s this phenomenon’s name?”

“Angelo. He goes by Angel. He’s really tall with dark hair and has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. Even his voice is hypnotic. And he smells so good; I could eat him with chopsticks.”

“Maybe he is an angel.”

“Laura…”

“I’m teasing. Okay, so you think you fell in love with your neighbor. It’s probably just a healthy dose of chemistry. That happens sometimes. I’m sure it’ll fade after you sleep with him. How was his breath? Did you at least kiss him?” She was definitely fighting a chuckle.

“It was perfect. He got a call and had to leave suddenly so I didn’t get a chance.”

“It’s probably your hormones or lack of sexual activity.”

Ember finally laughed. No one could make a weird situation funny quite the way Laura could.

“You are so not right, but I love you for it. Hug your mom for me and please call as soon as you see her. I’ll worry.”

“I will, and I love you too.” There was a brief pause. “Okay, I’m here at the hospital. Talk later.” The call disconnected.

Ember made her way to the bedroom with wine in one hand and phone in the other.
I have such an exciting life. Not.

By the time she was dressed and lotioned up, she’d almost finished the rest of the bottle. The slight alcohol buzz began to relax her.

Her cell rang with an unknown number.

“Hello?” Silence.

“Is anyone there?” She could hear breathing, then a click, and the line went dead.

An old, familiar fear came rushing back with anger right on its heels. “Fucking freak.”

Ember sat heavily on the edge of her bed and stared at the phone. Someone was playing mind games, and she’d be damned if she would allow them any more space to rent inside her head.

With determination, she stood and made her way to the balcony for some much-needed air. Being on the second floor afforded her the pleasure of sitting in the shadows unseen, she thought as she flipped off the porch light.

The night was warm, and a gentle breeze blew in from the north, lifting her hair as the glass door slid silently open. Ember let her gaze travel past the safety of the balcony, into the night beyond. Lights flickered through the trees, and soft murmurs could be heard from the open windows of neighboring condos.

Her shoulders relaxed a little when no one sailed over the railing in a loincloth and mask like the nut job in the last movie she’d seen. She sat in one of the two chairs positioned around a small table, rested her head on the seat back, and let her eyes drift shut.

Almost immediately an image of the new janitor flashed through her mind with his emotionless stare.
There is something very Norman Bates about that guy
. Ember shivered with the memory of their encounter.

A deep voice sounded from nearby, startling her. There was no mistaking Angelo’s sexy accent, Ember mused as he stepped out onto his balcony while talking on the phone.

She slid down in her seat to stay hidden behind a palm tree she’d placed there for privacy. She was about to get up and tiptoe inside when his next words stopped her.

“I have to be careful. Yes, I know. I thought of that also, but she didn’t say anything about it, and I’m wondering if she’s even aware.”

Her?
He continued to speak, and Ember’s mouth went dry. She’d leaned forward a bit and caught sight of him pacing. He wore black boxer briefs and nothing else.

Yeah, he’s every woman’s fantasy
. His skin was smooth and tan with a light dusting of hair on his chest. Muscles rippled as he moved. Her gaze traveled down to abs that no doubt fueled the fantasies of women everywhere…herself included.

He turned just then, and she got a good look at the ass she’d been lusting for earlier in the evening. Perfection was the only word to describe it.

She nearly slid out of her seat when he spun around to make another pass. His cock may as well have had a red bull’s-eye painted on it. Ember couldn’t look away. His sheer size amazed her, and her pussy clenched. She’d never wanted a man so much.
What would it be like to be taken by him?
She almost groaned aloud at the thought.

His dick suddenly twitched, and she jerked her attention to his face. He stared back at her with a heavy-lidded expression. She’d been busted again.
How the hell did he see me sitting in the dark?

Her cheeks heated instantly. Mortified, she jumped up and scrambled toward the door.

“Don’t go.” The softly spoken command released a flutter of butterflies in her stomach that rivaled every amusement park ride she’d ever been on.

Ember froze. She couldn’t bring herself to turn and face him. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t eavesdropping. I—”

A hand touched her shoulder, effectively cutting off her words.

She spun around, shocked that he’d reached her so fast and without her hearing his approach.

“No need to apologize…Ember Burns.” He stepped closer, his scent surrounding her in an invisible caress that was quickly becoming addictive.

“That’s the second time you’ve called me that,” she whispered in a husky voice she barely recognized.

“It fits you.”

Ember stopped breathing as his gaze lowered to her lips and his hands slid up the sides of her face.

“I’ve wanted to do this all evening.” His mouth covered her top lip with a gentle suction that was intoxicating. Her eyes drifted shut, and her head tilted back on some invisible command she felt to her soul.

He groaned and moved to her bottom lip, giving it the same attention before applying a gentle pressure, skimming his tongue along the seam.

Ember gripped his biceps to keep from crumpling at his feet. Her heart beat overtime, and she had to remind herself to breathe. The feel of his tongue inside her mouth coupled with his amazing scent left her dizzy.

The kiss suddenly ended, and Ember opened her eyes to find him staring back at her with a look of longing. “You taste better than I thought you would…and someone’s at your door.”

He moved away, and the loss of his touch left her cold. It took a second to realize what he meant. But how had he known? She was so caught up in his kiss she hadn’t heard the doorbell.

She turned to go with the intention of getting rid of her unwanted guest. “I’ll be right back.” She gave him an expectant look, hoping for assurance he’d wait, but he remained silent.

With a little reluctance, Ember left him on the balcony and traded the towel she’d been wearing for a T-shirt she normally slept in. Pulling at the hem to make sure it was long enough to cover her girly parts, she rushed to the door. A look through the peephole told her it was the detective.
Damn it, Clay. Your timing sucks.

She opened the door with a quick glance back to make sure Angel hadn’t followed her inside in his underwear.

“Hi, Clay. How are you?” she questioned with a sincere smile. It really would have been good to see him under any other circumstance.

“I’m good. May I come in?”

He looked so hopeful she couldn’t bring herself to refuse him.
Maybe he won’t stay long if I play the tired card.

“Sure.” She waved him inside with reluctance. “Have a seat. Would you like a drink?”

“I’m on duty, but I appreciate the offer.” He touched her hand as he moved around her.

She closed the door and followed him to the bar. “Make yourself at home. I thought you got off work at eight tonight?”

“I did. I’m on call.”

“Oh, I see. Well, give me just a minute. I’ll be right back.”

He made one hell of a picture, wearing jeans and a dark green polo shirt with a badge clipped on the side of his belt. He even smelled nice.
Not as good as the Greek god waiting on the balcony, but it works for him.

Ember shook off the thought and strode back to where she’d left Angel. He hadn’t moved.

“It’s Detective Harper. Would you like to come inside and wait? I won’t be long.” It took everything she had not to throw herself on him. She wanted to feel his mouth on her again so bad she could taste it.

“Is everything okay?” The softly spoken question was laced with something other than concern.

“Yes. He’s just checking on me.” Was it her imagination, or did he seem angry?

“Maybe you should put on a robe.” A muscle ticked along his jaw.

Okay, he’s definitely pissed
. For some odd reason the thought comforted her. Obviously, she wasn’t alone in this instant-connection thing. Whatever it was.

Ember snagged a robe from a hook on the bedroom door on her way back to the kitchen and had it cinched up by the time the detective came in to view.

Clay stood. “Everything good?”

She felt guilty for lying to him. He’d saved her life, had been there for her more times than she could count during the last year.
Just tell him the truth. Yeah, right. Sorry, but I have my half-naked neighbor that I just met today out on the balcony, and we’re waiting on you to leave.

“I’m fine. Just a little tired. It’s really good to see you.”
That much is true.

His hand came up to caress her face. “You work too hard.”

“With moving offices and the damn stilettos I wore today, I’d considered homicide just shy of three o’clock.”
Are his lips moving closer?

“At least it wasn’t suicide,” he whispered as his mouth slowly descended toward hers.

A crashing sound echoed from the back of the condo, and Clay stiffened.

Ember stepped back, nervous and a little off-balance. “It’s just the neighbor’s cat. I left the sliding door open in my bedroom.” They stared at each other until it grew uncomfortable. “I should go to bed soon. Six o’clock comes pretty early.”

Disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he didn’t push. “Are you free this weekend?”

At the moment, Ember couldn’t think beyond the big, sexy Bulgarian who made entirely too much noise.

“I’ll see what I have going on. Call me tomorrow?” Another sound from the back made her cringe, but she didn’t blink.
What is he doing back there, rearranging furniture?

Clay’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, and he glanced toward the hall. Neither of them moved for a long moment as Ember held her breath.

“Sure. Talk to you then.” Clay turned to leave, and she nearly sagged in relief.

Ember followed him to the door and thought about how many times she’d wanted him to stop by. Now that he was there the timing couldn’t have been worse.

Clay paused with his hand on the knob. “Lock this behind me.” Without another word, he eased the door open and stepped out onto the porch, shutting it softly behind him.