Lissianna smiled and Greg found himself going still as she leaned up on tiptoe to press a kiss full of gratitude to his lips. At least, Greg suspected it was a kiss of gratitude for her, for him, just that light brushing of lips had him wanting more and he wrapped his arms around her as she started to withdraw, then deepened the kiss.
"Greg?"
Greg recognized his name, but preoccupied as he was he didn't pay attention.
"It is you! What are you doing here?"
The question was like an irritating fly buzzing around his ear and Greg would have been happy to ignore it, but Lissianna broke away from him to turn to the speaker. Sighing, he turned too and stared at the short brunette facing them. He was so stunned at the sight of his sister, Anne, that it took him a moment to respond.
"Well?" she demanded impatiently.
"What are you doing here?" he countered.
"Shopping." Anne gave the half dozen bags she held a shake, then raised an eyebrow.
"We're doing the same thing," he said quickly to answer the question.
His sister glanced toward their empty hands, then smiled at Lissianna. "Hi, I'm his sister Anne. And you are?"
"Lissianna," she answered slowly, her gaze shifting from Anne to Greg.
"Oh, what a lovely name," his sister said, then added with her usual bluntness, "but long. Can I call you Lissi?"
"Lots of people do," Lissianna agreed, her smile appearing more natural.
"Good." Anne turned back to Greg. "So? What are you doing here? You said you were going to be in Mexico this week."
"My flight was canceled," Greg blurted. "When I tried to rebook, I couldn't get another one until Wednesday, so I just canceled the trip."
"Uh-huh." Anne didn't sound like she believed him. "And you didn't call me because... ?"
When Greg stared at his sister blankly, Lissianna answered for him. "That's probably my fault, Anne. I'm afraid I've kept him rather tied up with one thing and another the last couple of days."
Greg choked at her choice of words. He'd been literally tied up.
"Really?" Anne was beaming. A born matchmaker, she obviously smelled romance.
Lissianna just smiled, then said, "I'll leave you two to talk while I visit the ladies' room. Excuse me."
Greg watched her walk away and turned reluctantly back to his sister.
"So spill?" Anne said at once.
"Spill what?" Greg asked, feeling suddenly hunted. His sister had him in her crosshairs.
She heaved a disgusted breath, then thrust her shopping bags at him. "Here, go find a seat in the food court and watch these. I suddenly have to visit the ladies' room, too."
"No, Anne, just-- Crap," he muttered, as she hurried after Lissianna. His sister would be all over Lissianna like a blanket, asking questions and preventing her from feeding, unless she fed on Anne. Greg blinked at the possibility. He rather liked the idea. Which was probably mean, he realized. Shaking his head, he turned and walked into the food court to find an empty table.
The food court was busy, but Greg eventually found an empty table and set his sister's bags down. He took a seat, and glanced toward the washrooms just in time to see Lissianna and his sister coming out.
"Well, we should have a coffee," Anne said cheerfully as she reached the table.
"Oh, we can't, thanks, Anne," Greg said quickly.
"Don't be silly, of course you can. I asked and Lissi said you didn't have any plans."
He glanced at Lissianna to see her offering him an apologetic grimace, but was more concerned by her pallor. Obviously--as he'd feared--she hadn't managed to feed with his sister trailing her. Greg turned back to his sister. "Yes, but--"