seriously, I’m as much a monster as you are. It’s hard to explain. You have to see it to understand.”
“That makes no sense whatsoever.”
Standing, she grabbed his hand, and led him toward the door. “Put your boots on, sexy. I’ve a gig tomorrow night at the Wollman Rink in Central Park. Stop by around 9:00 p.m. if you want to see me again, and get another kiss.”
He pressed his hand to the door frame over her shoulder, pinning her against the door. Olivia’s heartbeats rocketed to her throat. Did her rapid pulse attract the vampire?
“Just a kiss?” he asked.
Oh, she hoped not. “The kiss will be a start.”
Considering, he nodded. Daniel shoved his feet into his boots, then swept a kiss onto her mouth before she even saw it coming. Glee sparkled in his freckled eyes at the stolen morsel. “You know, there’s nothing to stop me from creeping back into your place in the middle of the night now that you’ve invited me in.”
“You won’t, if you are the man I think you are.”
“Oh, sweetie, you are sadly mistaken. I’m a monster. And monsters don’t ask permission.”
“Still.” She opened the door and shoved him outside into a brisk flutter of snowflakes. “If you keep the date, I’m all yours. Beyond kisses, I promise.”
CHAPTER TWO
WHAT KIND OF GIG took place at the Wollman ice rink? Was Olivia a figure skater? An athletic woman appealed to Daniel’s sensual cravings.
The area was packed with an audience that made him wonder if an Olympic gold medalist were skating. Teen girls jumped up and down and screamed and wielded banners that read We Olivia. Even the guys were getting into it as they waited for someone to take the stage.
The stage? It had been set up at the end of the ice rink and while some skaters glided and twirled across the span, it appeared the focus was not going to be on the ice.
What was all the fuss about?
Walking a wide circle around the crowd, Daniel got near to the backstage area and heard the loudspeaker introduce Olivia. Just Olivia. No last name. The crowd went wild, cheering and pumping their fists.
Lights flashed in Daniel’s face and swept around to focus on the woman who took center stage in a long red gown. Black fur rimmed her wrists and circled her neck, caressing her porcelain face. She began to sing a Christmas song.
“A singer?” And a popular one at that, to judge from the cheers.
He leaned in next to a man who listened raptly. “Is this chick pretty famous?”
“Dude, she’s going to be the next Celine Dion. Where have you been?”
“Working eighty-hour weeks as an investment broker?” he tried, but didn’t add, lately, stalking humans for their blood at night.
The man ignored him and went back to adoring the singer on stage. The crowd had joined in on the chorus of the popular Christmas carol, and cigarette lighters flickered a constellation around the rink. The skaters now performed a routine to the song.
Daniel whistled softly and shook his head. This was an interesting development. How often did famous singers walk around with their own groceries and defend vampires against werewolves?
Not that she’d defended him by any means.
But seriously? The last thing he needed was to get involved with someone famous. He didn’t need the media carnival that must surround her. But they weren’t involved. They weren’t even together, though he’d thought when she’d asked him to meet her here, they’d hook up and head back to her place for a roll between the sheets. No strings, no expectations beyond sex and a bite.
But this? This was lights, camera, attention! All focus on her—and probably anyone she chose to associate with. That was the kicker. Much as Olivia’s kiss still lingered on his mouth, Daniel didn’t need the headache, or the media following his every footstep as he stalked mortals for blood.
Good thing she had invited him here. He would have really hated to start liking the woman only to later discover what he’d gotten into.
You already like her for her fearlessness around you, and that sexy smile.
Yeah, but fortunately, it wasn’t too late to jump that sinking ship.
Shoving his hands in his coat pockets, Daniel turned and wandered out of the park as Olivia’s song ended and the crowd roared ecstatically. Christmas carols, of all things. Scrooge was more his speed this time of year. He’d never been into the holiday, and had always worked through it. Hell, days off had been myth