"What?" I asked, breathless.
He pressed my hand against his heart. "I'm yours. Heart. Body. Soul. If you want me, I'll stay with you forever."
My heart jumped. Was he saying what I thought he was saying?
"I love you," he continued softly. "But it's more than that." He shook his head. "Can you promise me something?"
"Anything," I whispered.
"Don't let anyone else drink from you. Okay?"
It seemed a strange request, but one I could honor. "I promise."
He smiled and wrapped me in a hug, brushing my hair with his hands. "I'm going to shower. Want to join me?" he asked.
Say yes. Say yes. Say yes, my inner voice screamed.
I leaned back, so I saw his face. "Pops said no hanky panky." I giggled.
He huffed. "You're right." He unbuckled his belt, slid off his boots, and undid his pants. I stood there watching. In awe of the gorgeousness that was my Hunter. When he slid his thumbs under the elastic of his maroon boxer-briefs, I jumped.
"K, I'm going."
He laughed and said, "Fine."
I closed the door, and leaned against it. My heart raced. At the memory of his lips on mine, his words... At the idea of almost seeing him naked. I so wasn't ready for what naked bodies together meant.
How do you know until you try, my inner voice huffed.
I took a deep breath, working to slow my racing heart.
Someday, for sure. But, not today.
Chapter 3
When we finished showering (separately) and getting ready (together), we went downstairs. Professor Pops was in his office. He saw us, and stood, tucking his reading glasses in his breast pocket. "Ready to see Kenmei?"
We both nodded.
"There is an interesting new development," Christopher said, as we made our way down the hall.
I looked at him. There has, I thought.
"I see." Professor Pops said, as he grabbed his keys. We followed him to the garage, and got in the car.
On the drive to the train station, Christopher told him about my blood no longer burning him. Although Pops seemed upset about the possible hanky panky, he didn't say anything.
Neither did I. Instead I mulled over his words, listened to what Professor Pops and Christopher had to say.
We arrived at Kenmei's and I was surprised. I hardly recalled getting there.
"Come in. Come in," Kenmei said with a bow.
We entered his home, and took off our shoes. Then he led us down the hall we'd come through last time. As with last time I visited Kenmei's house, I was struck by the feeling someone watched my movements, like those paintings in old movies where the eyes moved.
I didn't see any moving eyes though.
At the end of the hallway, we turned left. I didn't think there'd been a hallway to the left last time. Nervous tingles raced along my skin. Did his house move?