When I said that Chatting with a Vampire would be out in October, I did not mean this late. My intention was to
have it out at the beginning of the month or mid-October at the latest.
Chatting with a Vampire was originally
published in the Just Vamps anthology and was very short. I wanted to lengthen it
before republishing it. I had difficulty pulling myself away from another book I
was working on and, as usual, life likes to throw up its roadblocks.
Anyway, it’s short and sweet. Enjoy it with
your Halloween candy.
Here’s an excerpt:
Alaya ran her hands over her skirt again in an almost subconscious effort to make it longer. Her blouse was the same shade of pink with a deep V. The slinky material clung to her breasts and accentuated the dip of her waist.
“Nervous?” Sheila had to shout over the loud music playing in the club.
She turned towards her friend and nodded.
“You should be. What changed your mind about meeting this guy?”
“He seemed nice.”
“Most serial killers do until they take out the knives.”
Alaya made a face at her. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward. She wasn’t going to find Alex standing in the entrance. Also, her outfit was gaining a male audience she didn’t appreciate. A couple of men to their right ogled her and Sheila like they were fresh meat. There were a few seats remaining at the bar so Alaya guided Sheila in that direction. Glancing around, she still didn’t see Alex. Maybe he decided to back out of their date? She’d sent him her picture as well. Maybe he hadn’t liked what he saw.
The bartender came over and they ordered colas. “See him yet?”
Alaya shook her head. There were so many people in here and the music was so loud she was beginning to get a headache. She took a sip of her soda.
Sheila scanned the dance floor from beneath heavy false lashes that gave her dark eyes an exotic appearance. Her short curls were a shiny helmet that reflected the nightclub’s lights. “Well, if he doesn’t show up soon, there are plenty of other men in here.” She nodded to a group of men sizing them up. With a wicked grin, she crossed her long mocha legs.
Alaya shook her head at her friend’s antics. Sheila’s black leather mini was shorter than her own skirt. She felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, Alaya bit her lip in trepidation and excitement. It was Alex. He was dressed in a shirt and slacks with a dark blue jacket. She appreciated that he had taken the time to dress nice for her. Alaya had a weakness for men in suits.
He was even better looking in person. The hair that had appeared dark brown in his photo was alive with red and gold, reminding her of fall, her favorite season. He wore it loose, but it was neatly styled and sleek and shiny. He was tall and fit with broad shoulders. Alex’s lips curled in a smile and Alaya’s heart skipped a beat. She could have stared at him all day. “Alaya, I’m Alex.”
“Damn,” she heard Sheila whisper next to her. Alaya silently echoed that sentiment.
Suppressing the urge to fan her face or fall off her stool in a faint, Alaya extended her hand to Alex. “Alex, it’s good to meet you. This is my friend Sheila.” His gaze slowly travelled to her friend for a brief instant but soon returned to her as though he couldn’t bear to take his eyes off her.
“It’s lovely to meet you both. Your photo didn’t do you justice.”
She felt herself flushing with pleasure. “Thank you.”
“I see you already have a drink. May I buy you another?”
“No, thank you.”
Sheila slid off her stool. “Alex, have my seat. I see someone I know.” She hugged Alaya. “Call me later,” she whispered before moving off. Alaya’s eyes widened but she didn’t stop Sheila. This was their agreed upon signal. Sheila had sized him up and deemed him to be safe – and fuckable. She bit her lip and admitted to herself that she did want Alex.
