Andrei.
Yes, love?
I miss you.
Come and get me.
A thought took her to his side. Being a vampire definitely had its perks, she thought, as he wrapped her in his arms, then slid his hand under her gown to stroke her thigh.
“Did you come for a quickie?” he asked, eyes twinkling with mischief.
“I wish.”
“I can be very quiet,” he said. “I don’t know about you.”
She made a face at him, thinking she had never been happier in her whole life. The things she had given up paled in comparison to the joy she felt in his arms, the love she read in his eyes.
“I smell breakfast,” he said. “No doubt your mother will be coming to wake you up . . . Yep, I hear her footsteps on the stairs. Better scoot back to your own room if you don’t want to shock her.”
Stealing a quick kiss, Tessa willed herself back to her room. The sooner they went back home, the better!
* * *
Her mother served Belgian waffles, bacon, and eggs for breakfast. It had once been Tessa’s favorite breakfast, but looking at it now, she knew there was no way she could eat it. She sent a helpless glance at Andrei, who nodded almost imperceptibly. Just follow my lead.
He helped himself to a waffle and a generous serving of bacon and eggs, complimenting her mother’s culinary skills all the while.
Following his lead, Tessa filled her plate.
Her father said grace and her parents ate as if nothing unusual was happening, even though Andrei and Tessa never touched a bite.
When the meal was over, Tessa insisted on clearing the table, unable to believe that Andrei’s mind tricks had somehow fooled her mom and dad.
With the dishes done, they gathered in the living room to open their presents.
Her father was pleased with the chess set; her mother said the robe and nightgown were exactly what she needed. Tessa’s gifts from her parents were a Coach handbag, a pair of boots, and a bottle of her favorite perfume. They had even bought presents for Andrei—a box of monogrammed handkerchiefs and a black leather wallet.
The rest of the day passed in lazy fashion. They watched The Greatest Story Ever Told on TV; later, they played cards. Still later, her mother brought out the family album.
Tessa groaned as her mother proudly showed Andrei photos of Tessa growing up—from plump, rosy-cheeked baby to gangly teenager and all the embarrassing years in between.
“She’s always been a lovely girl,” her mother said, putting the album aside. “Never gave us a moment’s trouble.”
Andrei nodded.
“There’s something about her now,” her mother remarked, studying Tessa’s face. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but she’s radiant in away I’ve never seen her.”
Tessa sent a worried look at Andrei. They know!
He shook his head, the movement almost imperceptible . No way.
“It must be love,” Henry said, grinning.
“Of course.” Alice beamed at Andrei. “That must be it!”
* * *
“I do wish the two of you could stay longer,” Alice said, squeezing Tessa’s hand as they walked out to the porch.
“I know, Mom, me too. But I have to go back to work on Monday.”
Alice sighed. “It was wonderful to meet you, Andrei. Take good care of my little girl.”
“You can count on it,” Andrei said. He stood back as Tessa’s parents hugged her, obviously reluctant to see their only child leaving home yet again.
Tears sparkled in Alice’s eyes as she hugged Tessa one last time. “Have a safe trip. Call us when you get home.”
“I will, Mom. Thanks for everything.”
Andrei noticed tears shining in Tessa’s eyes as well, as they climbed into the cab that was, as far as her parents knew, taking them to the airport. In reality, it was only taking them a few blocks away.
“I’m glad you talked me into coming,” she said, sniffling.
He nodded. “You’re lucky to have parents who love you.”
“Didn’t yours love you?”
“I suppose they did, in their way. But my father was more concerned with running the estate. My mother spent her days looking after castle affairs and keeping my father happy. My brothers and I were raised by nursemaids and tutors.”
“Andrei, why was I so tempted to drink from my parents? The urge was so strong, stronger than anything I’ve felt with anyone else. Is that normal?”
“I don’t know. My parents were dead by the time Katerina turned me. But if I had to make a guess, I’d say it’s because their blood is still a part of you.”
Tessa considered that while Andrei told the cabbie to pull over. After gathering their suitcases and handing Tessa their gifts, he tipped the driver and when the cab was out of sight, he put his arm around Tessa and willed the two of them back to his lair.