Death Times Two(36)

They look like kids in a candy store. Melvyn claps his hands together. “When do we leave?”
“Just as soon as I get paid,” Hal says.
Everybody’s eyes level on me. I whisper to Asa, “Please tell me we can pay Hal five coins and still have enough for Emiko.”
Obviously Asa can hear and see Hal. He opens his hand, offering me two more pieces. “Hell yes. The sooner we get this over with the sooner I’m getting into your pants.”
I scoop up the coins and start tossing them at Hal. “All right then, get on board the elevator to paradise.” And hopefully I’d be visiting paradise very soon as well. “Happy trails. Run free. Be wild. See you in the next life.”
The two spirits waste no time boarding the elevator. With an excited wave from Melvyn, the door slides shut, leaving Asa and me alone in the cabin. Both of his arms slide around my body and he pulls my back against him. His breath feathers against my ear and his lips nuzzle against my neck.
“We’re alone,” he mumbles. “Wanna make out?”
I sigh and relax against him. “I’d love nothing more.” Turning, I wind my arms around his neck. “But we’ve got one more ghost to reap and I can’t concentrate until the job is finished.” I brush my mouth against his. “And you don’t want me to be distracted…” My tongue caresses his bottom lip. “Do you?”
He runs a hand up my spine and cups the back of my head, tilting it slightly. His mouth claims mine. I open to him and our tongues meet, sliding along each other. My heart beat quickens and those little flips I used to get when I was young and had a crush on a boy tumble in my stomach. A moan escapes me and all I want is to lose myself in Asa.#p#分页标题#e#
As if out of protest my stomach erupts with a complaint that sounds as if I haven’t eaten in days—which would be idiotic, because I’d kill somebody before that happened.
He smiles against my mouth, pulls back slightly and rests his forehead against mine. “Come on, you need to eat.”
For the first time as far as I remember, I want to argue I’m not hungry. But I’m going to need my strength for this last ghost and hopefully for the romp fest with Asa. “Okay.”
Our trip back to the inn is quick. I think I’m starting to memorize part of the tunnels. I knew when we were getting closer and guessed the last half dozen turns correctly. I can’t help but feel this isn’t information Vivian would want an outsider to know, but I’m not going to bring up the subject. Let sleeping vamps lie, as they say—or as I say now that I’ve reaped a kagillion of them.
Back at the inn I’m served a meal that satisfies every fat, cheese lovin’, alcoholic bit of me—a cheeseburger, fries, and a beer. It’s as if someone read my mind. Another thought I don’t want to examine too closely. Ignorance is bliss.
After downing the last of my beer, I stretch and yawn. For Asa the night is young, but the day’s events have wiped me out.
“Tired?” he asks.
I cover my mouth in a feeble attempt to hide my exhaustion. “Sorry. Reaping takes a lot out of me. Especially when they try to possess me.”
“Why don’t you get some sleep? Maybe we can reap Emiko later, or even tomorrow.”
Despite the prospect of having some fun with Asa after the job is finished, I’m missing my kids. Home seems like a million miles away and even though I know they’re fine with my best friend, I’m getting anxious to get home. “Maybe just a nap. We can go out later.”
“Sounds good.”
I prop my elbow on the table and rest my chin on my hand, smiling. “Can I ask you a favor?”
He mirrors my position. “Anything.”
“Will you come to bed with me?”
His eyes widen. “You’re supposed to sleep.”
“I will.” My smile evaporates. “I don’t want to be alone. Not with Emiko still on the loose.”
Without hesitation he stands and holds out his hand. “Come on.”
Boy, I could really get used to having this guy around. Hot, considerate, seems to like kids. I tamp down the disappointment about what can’t be—at least not now, and accept his hand. We head to my room and he closes the door behind us.
It takes a second for my eyes to adjust. “Is it true vampires see in the dark?”
“Yep.”
“What am I doing now?” I stick out my tongue.
“Careful, or I’ll take that as an invitation.”
I laugh. “Okay, it’s true.” I walk to the bed. “Uh, sorry if this is awkward, but I can’t sleep with pants on. I’m a little claustrophobic.”
Suddenly he’s beside me. “You can take off all your clothes as far as I’m concerned.”