I thought about it for a moment. “Sometimes I clip colored extensions in my hair, and other teachers give me the stink eye.”
He gestured with his pointer finger. “That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Ignore age altogether and you’ll be happy.”
“How old are you? I honestly can’t tell. You’re either really mature for your twenties, or really relaxed for your thirties.”
William leaned forward, indigo irises examining me quietly. “Doesn’t matter.”
I nodded. “You’re right.”
The food came out, and William swirled his spaghetti around his plate while peppering me with more questions. A few times he took a bite and slightly grimaced.
“Okay, Mr. Spanish Inquisition, don’t think I didn’t notice that you left your spaghetti mostly untouched,” I said. “My background is part Italian, and we never let someone get away without eating.” I waggled my finger at him, cautioning, but his face grew somber.
“Hard limit, remember?” he said simply.
“Right.” I flushed with embarrassment. I would never push a hard limit, but because we weren’t in a scene, I thought I’d be all right.
“I had a little something before I came to get you,” he confessed. “Had to settle the nerves somehow. Saltines and root beer.”
I nodded. “I get it. No worries.” I rolled my neck, relieving some tension, and confessed. “I don’t date much . . . or ever. So yeah, I’m nervous, too.”
His shoulders dropped. “Good. I’m relieved,” he said, eyeing me from across the table. “And impressed. My buddy Harvey sure knows how to make flannel appealing.” He smiled roguishly.
I smoothed the dress. “It’s so comfy,” I said. “Maybe my weekends will be more interesting now. Can I thank Harvey personally?”
He took the bait. “Absolutely. He’s thrilled you even accepted my offer to wear it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s busily crafting other weekend outfits for you.”
“That’s very sweet of him,” I said, not knowing how to take this information. How much does Harvey know? How much do his other friends know? Do vampires have friends? “Does he always have this much free time for a friend?”
His face brightened. “He sees how happy I’ve been this week, aside from the past two days, and wants to help in any way he can.”
So, the gorilla in the room decided to make his entrance.
What the hell should I do?
“William, let’s talk about our arrangement,” I said. His body stiffened, anticipating my answer. “I’ll agree to finishing the rest of this month with you, and then we’ll see where things stand. I have to admit, it’s been good, but I must demand your complete honesty with me. This is a mutual agreement between us, and truthfulness works both ways,” I explained stiffly, then softened. “I do want to see more of you,” I confessed.
His entire body relaxed. “I was hoping you’d say that,” he said, handing me a wrapped parcel from beneath the table. “And in the spirit of honesty, I have something for you. This is my most recent journal.”
I looked at him quizzically, my mind bouncing back and forth between anger and fascination. “Your journal?” I asked. Implying not a vampire’s . . .
“My words, my heart, all in the pages.” His eyes were painfully sincere.
“Okay,” I breathed, and took the package as we headed back to the car. “Thank you.”