Love at Stake (Entangled Covet)(48)

Melissa snatched it from her hand eagerly. “Fantastic.”

“We don’t get many vampires,” she said. “A few more have been signing up because of Lucian’s interest, but if you’re looking to meet someone of your own kind, you might be out of luck.”

Melissa waved away the concern. “I deal enough with my own kind through Lucian’s duties. I’d far rather meet someone else.” Her gaze locked with Abbey’s. “Perhaps a tasty werewolf.”

“Well, I’m bringing Christian so perhaps he can make a suggestion or two.”

“Thanks.” She rose from her chair, tucking the invitation into her bag. “I’ve got to run but I appreciate your bending the rules for me.”

“My pleasure,” Abbey said, escorting her to the door. “For what it’s worth, I really do hope Lucian allows you to join.”

Melissa’s smile dimmed somewhat but she inclined her head. “I’ll see you tonight.”

Abbey closed the door behind her before heading back to work. Except when she powered her screen back on, she barely saw the words before her.

Was Lucian regretting his decision to let her go or was it only wishful thinking? Despite her best efforts to put the bastard from her mind, he’d never been far from her thoughts. Even when she was enjoying Christian’s company, the back of her mind compared the two men. Lucian had none of Christian’s free spirit, but the wolf didn’t make her burn the way her lover had. The two men were night and day.

And she’d always been a nighttime kind of girl.

…

“Honey, how long do we need to stay at this thing?”

Abbey’s eyes narrowed. “I told you this was a work event. I can’t just skip out.”

Christian ran a hand through his hair as they walked toward the bar. “I know, I know. This is important to you.” His tone clearly conveyed he couldn’t understand why.

“My job is important to me.”

“Right.”

Abbey brushed off her annoyance, determined not to let him ruin her evening. They had started off so great all those days ago in the bar, but the more she saw Christian, the more she realized they had some fundamental differences their rating didn’t take into account.

He couldn’t understand her desire to be human. In his mind, there was no doubt that supernaturals were superior and it pissed her off. She knew he looked down on her work as well. His food was a work of art. His services were in demand all over the city. She just got people laid. Under any other circumstances, she wondered if they would have even survived the string of dates they’d enjoyed.

But the rating kept Christian coming back, and her heartbreak kept her accepting his invitations.

“You didn’t have to come with me tonight if you’re busy,” she said.

“No, no. I wanted to see you. Besides, I don’t want someone stealing you away, now do I?” He tossed her a boyish grin and she found herself smiling in response.

“How could that be possible?” she teased.

“Exactly.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into his arms. “Give me a reward and I promise to be good.”

“Typically rewards come after the good behavior.”

“Call it a bribe, then.” He lowered his head and Abbey lifted her face to his.

Her lashes fluttered shut as his lips touched hers. They might have their differences, but man, the guy knew how to kiss.

Abbey rose to her tiptoes and twined her arms around his neck. The heat from his skin chased away the coolness of the evening. His tongue invaded her mouth as he deepened the kiss. Abbey bit back a moan. She knew he’d be happy to blow off the mixer and head back to his apartment, but it was a step she wasn’t ready for. Not yet, when her body still mourned Lucian.

With a last kiss, she stepped back. Her breath was a little ragged and there was no mistaking the heat in Christian’s eyes.

“Soon,” he whispered.

She let him take her hand and tug her toward the bar. There was no denying that Christian was one attractive wolf and if she let him go, there would be a string of women lined up for him. Maybe she should dive in. Quiet the voice in her head longing for Lucian and fall into bed with a man who wanted her.

Wants me as long as I’m willing to change who I am to be with him, she thought. If they went the distance, she knew the question would come up. Will you turn for me?

She bit her lip. She wasn’t morally opposed to the transformation. There were undeniable perks to being one of the supernatural. But she didn’t want to do it only because her lover wouldn’t have her any other way. She deserved a man who loved her, no matter what species she belonged to.