Reclaimed(8)
Author: Diane Alberts

“These pale in comparison to you, but I thought you’d like them regardless.” He grinned as she took them from his hand and brought them to her nose to inhale their fragrant scent.

“Thank you, so much. I love them, truly.”

She headed to the kitchen, and he remained in the doorway, feeling uncertain. Should he follow her, or stay in the doorway? She paused and blinked rapidly while she tilted her head to the side and stared at him.

“Please, come in. I’m going to put these in some water.” She made a sweeping gesture to invite him inside.

He grinned as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He followed her into the kitchen and remarked, “This is a beautiful house you have. So quiet and charming.”

“Thank you. Truth be told, I fell in love at first sight. It seemed to call to me. It’s lovely.”

While Sabrina fussed over the flowers, Isaac studied his surroundings. Despite his words, a chill ran up his spine at the sight of her home. Sure, she had a security system, but it needed more protection. The kind only he could provide. He’d have to fix that immediately.

And the location? That was a whole other story.

Isaac watched as she flowed through the kitchen and forced himself to take a calming breath. He felt as if an eternity had passed since he had seen her, last watched her smile. It took every ounce of his control to not sweep her into his arms and carry her up the stairs. Though he wanted to do just that—God, did he want to—he knew he couldn’t. He had to act normal.

He couldn’t afford to push her away; they were running out of time. He pulled himself out of his thoughts, only to curse silently at the sight of her pursed lips.

Shit.

How long had he been standing there, brooding?

He flashed what he hoped was a bright smile. “Well, should we head out?”

“Sure, I’m ready,” she assured him. She collected her purse, shut off the lights, and followed him outside.

He watched as she locked her doors and set the alarm code. When she finished, he grabbed her arm and led her to his car.

***

The restaurant Isaac chose radiated elegancy. After he worked some sort of magic on the manager, they were seated at a secluded table in the back, behind deep red curtains. A single candle burned in a crystal votive on the table. After they ordered their dinner, filet mignon for both of them, hers medium-well, his rare, they sipped red wine as he began a subtle interrogation.

“So what do you do, Sabrina?”

“I write.” She took a leisurely sip of wine.

“Oh? Anything I would know?”

“I write a series called Darkness. It’s a love story between two vampires. Each book progresses through time, and I’ve started the final book in the present day. The tale started in the seventeenth century.” She fiddled with her wine glass and shifted in her seat. She hated when people asked her what she wrote about. She used to stutter while trying to sum up in two sentences what her entire book was about, until she forced herself to come up with a generic reply to the question.

It made life a heck of a lot easier.

“I’ve heard of it. Charlotte Hannigan, right? That’s your pen name?”

“Yes, it is,” she replied. “I like to keep my identity a secret. Keeps any overzealous fans at bay. What about you, Isaac?”

“I’m in real estate. I acquire and sell a variety of land and structures spread throughout the world. I either sell the properties after extensive remodeling, or I rent them out. Quite boring, compared to your occupation.”

“No, it sounds interesting,” she assured.

“No, it really isn’t.” Isaac laughed, and she joined in. “Any siblings?”

“Yes, one. Her name is Marie. She’s married, and has a daughter named Samantha. Her husband’s a lawyer, and they’re expecting a boy in February. They live in San Clemente, California.” A pang of homesickness came over her as she thought of Marie. She missed her laugh and her smile.

“Are you from there?”

She tore herself from her inner thoughts and responded, “Yes. And you? Siblings?”

Isaac tensed, and his eyes hardened almost undiscernibly. Why did the mere mention of siblings cause him to close up in such a visible way? Maybe there was a rift between them?

He hesitated before answering. “Yes, a brother. We’re not close, though.” He gave a sharp wave of his hand, as if to wave away the awkwardness of the current thread of conversation. He obviously didn’t want to talk about his estranged brother.

“No? I’m sorry,” she said. She couldn’t imagine her life without Marie.

“It’s okay. Do your parents also live in California?” Isaac asked.

“No, they died. I only have Marie. Yours?”

“With yours.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“And I yours,” he returned.

Dinner arrived and interrupted their conversation. When she caught sight of Isaac’s entree, she got immediately taken aback at how bloody he’d ordered his steak.

“Wow. It looks like that should still be mooing. Is it done enough for you?” she babbled. Sabrina checked her steak to see if it appeared done enough. It did.

She returned her gaze to his and saw him regarding her with amusement.

“Yes, this is how I like it. I know, it’s not healthy, but it is so worth the risk. Just try a bite, you’ll see.” She watched with a marked lack of enthusiasm as he cut a bite off of his steak, holding it out to her. He unleashed both dimples upon her before pleading. “Please? For me?”

Next thing she knew, she chewed it, and she struggled to remember having agreed to try a bite.

Unfair.

Surprisingly enough, he spoke true. She closed her eyes and chewed on the tender meat, groaning in pure culinary delight.

“Oh my God, you’re right! I would never have thought it could be so good. It’s moist, and tender, and, and, and…delectable.” She gazed from her steak to his and fought down disappointment. What had once appeared perfect now seemed overcooked and bland.

Isaac laughed and casually flicked his wrist. Immediately, the waiter arrived by his side. “Please, I must have made an error. Can we have another steak, done rare as well? The lady will eat mine, as we wait.” He handed off her previous order before she had a chance to object and placed his plate in front of her. “Now, please do enjoy.”

“Oh, no. I can’t. You just gave me your dinner, the least I can do is wait. You didn’t have to do that!” she exclaimed. Her face heated as she realized what she’d just done. She’d just stolen his dinner.