“Gaby, hun, I think that’s you,” Shawn said leaning into my clutch.

  “That’s not my ring tone.” Using my vampire hearing, I concentrated on the incessant ringing. It stopped again. When it started for a third time, I had no doubt that Shawn was right, but I wasn’t sure how. Had I accidently changed my ringtone? It wasn’t something I tended to mess with. Opening my clutch, I withdrew my iPhone. Studying the number that was calling, I realized I recognized it as mine.

  “Hello?” I answered questionably.

  “Gabriella?” replied a velvety rich voice chiming over the line.

  “Yes?” I whispered as my stomach filled with nervous butterflies.

  “This is Grayson. I...uh...met you this morning. We kinda bumped into each other.” His voice was laced with humor.

  I smiled hugely trying to stifle a nervous giggle and was glad Grayson couldn’t see me. Shawn’s brow knitted with puzzlement. My best friend knew of no one who could cause me to react like that. If there was, he’d have been the first to know.

  “I remember.” I’m almost certain he could hear the grin in my voice. “What can I do for you, Mr. Alexander?” I was pretty sure I knew. It was obvious I had his phone. But I wanted to mess with him.

  He chuckled, “Please call me Grayson. And, well I’d really like to get my phone back. These damn things are so common. I didn’t even realize it wasn’t mine until I went to check my email on it. By the way, a woman named Rachel sent you an email containing pictures of dogs doing some of the funniest things.”

  I giggled. “That sounds like Rachel.” I was just glad that that email was something innocent in comparison to some of the ones she has sent me. “I see how not having your phone can be a definite problem,” I spoke sweetly. Shawn rolled his eyes at my shameless flirting. It was close to the full moon so I knew his hearing was picking up both sides of the conversation.

  Grayson laughed in response. “I was wondering if maybe you would have dinner with me. We could exchange phones then.”

  “Mr. Alexander, are you sure you didn’t just switch our phones on purpose to have a reason to contact me again?” I teased.

  His deep chuckle vibrated through the phone causing a shiver to run up my spine. It took everything in me not to show outward signs of the effect his voice was having. “Grayson, please. And I wish I were that smooth. So, what do you say?”

  I hesitated. Dinner would happen at night once the vampire nest was awake. “I...ah...”

  “Um… Unless, of course, you have other plans? We could just meet after I get off work and trade.”

  A sharp stinging sensation spread across my arm. I turned in shock towards Shawn as he was rearing back to smack me again. I reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him midair. Without a full moon, he wasn’t even close to my strength, but it still hurt.

  “What are you doing, Gaby?” Shawn hissed. “You tell him yes and worry about the details later.” Shawn knew me well enough to understand why I was hesitant, what with my mother and all. He raised his other hand to hit me. “Do it!”

  “Alright!” I shouted loudly, forgetting that Grayson was still on the line.

  “Gabriella?” Grayson asked questioning my tone.

  “Dinner would be lovely,” I said with a smile. I don’t care what people say, even through a phone you can hear someone smile, and I didn’t want Grayson to think I didn’t want to go out with him. In fact I did, it was all just so complicated. Human/vampire relationships were frowned upon. One would think that with me being a half-breed that it would be okay, but it wasn’t. We exchanged details then hung up. “What did I just do?” I mumbled to myself, threading my fingers through my hair.

  Shawn answered me. “You just got yourself a date and about time too.”

  I glared at him. “What about the nest? They’ll want to know where I’m going.” He knew when I said nest I meant my mother and Anton. No one else much cared.

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Just tell them you’re with me. That way, your mom knows you’re safe and you don’t have a chaperone following you because your nest dislikes my kind.”

  It was true. I had no idea why the hostilities between our races. We had peace with the wolves in general, but it didn’t mean when had them over on the weekend for a friendly barbeque. I stifled a chuckle as I thought about Anton standing over the grill flipping burgers handing them off to Shawn’s dad Diesel.

  I had met Shawn a few years ago at the opening of a nightclub called Glimmer. It had been one of the few times I managed to get approval from my mother to go out. He had grown up knowing he’d be a wolf, but the transaction didn’t occur until the late teens. Basically he was a newbie werewolf and had only shifted once. Early on, almost anything can trigger the change. For Shawn, that trigger came in the form of a tall drink of water in an Abercrombie shirt. I recognized the signs and managed to get to Shawn before he shifted and exposed supernatural beings to the world, or at least to New Yorkers in the lower east side. We had been besties ever since. The nest, however, disliked werewolves and disapproved of our friendship. Vampires thought werewolves were too unpredictable. Shawn, to me, was very predictable. If I took him to a club, he’d chase down any hot male tail, figuratively speaking, but when I needed a shoulder, he would drop everything to be there, even the Calvin Klein model that he had been trying to seal the deal with for three dates. It took me bringing my mom out to meet him a few times before she finally okayed it.

  “Alright,” I sighed, “so what am I going to wear?”

  I stood outside an interesting looking Italian place off of Sixty-Fifth. The walls were all made of glass so the patrons could see everything happening around them. It was all the glory of being outside without all the hassle. I was waiting for Grayson to appear while listening to the sound of city flurrying around me.

  We had agreed to meet at the door at 7:00. I checked my, well, his phone. It was now 7:10. I could see punctuality wasn’t his strong suit. He was probably a successful businessman who was used to having people wait on him. I didn’t care how much I wanted this date. If he made me wait another ten minutes, I would leave just on principle and he’d have to worry about getting his phone back some other way.

  I had managed to return home, change into something my mother wouldn’t disapprove of, and pack my essentials for my date all before the first vampire rose. I talked fast to my mother when she finally awoke, assuring her that Shawn needed me tonight. Mom knew he was gay so she saw no problem with me being alone with him, however late. She attributed my rapid heart rate to my anxiousness to be there for Shawn instead of my lie. I had been so nervous that she would see right through me that my heart had been pounding long before I ever spoke to her. I even managed to get out before Anton, the four hundred year old creep, found me and tried to convince me to stay with him. My skin crawled at the thought of him. To him, I was just vampire arm candy. Something unique, that none of the other vampires had. For vampires to mate with a human was a rarity, not to mention the ability to walk in the daylight. I had met a few other half-breeds over the years, but none could walk in the sunlight like me. They were all weaker than their vampire brethren, unlike myself. I was the equal to vampires in some ways and their superior in others. Like my resistance to most of their weaknesses.

  I stood outside for about fifteen minutes after we were supposed to meet, before his velvety voice captured my attention. “Gabriella?” I turned seeing Grayson wearing the same pale gray suit he had on that morning. “Sorry I’m late. I had a meeting that ran longer than I expected. I know that’s no excuse.” His gaze raked over me. Shawn convinced me to wear my midnight blue ankle length dress. The back was open to my mid-back and also had a slit running up to my knee. Like most of my non-business attire, it hugged me.

  “It’s not like you had your phone to call me or anything.” My words sounded snide, but I spoke them with a teasing air. I had planned to deliver them harsher than I had, but when I heard the sincerity in his voice, and how delectable he looked, my anger dissipated. Yes, I know I was being ‘that girl’ but in the moment I couldn’t really seem to care. “It’s honestly not a problem, but next time shoot a girl a text.” I grinned.

  “Next time? So you already plan on seeing me again?”

  “I, uh,” I hadn’t seen that hole until I walked into it. “Let’s just see how this goes first.”

  He nodded, but didn’t even attempt to stifle his grin. His gaze lingered on my dress for a moment “You look stunning.”

  I felt a light blush spread on my face. “Thanks.”

  “Speaking of phones.” He raised his lips in a crooked smile. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out what I could only assume to be my phone. I smirked but didn’t reach for it.

  “Will you hold onto it until after dinner? Gives us a reason to get to have dinner without any distractions.”

  He chuckled, but nodded his head.

  As we entered the restaurant, I examined my surroundings. The glass was crystal clear and was not tinted, so with the exception of the controlled climate, it felt like we were sitting outside. Stainless steel tables and chairs spread throughout the entire floor area, but were arranged in neat rows so it didn’t make walking through the area difficult. It was always annoying when you had to zigzag through a restaurant trying to make it to your table.

  Once we were seated, we ordered dinner and talked, getting to know each other. Grayson owned an apartment off of Madison Avenue. He was twenty-nine and very interesting on top of being incredibly handsome, which I still couldn’t get over. He was a dog lover, poker player and had a thing for brunettes. I did giggle at that remark taking his flirtation as he meant it, a compliment.

  I told him what details I could, without giving too much away. I told him that I was twenty-three and came from a wealthy family. I did the party scene but it no longer held the same allure for me and I was looking for something different.

  “So, what do you do for a living?” I asked, my eyes dancing over his business suit wondering about the form beneath it before mentally slapping myself for thinking such a crude thought while he sat across from me, as if he might hear it.

  He sighed begrudgingly almost as if he didn’t want to say. “I’m the CEO of Alexander Holding Incorporated.”

  I froze, fork midway to my mouth. “Oh my God—” My fork hit my plate with a small clink.

  “What?” His brow furrowed with genuine curiosity.

  “You’re that Grayson Alexander.” I shook my head in disbelief, “I knew that name sounded familiar.” Grayson Alexander was a well-established bachelor in Manhattan, known because of his wealth. After receiving his business degree, he immediately began Alexander Holding Incorporated and within a year he took a business that no one had ever heard of, and turned it into one of the top grossing in the country. The building was now part of the well-known New York skyline and his name was spoken in every business circle. I was sure he had women throwing themselves at him. Not that I could blame them, not with the thoughts I had filtering through my head.

  He chuckled, “You want to clue me in on how you know me?”

  Nose wrinkled and lips pursed I shook my head again. “No. Not really,” I laughed nervously. He tilted his head down, studying me. His piercing eyes showed no sign of relenting. I immediately understood how he became so successful. I could barely tolerate being under his unwavering gaze for a few seconds. I couldn’t imagine if I was given the full force of it. “Fine!” I exclaimed throwing my hands up in defeat. “I work for Gates and Summers. The party planning agency that’s bidding on the new hotel you just built.”

  He smiled brilliantly at me, raising a quizzical brow. “Are you working on that account?”

  I nodded, “I’m assisting.” I gazed up into his eyes. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but I could almost see the wheels turning. I sighed, “I didn’t want to say anything, because I didn’t want to influence your decision.”

  Grayson steepled his fingers together tapping his forefingers against his lips while he pondered something over. “If you have dinner with me tomorrow, I promise to not let it influence my decision.”

  He took a sip of wine, as I gaped at him. “That’s blackmail,” I exclaimed, humor lingering in my words. I couldn’t believe he really had just said that to me.

  “Actually, I think the word you’re looking for is extortion, which really isn’t what this is.” He smiled then bit his bottom lip. “You wouldn’t be dating me to get something in return. Our dates would mean you didn’t receive special treatment.”

  “Now you’re talking about dates? Plural.” I shook my head with disbelief. I feigned annoyance, but truth was I wanted to date him. I found myself severely attracted to him but I wasn’t going to make it easy for him. I was also finding his negotiating skills top notch, which I guess also attributed to his business holdings. You don’t become CEO of your own business without some major skills.

  “Come on, Gabriella. Either you can agree to see me on your own accord, or I can give you my account and you’ll have to see me anyways. The former is so much more… pleasurable.” He lowered his voice suggestively.

  “You are insatiable,” I grinned from ear to ear. “You are also a man of business,” I spoke firmly, but with a hint of a smile, “and you wouldn’t just give your account to an agency that didn’t deserve it and risk losing money.”

  He exhaled deeply. “You’re right. I guess you’ll just have to date me without me manipulating you into it,” he grinned.

  I eyed him from under my lashes, seeing utter amusement spread across his features making him look boyish, younger than he seemed earlier. “I have to work tomorrow.” I lowered my voice to show my genuine disappointment.

  “Sunday?” he asked. I shook my head. There would be no way to get away from my mother without her being suspicious. Especially on Sundays. “Monday then.” I exhaled a deep breath. He was relentless. “Come on, Gabriella. I’m a very patient man. We can keep this game up, but we will agree on a day.”

  “Do you always get what you want, Grayson?”

  “Always,” he said in all seriousness.

  “Monday,” I nodded in agreement.

  After the details of our next date were arranged, we settled our bill, which Grayson refused to let me pay for, although I didn’t truly argue much. I liked to think of myself as a more liberal, modern woman, but I still liked it when a man was more traditionally romantic; hold doors, pulling out chairs, things of that nature.

  Leaving the restaurant, Grayson led me to the curb, hailing a cab. He had offered to take me home, but I declined since I was heading to Shawn’s instead of home. I didn’t want it to raise any questions. Once the taxi pulled up, we stood there in the awkward goodnight moment. He gave me a wry smile, and then slowly leaned down. My heart began to pound in my chest anticipating his kiss. Wondering what his lips would feel like against mine. Wondering how he would taste. He leaned past my mouth pressing his lips lightly to my cheek. My breathing was faster. His scent was heavenly, enticing my fangs to descend. I smiled closed lipped at him as he pulled back. I was slightly disappointed that he hadn’t kissed me, and I think he knew it and did it on purpose. Tease.

  “Goodnight, Gaby.” Just before I got into the car, I reached in my clutch and pulled out his iPhone. He smiled taking it before handing me my own. “I almost hoped you’d forget. It’d give me an excuse to see you tomorrow.”

  I giggled, “Monday?”

  “Can’t come soon enough.” He nodded in agreement then closed the door to the cab once I was settled inside. He watched me as the taxi pulled away and I studied him in return.

  Once he was out of sight, I unlocked my phone just to make sure it was really mine this time. I scanned through my contacts. Everything seemed to be in order, when I noticed a new entry. While Grayson had my phone, it looked like he added his number to it. I smiled to myself, clutching it to my chest.

  “It was wonderful,” I told Shawn. I arrived at his apartment after my date had ended. I needed to change outfits to one my mother wouldn’t have a heart attack over. It was the same one I had worn earlier when I left the nest—less questions that way. Shawn being a werewolf had superior sense of smell. I needed to be sure Grayson’s scent didn’t cling to me. If he couldn’t smell him then the vampires at the nest definitely wouldn’t.

  He chuckled, “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself Gaby, but dinner Monday? Is that wise?”

  Pausing with my jeans on under my dress, my eyebrows scrunched confused. “You’re the one that told me to go out with him!”

  “That’s not what I meant,” he sighed running his fingers through his gorgeous silky black hair. “What are you going to say when you leave the confines of the nest? You can’t keep telling them that you’re constantly hanging with me. They won’t buy it. Eventually your mother will put her foot down.”

  My face alighted with mischief. “I was hoping you’d be able to help me come up with something,” I said in my sweetest, innocent, up to no good voice.

  “Gaby—” he groaned.

  “Come on, Shawn,” I pleaded. “You know how they are—more importantly, my mother. You just said yourself that I won’t be able to use you as an excuse. I need something a little more long term.”

  His brown eyes bored into me. “Long term? You just met this guy, Gabs. You actually think he’ll stick around once he finds out your secret?” Telling Grayson my secret wasn’t something I had given much thought too. As Shawn had said, I’d only just met him. But tonight was the first time I was able to just be me. Not Gaby the day walker, or Gaby Anton’s paramour—gross—but just Gaby.

  Ripping my dress over my head with a frown, I grabbed my V-neck black tee out of my bag and slipped it on. Once I was dressed and my date clothes securely in my bag, I spoke. “I don’t know, Shawn, but I like him. He’s the first human—well, person, for that matter—that I’ve come across that I actually like. Maybe once he gets to know me—” I shook my head, not sure how to finish it and was positive I was getting ahead of myself. Maybe Shawn was right. Maybe I was just being overly optimistic. Maybe it was crazy to think that I could have a relationship outside of the nest. Grayson’s acceptance wasn’t the only hurtle. What of the vampires? My mother? Plus, he was so well known make even a regular relationship difficult.