Dark Attraction

Chapter thirteen - The bond

I went home and showered, scrubbing myself all over so I'd be extra clean for whatever Gage had planned for that night.

As I was getting dressed, I looked at my duffel bag and considered. I'd been spending a lot of time at Gage's place, maybe I ought to take over some extra changes of underwear and socks, just to make it a little easier. He'd been fine about loaning me his shirts but they were a little tighter on me than I preferred to wear.

Figuring it couldn't hurt, I packed a few things into the bag and went out into the living room.

"You moving out?" Max teased, but there was a flash of concern in his eyes.

"Nah man, just taking some stuff over to Gage's, since I've been spending so much time there."

Max nodded and frowned. "Just... don't get too far in too quickly, okay?"

I bit my lip, because that was exactly what I'd been worried about that morning after all. I set the bag down and pulled the silver chain out from the neck of my shirt.

"He gave me this," I said. Max leaned in a little and examined the charm. "Just this morning, he says it's his family crest or something."

"Oh," Max said. He raised an eyebrow. "Okay, so maybe he is actually serious about you."

"Right? That's what I thought," I said. I swallowed. "I kinda really... really like him."

"I'm glad," Max said. He met my eyes with a hopeful expression. I could see he wanted to believe this would work out almost as much as I did. "Just be careful, I don't want to see you get hurt or anything."

"Neither," I said. I felt a swoop in my stomach like I'd stepped off a cliff. "But I have a good feeling about him."

Max gripped my shoulder and smiled. "Okay. Well, go have fun, you crazy kid."

"I will," I said. On impulse I leaned in and gave him a quick hug. "Thanks for worrying about me."

Max laughed and hugged me back. "Someone has to, you're not always good at worrying about yourself."

The doorman let me in and buzzed me up to Gage's apartment, well used to seeing me around by this point.

I knocked on the door and then let myself in. Gage had set the dining table for a fancy dinner, with candles and everything, although I wasn't sure if I'd ever seen him eat anything which wasn't my blood.

The apartment smelled like steak and garlic and butter and my stomach rumbled as I walked in.

Gage appeared from the kitchen, wearing a black apron which looked utterly pristine. He had on a tailored blue shirt underneath and black slacks, with no shoes.

My heart fluttered and my mind supplied two word: husband material

But that was surely getting too far ahead of myself. It was a nice date idea, that was what I should focus on.

"You look awesome," I said. He crossed the floor and gave me a soft kiss on the lips. I dropped my bag on the floor and kissed him back, trying to convey the happiness and hope I was feeling into it.

"Thanks, you smell incredible," he said. His nose had found its way into the hair behind my ear and I chuckled.

"I'm clean, I showered."

"Will wonders never cease?" He poked me in the ribs so I'd know he was teasing and I poked him right back.

"Are you cooking steak for me? It smells incredible in here."