Drained

Chapter Eight

The next morning I awoke to the smell of bacon.  I got out of bed and went into the bathroom to wash my face and make myself a little more presentable.  Once I was satisfied, I peeked out the bedroom door to see James standing in the kitchen with his back to me.  He was wearing a white t shirt and grey sweatpants, and his hair was sticking up in different directions.  I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

"Are you hungry?" he asked and turned to look at me.  He flashed that smile that made me melt.

"Uh, yeah. It smells amazing in here," I responded as I walked towards him.  "So, you can eat real food too?"  I asked as I reached him and looked up into his eyes.

"Yes, ma'am.  It doesn't really have any nutritional value, but it tastes good."  He smiled down at me.  "Sit down at the bar.  It'll be ready in just a minute."  I obliged and took my seat so that I could watch him.

"I want to know more about you," I blurted out.  I felt my cheeks get warm instantly.  I hadn't meant to be so blunt.

He just smiled and started plating our breakfast: eggs, bacon, and waffles.  "Sure, you can ask me anything you want.  I'm an open book for you."  He brought over both of our plates and went back to get two glasses of orange juice.  "I hope everything is okay.  I wasn't sure what you liked to eat."

"It's really great.  Thank you so much.  So, what's your last name?"  After learning that he was a vampire last night it seemed trivial, but I wanted to know about him as a person.

"Blackwood.  And what's yours?"

"Rose.  How old are you?"  He laughed a little when I asked.

"Well, I stopped aging at twenty three, but I was born in 1867.  I guess that makes me about one hundred and fifty."

"Wow, I wasn't expecting that.  A one hundred and fifty year old man asking a nineteen year old girl to live with him is a little strange don't you think?"  I looked up at him and smiled.

He laughed then looked down into my eyes.  "I can't believe how well you're taking all of this.  I'm really glad."

"Me too.  I don't know what it is.  I just feel really comfortable and safe around you."

"I'm happy that you feel that feel that way," James said and placed his hand on my knee.

"So, you said you drink from blood bags rather than from, um, people.  Do all vampires do that?"  I was really curious to what being a vampire meant.

"No, not really.  It uh, tastes better fresh.  I don't know many other vampires, but very few of them go for bags."

"Why do you?"

"Well, it can cause issues if vampires get too comfortable feeding on people.  Plus, I've never wanted to do it without permission.  Believe it or not, asking to drink someone's blood does not get a good reaction." He paused and smiled at me.  "Oh, hey, we should go pick up your stuff."

"Right.  I'll go get dressed."

After we were done getting ready,  James drove us to my dorm to pick up my stuff.  Most people had already left for the winter, so it was pretty empty.  I was thankful that I was able to get in and out without much interruption.

When we got back to the house, I immediately went to take a shower.  I was too exhausted yesterday, but I had really been looking forward to this.  

I stepped inside the shower and let the water pour over me.  The floor had this kind of smooth, pebble texture that felt amazing on my feet, and the pressure of the water was perfect.  

The only thing that could make this better is if James were in here too.  I was surprised at myself that I would even think something like that.  I tried to shake the thought out of my head, but I couldn't.  I couldn't stop imagining his hands and his mouth all over me.

When I was done washing my hair and body I turned the water temperature down to help me cool off a little bit before I saw him again.  I had never had thoughts like this about someone before.  He brought out this side of me that I wasn't used to.

After getting out of the shower I walked back into my room in a towel to get dressed.  I found a box on the bed with a note on top.  Walking closer I saw that my name was written on the note really beautifully.  I unfolded the note to read it.

Lindsey,

I have a couple things to take care of, but I will return shortly.  Be ready by 7:00.  I have plans for us tonight.

James

Plans?  I wonder what he meant.  I set the note to the side and opened the box.  My mouth fell open in awe when I did.  I pulled out a beautiful, floor-length gown that looked incredibly expensive.  It was a pale pink dress that shimmered on the top, and the sparkles became more sparse towards the bottom.  The straps were about two fingers in width, and the neckline dipped a little in the middle but seemed to be the perfect height.  There was also a pair of about three-inch heels to go with the dress that were almost as breathtaking.

I couldn't believe it.  I didn't think I could accept such beautiful and obviously expensive gifts.  I didn't want to disappoint James though, so I headed back to the bathroom to get ready.  It was 6:00 now, so I had just enough time to make sure I was ready.  I let my hair keep its natural loose curls but added some product to keep them extra soft and smooth looking.  I pinned my hair to the side so that it would fall over my right shoulder.  I usually didn't wear makeup, but I applied some mascara and lip gloss for a little bit more of a formal look.

When I was finished with my hair and makeup I went back into the bedroom to change.  I slipped the dress and shoes on and walked over to the full-length mirror.  I felt like a princess.  I had never worn anything like this before.  I looked elegant and put together.  I loved what I saw in that mirror, and it put the biggest smile on my face.  I just hoped that James would like it too.

I looked at my phone, and the time read 6:53.  Perfect timing.  I walked out of the room and towards the living room to see James standing in front of the fireplace with his back towards me.  When I got closer he turned around, and his eyes widened slightly.  I'm sure mine did too because he was wearing a tux and looked so handsome.  I was surprised my knees held me up seeing him like that.

He walked towards me never breaking our eye contact.  When he reached me he lightly trailed his fingers from my shoulders down to my hands.  He took them into his then brought the left one to his mouth.  He kissed my hand shooting sparks through my body.  He then took a step back and looked me up and down.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, Lindsey.  I have never seen anything so beautiful."  He spoke slowly, and I was drawn in by every word he said.  I knew I must be blushing like crazy, but I didn't care.

"Thank you, James.  You are really handsome in that tux.  It suits you."  I didn't have a way with words like he did, but I wanted to show him how I was feeling.  "So, what do you have planned for tonight?"  I asked smiling up at him.

"I am taking you on a proper date."