Page 5 of Blood Sugar

His hand moved over my ass and grabbed my thigh, pulling it back up, opening me up so he could grind into me. There was no mistaking his arousal, and I was dizzy with the blood and magic rushing through my system.

Nuzzling against my jaw, he trailed kisses down my neck, scraping his teeth like he was the vampire. “I want you to bite me again,” he rumbled. “Come home with me.”

My breathing stuttered and the heat in my veins turned to ice. “Rowen.”

He pulled back. “I’m sorry,” he said, concern knitting his brows. “I didn’t mean—we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“I know,” I said, trying to both pacify Rowen and calm the panic flooding my system. This response wasn’t logical. Rowen didn’t make me feel unsafe.

But the last time I slept with a guy, I was drained of blood and accidentally turned into a vampire. Rowen didn’t know that, and I wasn’t about to share my very recent tragic backstory with him.

“It’s fine. This was great, but I think I need to go. Thanks for—you know…”

“Wait, what?” Rowen said, his gaze sharpening. “You’re leaving? I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Placing my palm on his chest, I met his gaze so he could see my sincerity. “Rowen, it’s fine. I’m just busy.”

“Can I see you again?” he asked.

His unabashed interest took me by surprise.

“Um, maybe,” I said, straightening as he took a reluctant step back. “Do you want my number?”

He nodded and fumbled to get his phone out of his pocket. I rattled off my number to him, and my phone buzzed as he texted his name.

“Thanks, Rowen. Have a good night!” I said, rising up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

He stood there, still looking a bit disoriented, as I headed back inside, through the bar, and out onto the downtown street.

I shouldn’t have given him my number, but he was so delicious, maybe somehow I could make him a repeat meal. Perhaps I could have a whole schedule set up. It would be like meal planning. The thought made me giggle as I headed back to my car.

Chapter 2

Meet the New Baker

Rowen

My head was pounding. I’d had way too many drinks out with Neil, and then I’d met that gorgeous vampire. I would have taken her home if she’d wanted me to. Fuck, the things I would have done to her…

I couldn’t remember the last time I wanted anyone like that. The lust had slammed into me the second I noticed her down the bar, and even now, hours later, I needed more of the little blonde minx.

She looked like a pinup with her curly hair and vintage clothing, and it made me wonder if she was from the forties or fifties. She was a vampire, after all. There was no telling how old she was. Maybe I’d ask her when I took her out on a proper date.

She’d rushed off way too soon, but at least I had her number. Grinning, I grabbed my phone to send her a flirty text message. Frowning, I hesitated.

Was it too soon? No, I wasn’t going to play mind games. I liked Sadie, and I wanted to see her again. And this time I wouldn’t suggest we go home together, not until she was ready and asked me.

My thumb swiped over my phone, and when the screen lit up, the time popped up in huge, bright numbers.

Dammit!

I’d really overslept, and I was going to be late for work. It was the night shift, so technically it would be okay, but I needed the full shift to get all the baking done, especially when the Pumpkin Festival was right around the corner.

My sister was starting her new job, leaving me to juggle both the shop during the day and all the baking at night. I was so happy she found her calling, but it was too much for one person to handle.

Luckily, she’d hired more help before leaving. Biting back a curse, I pulled up the email Amelie BBCed me on, the one hiring Mercedes Corvin and asking her to start work tonight.

This was the worst time to be training a new employee. Hopefully she was qualified, but Amelie tended to rush things, so I wasn’t confident. I’d have to vet Mercedes tonight.