How to Fake-Date a Vampire (Charming Cove, #2)

by Linsey Hall

He had the kind of body that made something primal light up inside me, like I was a damned alley cat who’d just spotted the hottest tom on the block.

“What did she say?” Holly asked. “That she’d like a bow with diamonds.” Holly shot Penelope a look. “Wouldn’t we all?” Penelope grinned. I like her.

He looked back at me, and the weight of his gaze felt like a warm blanket. “I’ll leave you to it. Let me know if you need anything, darling.” He cupped my arm and leaned forward, his lips brushing against my cheek, whisper soft.

She smiled, and I found that I wanted to make her smile like that every day, forever.

I spun in a circle. “I feel like Belle in Beauty and the Beast.” “That would make me the Beast, then?” I looked at him, surprised to see the genuine smile on his face. “Exactly.” He shrugged. “If the shoe fits.”

He shot me a smile that was next-level charming. “Knight in shining armor, at your service.” “I think I like that.” My tone was flirty, and I felt my cheeks heat. I spun and headed to the door.

She looked down at Penelope. “And who is this?” “My familiar, Penelope.” Penelope looked between the dog and me. Can I ride him? “Absolutely not,” I whispered. “Well, Penelope is darling,” she said.

“I’m going to kiss you now,” I said, unable to stop the words from escaping my lips. If she gave any indication that she didn’t want me to, I’d back off in a heartbeat. She didn’t.

But eventually, it became too much. Too much fun, too much of Alaric. I liked my life, but I wanted this. Family. A man like Alaric. And that scared me.

I frowned. “I hope you didn’t just give her mine.” “Oh, no. I’m far too clever. I bought her her own.” I love her. “Penelope says she loves you.” “Well, I love you back, you little stink queen.” Penelope preened. Stink queen. I like that. “Thought you might.” I looked at Holly. “She likes the nickname. But enough of that.

He looked down, seemingly surprised to see her. “I’m sorry, Penelope. I had eyes only for your witch. But you look lovely in that collar.”

“I think she’d love that,” I said. Congratulations, you think correctly. Your prize is one happy skunk.

With a groan, I went to my knees in front of her. I wanted to worship her, and this was the best way I knew how.

“You look like a goddess,” I said. “I feel like one when you look at me like that.”

Regret tugged at me. “I don’t have protection.” She smiled. “I’d be a sorry witch indeed if I didn’t have that taken care of.” Oh, thank fates.

I looked up, smiling at the sight of him. He looked sleep tousled and happy, and it made me happy. I knew I shouldn’t get wrapped up in this—it was a one-time thing, we’d said—but it was hard not to enjoy waking up with him.

I’ll come, Penelope said. I insist. You might need backup. “Thank you.” I reached down and picked her up, hugging her against my chest and burying my face in her fur. “I love you.” She wiggled so that she could look at me. I will only get sappy this one time. But I love you, too. Now let’s go find that bastard.

And in a family, you always love each other, but you don’t always have to like each other.”

“For being such a horrible beast to you. For not believing you, and for letting my own damage get in the way of the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He drew in a breath. “You’re the best person I’ve ever met, and every day with you has been the best day of my life. It seemed too good to be true, and I let my own fear and doubt get in the way. I hope you can forgive me.”

“I love you, Emma. I want to spend my life with you. I want to raise a family here, and whether that’s five kids or just you, me, and Penelope, it will be perfect.”

“I don’t care.” She laughed. “Well, I do care. But not for the same reasons. I wanted to be made an official witch so that I would have a family. But they were already my family. Lily, of all people, made that clear a few days ago. Even if I failed here and lost my job because we didn’t have enough joy for next year’s spells, they’d still have loved me and helped me. I shouldn’t have doubted that. And now I have you, too.”

Emma flagged down a passing server and took two glasses of champagne, then handed one to me. “To our future,” she said. “To you, my love.”

“You two should go along and do that,” Hazel said, before turning her attention entirely to Emma. “We’ll announce this at the next coven meeting, but I want you to know now that you’re going to be made an official witch. Congratulations, Emma. You deserve it.”

“You’re incredible, Emma Willowby. And I’m glad you’re mine.”

“I love you, Alaric. With all my heart.” “And I love you.” With the fireworks exploding overhead, I kissed her, knowing that the future would be brighter than anything I could have ever imagined.