Vampires Among Us [Vampires Among Us 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

Anytime you want to discuss history, come see me!”
    Erica smiled shyly. “I will, Mr. Atkins, and thank you for an educational as well as an entertaining afternoon.”
    As they started home, Erica pondered over these elderly vampires and their very lonely life style. It certainly seemed these vamps never had a chance to get out and enjoy anything out in the real world. Each one she had met today seemed so lonely and eager for someone just to chat with. She questioned Kate and Elizabeth about this as they were heading home. Kate threw a glance her way that clearly stated she was questioning if Erica had taken a leave of her senses. However, Erica wasn’t giving up.
    “As Mr. Castillo stated earlier, as our kind ages, our skin tends to get a white chalky look to it. The more a vamp ages, the more brittle he or she becomes. So no, most are afraid of what humans would think of them once they start the aging process. Also, the damage the sun would do keeps them pretty well confined to their homes,” Kate now stated patiently, as if speaking to a two-year-old.
    “I think you misunderstood me. Humans have retirement homes and villages, where socialization is encouraged, and crafts or other activities are set up. Even for the elderly that want to live on their own, we still have recreation centers that hold special classes specifically designed for them. Don’t you guys have anything like that?”
    “Um, no we don’t,” but Erica knew Kate was considering the idea. “Though, come to think about it, that’s a pretty good idea. Maybe we should mention it to dad.”
    They arrived back home shortly after, and Jennifer was on hand to ask Erica if she wanted to catch a movie. “No thanks, not tonight,” Erica answered her, and then seeing the dejected look on her face, hurried to clarify. “Kate and Elizabeth have had me out all day talking with your elderly. I’m beat! Besides, I got a headache coming on. I probably need to rest a bit.”
    Erica thanked Kate and Elizabeth for allowing her to tag along today, and headed back to Kevin’s suite. Once inside, she felt strangely at loose ends since she was by herself, and fired up her old computer. She could at least check her email before falling asleep.

Chapter Twelve
     
    Erica followed the sound of music to the family room. As she turned the corner to enter the room, she spotted her very own Sir Lancelot. He stood looking like a sexy god, and she felt her mouth watering at just the sight of him. He was speaking with Jordan and Davidrick and didn’t notice her at first. This allowed Erica a quick moment just to drink in the sight of him. He was dressed in a pair of khaki pants and a long-sleeved, light blue dress shirt. The shirt brought out the darkness in his eyes. As if feeling her eyes caress over him, he stopped speaking and looked up into her eyes, flashing a brilliant smile her way.
    The moment he looked up and spotted Erica, it was impossible to look away. He merely stated a soft “excuse me” to his guests, as his feet were already walking in her direction of their own accord.
    He reached her in just a few strides, immediately tipping her face upward, not wanting to break the gaze between them. She was beyond beautiful! Dressed in an emerald-green pants outfit, he couldn’t imagine a prettier sight to behold! His lips found hers readily, and he whispered huskily, “I missed you,” before claiming her in a heated kiss. When he broke their kiss a moment later, his craving for her was left unsatisfied, but he knew he was going to have to be patient. He had a room full of guests and friends to deal with first. Another quick roam over her body with his eyes had him wondering what exactly had he been thinking in scheduling this get-together tonight? In hindsight he realized he should have scheduled the get-together for the following evening, leaving tonight free to spend with Erica. Oh, but if he had scheduled the party for tomorrow evening, he would have ended up cancelling it. The team was leaving first thing in the morning, something he was dreading telling Erica.
    But that didn’t mean he couldn’t spend the next twelve hours with her. Kevin looked down and noticed Erica was still a little breathless from his kiss. He cocked one eyebrow up and asked casually, “Did you miss me?”
    Even being breathless, she still managed to shoot him a smile and whisper, “Yes. As a matter of fact, I did.”
    Kevin smiled back down at her, as he whispered the