Free Night Walker by Lisa Kessler Page A

between him and Betty.
    Kate looked stunning in her burgundy lace dress, her full lips tinted with wine-colored lipstick. The way her black hair spilled over her shoulders made him yearn to run his fingers through it. How had he survived so long without her?
    “I think I’ve signed everything, so I guess I’d better get going.” Kate smiled at Betty, and cast a brief glance in Calisto’s direction. “I don’t want to interrupt your business.” Night Walker 59
    “Nice to finally meet you in person, Kate,” Betty said with a stiff smile.
    Kate returned the pleasantry as she shook Betty’s hand. “I enjoyed seeing you again, Calisto.”
    She was leaving. He couldn’t let her go, and yet he couldn’t make her stay. His heart pounded. Taking her hand, he placed another tender kiss to her knuckles. “Again, the pleasure was all mine.” Kate lifted her hand from his and smiled. She picked up her purse and offered a final nod. “Good night.” With one last look over her shoulder, she walked away.
    His mind raced with panic as he watched her go. He needed to see her, and soon. Nothing would keep him from her.
    Visions from Father Tomas filled his mind and anger flooded through him. The Fraternidad knew she lived again. Tomas had seen her. His train of thought ground to halt. The monk told him they would not allow him to make another blood drinker.
    They must believe he would make Kate a Night Walker.
    Even now, after centuries had passed, the church still tried to keep them apart. But they would not succeed this time. Kate gave his empty life new meaning with a simple smile. He would not allow anyone to steal it away. Not this time.
    §
    Kate drove away from the bay with a dreamy smile. Why was she so stuck on this guy? Hearing him talk made her heart flip.
    She shook her head as she drove back to Point Loma. Infatuation was a strong emotion when you were alone. Kate tried not to think about the way he stared at her, the way his dark eyes held her in his gaze, like he could undress her with just a look.
    Her skin flushed hot thinking about it. She recalled her mother mentioning he was handsome, but geez, handsome was an understatement.
    Ok, so he was incredible. It was time to move on. The last thing she needed was another man in her life. Tom’s betrayal was too fresh, and trust wasn’t something she was ready to try again anytime soon.
    Infatuation might be harmless and fun, but it needed to end there.
    60 LISA KESSLER
    How could she work on a new life and a better future when she let a hot guy with a silky voice break her focus?
    She didn’t have the emotional fortitude for anything more than getting her life back together.
    Turning up the radio, she tightened her grip on the steering wheel.
    Tonight turned out better than she expected. She sang along with the music and pulled off when she saw a familiar taco shop. Good Mexican food was the one thing she missed most when she moved to Reno. Nothing else measured up to the spicy flavor of a carne asada burrito from a San Diego taco shop.
    Her mouth watered thinking about it.
    She ordered her burrito, hold the salsa, and a large iced tea. As she waited at the window for her food, she thought about what might have happened if she’d stayed at The Fish Market with Betty and Calisto. Part of her wished she had, but it would have been awkward.
    Betty made it obvious they had work to do. Besides, no sense in tempting herself with some crazy infatuation for a rich Spanish bachelor who probably dated a new supermodel every week. In fact, that was the last thing she needed.
    She definitely made the right decision when she left. So why couldn’t she stop thinking about him?
    Kate traded the cashier a few dollars in exchange for her dinner and drove home. Time to focus. She needed to shove thoughts of Calisto aside and consider her long-term plans. She still hadn’t decided what to do about her teaching position in Reno. She wanted to investigate her career options in San