Free Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands

stared at the woman, nodding absently at everything said, while trying to spot signs of a face lift. She obviously should have been paying more attention to what Marguerite was burbling on about. Lucern’s brother’s wedding had been the topic of conversation. Kate wasn’t quite sure how that had led to the last comment she had heard.
    â€œDate?” she repeated blankly.
    â€œYes, dear. For the wedding.”
    â€œMother.” Lucern’s voice was a warning growl, and Kate peered over to see that his eyes were open and sharply focused on his mother.
    â€œWell, Luc darling. You can hardly leave the poor girl here alone tomorrow night while you attend.” Marguerite laughed, apparently oblivious to her son’s fury.
    â€œKate has to return to New York,” Lucern said firmly. “She won’t be here tomorrow ni—”
    â€œThat sounds like fun!” Kate blurted. Lucern fell silent and aimed his gimlet eye at her, but she ignored him. There was no way she was leaving without first gaining his agreement to at least an interview with one of the newspapers clamoring to speak to him. And falling in with Marguerite’s suggestion meant that not only could he not force her on a plane back to New York, but by the time the wedding party was over, it would be too late for Kate to fly home the next night as well. Which gave her until Sunday to work on the man. That thoughtmade her beam happily, and she silently thanked Lucern’s mother.
    The only thing that worried her was that Marguerite Argeneau was looking rather pleased in return. Kate had the sudden anxious feeling that she’d stepped neatly into a trap. She hoped to God that the woman didn’t have any matchmaking ideas about her and Lucern. Surely Marguerite realized what a cantankerous lout her son was and that he wasn’t Kate’s type at all!
    â€œWell, wonderful!” the woman said. Ignoring her son’s scowl, Marguerite smiled like the cat who got the cream, then asked, “Do you have something to wear to the wedding, dear?”
    â€œOh.” Kate’s smile faltered. She’d packed something for every possible occasion except a wedding. There’d been no way to see that coming, and Kate didn’t think the slinky black dress she’d brought to cover the possibility of an evening out would work.
    â€œAh-ha!” Lucern was now the one looking pleased. “She hasn’t anything to wear, Mother. She can’t—”
    â€œA quick trip to my modiste, I think,” Marguerite cut him off. Then she confided to Kate, “She always has something for just such an emergency. And a visit with my hairdresser will work magic on your hair, and we’ll be set.”
    Kate felt herself relax, and could have hugged the woman. Marguerite was wonderful. Much too good to have a son like Lucern. The woman was clever, charming and a pleasure to be around. Unlike a certain surly man. Kate’s gaze slid to Lucern, and she almost grinned at the misery on his face. She supposed she should feel guilty for forcing herself into his home and stayingthere, but she didn’t. He was in serious need of assistance. He was terribly lacking in social skills and obviously spent way too much time alone. She was good for him—she was sure of it.
    â€œWell, now that it’s all settled, I’ll be off.” Marguerite was quickly on her feet and heading out of the kitchen—so quickly that Kate nearly got whiplash watching.
    Getting up, she hurried after the woman. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Argeneau,” she called as she jogged down the hall in pursuit.
    Lucern’s mother didn’t just look young, she was as spry as could be for the mother of a man who had to be at least thirty-five. How old did that make her? Kate wondered. At least fifty-three. Impossible, she thought, but kept the thought to herself and merely added, “I really appreciate your generous offer to