2026 © Vampires Love Garlic, Ashley Chapman

(There’s an inconsistency here that I caught. I originally had McKenzie and Narcissa in an arranged marriage since McKenzie was five years old, but I like this change better. I’ll be adapting the script to fit this story)

19

Burn

Heather

I’m back to work the next day.

It’s hard to make coffee and serve with one hand, but I’m managing. My hand’s healing fast, but I actually welcome the pain that ripples through my wrist and arm whenever the stitches tug just right. It helps me forget about McKenzie and what happened last night.

I shouldn’t have asked all those questions.

I didn’t even get to asking about a vampire bite. If it’s really as erotic as all the books and movies make it out to be.

Thank God I didn’t get that far.

I’m still not sure if McKenzie was amused and playing with me when he got all close and personal with my neck. He didn’t touch me, just like he promised he wouldn’t, but I wish he would have. If he had just run his nose along my neck, I think I would have died. I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do with him being a vampire and everything to do with how much I like him.

He’s taking up more of my thoughts than I would like.

I even talked to Oma about him, about how he’s engaged.

She helped me see through the fog, and I’ve come to a decision.

I can’t go to his house anymore. I just can’t. Even if Narcissa’s there. Unless there’s a big group of people and he’s occupied with Narcissa, it isn’t safe for my heart or their impending marriage for me to hang around. I’ll finish taking care of the engagement party prep while Narcissa’s still here. I’ll even attend, if she really wants me to.

But then that’s it. The only time I get to see McKenzie is when he orders his usual morning coffee.

“You’re really quiet this morning,” Jen comments, handing me a container of creamer.

“Just a lot on my mind,” I say, attempting and failing to create a design in someone’s latte.

“The funeral hit really hard yesterday,” she says, putting a hand on my arm. “I’m so sorry, Heather.”

“Good morning, darlings!”

Narcissa’s voice is like a breath of fresh air. She’s won over all my coworkers in the few days she’s been coming here. She walks through the front doors like a radiant lily, bags hanging from her arms. McKenzie follows behind her, and I keep my eyes fixed on Narcissa. For some reason, I can’t bring myself to look at McKenzie. Maybe it’s because I’ll know he’ll be able to see through me if I do.

“Claire, I picked up chocolate pralines for you,” Narcissa sings, dropping one of the bags on the counter. “Regular for Heather and Jen. McKenzie, do you have the bag from that gorgeous jewelry shop on Whitaker?”

McKenzie reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a small navy bag. He hands it to Narcissa, who leans on the counter, grinning at me.

“When are you off work?” she asks, eyes sparkling.

“In two hours. Why?”

“You and I are going on a girl date. The engagement party’s next Saturday. I found a cute antique shop that might have some fun twenties’ costumes. We’re also going to lunch. This is my thank you for all your help. I know we’re paying you for the party and catering, but we aren’t paying you enough.”

She pulls a small jewelry box from the bag and opens it.

A beautiful silver charm rests in her hand. It is in the shape of a teardrop and is inlaid with opal. The word “Savannah” is written in silver across the opal.

“For you,” Narcissa says. “There’s a chain inside the bag, too. Just as an extra thank you. McKenzie and I have been putting off our engagement party for so long, and you’re turning it into something gorgeous. I took a good look at the basement this morning and was blown away.”

“I’m happy to help,” I say with a smile.

“I know. You’re generous and sweet. So let me spoil you this afternoon. Here. Let me put this on you.”

I turn and pull up my ponytail so Narcissa can slide the charm onto the chain and loop it around my neck. The chain is cool against my skin, but I can feel heat brushing across my neck like a kiss. There’s a warm electricity in the air, something that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Narcissa’s only helping me, her manicured nails closing the clasp as she talks merrily with Jen. But I know, without looking, without any real proof at all, that McKenzie’s staring at my neck.

I glance over my shoulder.

Probably the stupidest thing I could do right now.

And my eyes meet his.

Something changed last night. McKenzie’s experiment proved several things. First, he doesn’t have a magical seduction to him that can put women into a trance and make them do whatever he wants. Second, he’s respectful. I always knew this, but the care he put into every move, every word, made me feel safe. Third, I have feelings for him that push beyond simply liking him.

His gaze here, now, reminds me of everything I wanted in those few heated moments. It reminds me of the less-than-holy dream I had last night.

“There,” Narcissa says, moving back. “It looks lovely on you.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, holding the charm up to look at it.

Every time I risk a glance at McKenzie, he’s still watching me, sending goosebumps racing across my skin.

“About the engagement party,” I say slowly. “I don’t know that I should go, Narcissa.”

“What? Why?” she asks, handing Jen a ten for her coffee.

“Wasn’t everyone at the meeting the other night a vampire?” I whisper.

“Yes, but that wasn’t a party. That was a business meeting. I’ve invited humans and vampires,” she says with a smile. “The group who will be at the engagement party will be kind and fun. Nothing like what McKenzie dealt with the other night.”

“It’s more than that.”

“Ah.”

Her smile becomes softer.

“How about we talk about things on our date?” she asks, taking a plate with McKenzie’s usual bagel on it. Claire forgot to take the capers off. I’m still wearing my gloves, and I pluck the capers away and toss them into the trash without thinking about it.

“Narcissa, you’ve been really kind to me.” I’m doing my best to break things off. I’m trying my hardest to end connections with her and McKenzie. I have feelings for this woman’s future husband. It isn’t good for me to be with either of them. I don’t want them to get hurt. “This necklace is beautiful and thoughtful, but I can’t take it. And I would love to go out with you this afternoon, but I’m not sure that I should. I have studying. There’s a big exam coming up. Oma needs me home for…”

“Claire, Jen, would you mind if I steal Heather for a minute?” Narcissa asks, looping her arm through mine. “Just a minute. She’ll be right back.”

She pulls me away from the counter, leaving McKenzie to gather her bags and snacks.

“Narcissa, I’m trying really hard not to hurt anyone,” I start, but she cuts me off, turning me to face her.

“McKenzie hates coffee.”

I blink, uncertain where she’s going with this statement.

She reaches out and squeezes my hand.

“I mean hates coffee. I’ve known McKenzie for almost my whole life. I saw the first and second times he tried it. He nearly spit it all out. It was deplorable and disgusting. He loves wine. Any rich, burgundy wine. Carbonated drinks and coffee aren’t his thing. So, again, he hates coffee. And then, a few weeks ago, I come out here for a visit, and what do I find? He’s drinking a latte in a cute little coffee shop in Savannah.”

“Maybe he started liking lattes?”

“Heather.” Her eyebrows narrow. “He checks every day to see what design is in his cream. He only smiles when there’s a smiley face.” She lowers her face, bringing her eyes level with mine. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

I don’t know why my heart is beating irregularly.

A million excuses pop into my mind.

Maybe he has a thing for smiley faces. Perhaps he just likes the way our café smells or the way our bagels taste. Surely, his latte fix has nothing to do with me.

Suddenly, I’m afraid.

I’m not sure why.

“I crossed a line last night,” I whisper. “I crossed a line, and I’m sorry, Narcissa. I shouldn’t have asked all the questions I did. It made things awkward. You came in to find McKenzie close to my neck, and that was my fault. I…”

“What are you afraid of?”

Her voice is gentle, coaxing.

“I gave him permission to see if he has any sort of magical seductive powers. He and I both knew before that he doesn’t. I wanted to see what would happen.” She gently touches my cheek. “I was right, by the way. You looked like you were in a dream. He looked like he wanted nothing more than to press his lips to your neck.”

I shiver so violently there’s no way she doesn’t see it.

“So what are you scared of, Heath?”

“You and McKenzie are getting married! Everything I think and feel about him is wrong!” I gasp.

“McKenzie and I are in an arranged marriage. I was going to be married to an old vampire whose fangs fell out a long time ago. McKenzie did what he always does and played the hero. He proposed to me on the spot to save me. I can never repay him for that kindness. Vampire law states that we have to marry into each other’s families. That means we usually have arranged marriages. I love McKenzie like a brother.”

“That doesn’t change anything,” I say softly. “He’s engaged.”

“I’m going to let you in on a little secret, and you have to swear not to tell anyone, including McKenzie.”

“I don’t make promises unless they’re good ones,” I warn.

“Well, I’m going to give you this information, and you can do what you want with it.”

Narcissa whispers in my ear.

“I’m already married.”