Vampire Boyfriend: Viggo 2 (special preview)

I hop to the office to clock in my break. “A lot of reasons, none I have time to share right now. We’ll discuss it later.”

I pop out of the office just as Viggo steps into the store. He’s dressed in a dress shirt and slacks, so he must have just come here from work. 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t call you back.” He kisses my cheek as we greet. “I figured I would stop by on my way home.”

I motion back to the door. “I just clocked out for a break, we can sit on the bench and talk.”

Outside, I can see the heavy swarm of tiny insects in the fluorescent lights. The low buzz-hum has become an unending background noise to my life. As we sit down on the metal bench, I notice Viggo is sitting closer to me, but he keeps his hands on his knees. I crack open my soda, taking a drink before either of us speak.

“What did you call about?” Viggo asks.

I gulp down the particularly tingly mouthful of peach soda and nod. “Yes. I did call.” I work on building up my nerve again. “About Monday.” I chomp down on the inside of my cheek. “I don’t know if I’m ready for a slumber party yet.”

“That’s fine. It’s just, I haven’t gotten you coffee yet. I thought it would be cute to bring you breakfast in bed. But if you’re uncertain, that’s fine.”

My dream of that long, warm wake up, stretching out on cool clean sheets while the scent of fresh coffee washes over me. All while a handsome man brings it to me while I’m still snug and content. That was it. That was what I wanted.

“We agreed to take things slow, and I’m not sure if that’s right yet.” I have to remain strong. I look up at him, seeing some disappointment in his eyes, but his smile is still strong.

“I said it’s ok, you could have no reason at all and I’d accept it.” He touches my hand, slowly moving his fingers into my palm. “We can just spend Monday together. I got Selka a new playset, so maybe you can help me figure out how to set it up.”

“Wrong person, I can’t even figure out how to get the key into the lock,” I giggle.

We both laugh, smiling. Nine is knocking on the window to alert me my break is over. The buzz-hum enters my thoughts again, but long enough for me to make a decision. I turn, instead of telling Viggo goodbye, I tilt up my chin and place my palm over his chest. The kiss is soft, but it feels perfect. He returns the kiss, all while Nine continues to smack his palm against the window.

“Ignore him,” I giggle.

“I shouldn’t keep you from work.” He smooths his fingers through my short hair. “Have a good evening, Keira. I can’t wait to see you Monday.”

We kiss again after we stand up and as he goes to his car, he fumbles and drops his keys several times, smiling shyly at me as I go back inside.

“You’re so gross,” Nine teases with a smile.

“You only wish you got to kiss the cute vampire,” I mock right back.

Nine sticks his tongue out. “Hurry up and clock back in, I need to run to the pharmacy on my break.”

“Everything alright?” I always get anxious when I hear people talk about the pharmacy or having to pick up medication. 

Nine is in the back room as I clock in, already going through his locker for his helmet. “Nothing serious, don’t worry.”

Once Sunday comes and goes, I wake up in bed with a nervous flutter in my belly. I get out of bed and make quick work of taking my medications, showering, and getting ready. Once I get to Viggo’s place, my hair is dry but is unmanageable and fluffy. I’m trying to smooth it out when the door opens. I look up, expecting Viggo, but instead I see nothing. Glancing down, I see the sitter staring at me.

Once again, I am faced with a situation I am ill prepared for. “Hi?” 

The dog makes a low boof sound then trots away from the door. 

“Sorry! I’ll be down in a moment, just wait there.” Viggo calls from up a flight of stairs. 

As I wait, I smell coffee and, for that moment, I grow a bit excited. Viggo eventually comes down the stairs, his daughter held in his arms. “Sorry about that, Selka needed a change.”

Her eyes look up at me then she ducks into the crook of her father’s neck. Selka has two colored eyes, one red and one blue.

“You’ll have to get used to her, dearest,” Viggo chuckles. “She’s going to spend the day with us.”

Selka barely peeks up before hiding her face again.

“Come on to the kitchen,” Viggo says. “I have that coffee I promised you.”

There’s a small breakfast nook in the kitchen where Viggo has me sit down while he serves coffee. He places Selka in a high chair, giving her a sippy cup from his pocket. She looks at me, quickly looking away when I go to look at her. 

“There we are.” Viggo sets down the coffee with some cream and sugar on the table. As he does, the sitter comes walking into the kitchen. Selka wiggles in her chair wanting to get down to him. Once Viggo sets her on the floor, she and the huge dog walk away together.

“You just let her play with a dog like that?”