Spanish Nights Read Online Free Page B

wasn't common in his small community. On the rare occasion when outsiders had thought to take what didn't belong to them, he'd made sure they were dealt with swiftly. Still, he felt the need to keep this woman safe.
    Once outside, he offered his arm. She hesitated, as if unsure, but quickly regained composer and wrapped her fingers around his bicep. Her touch was cool and he was surprised he hadn't noticed it before. It soothed him like a refreshing balm.
    He escorted her down the brick walk and turned left. The cafe was only a block away. “We'll have coffee first. You can tell me more about yourself and why you decided to visit our village.”
    She smiled at him. “Deal, but only if you tell me more about your family. I find it interesting that your descendants are the founding fathers.”
    “I'd be happy to tell you all about my family.”
    They reached the door of the restaurant, and he opened it allowing her to enter first. “This way.” He led her across the small diner to a booth by the window. He waited for her to be seated before taking his own across from her then watched while she unfolded the napkin and placed it in her lap. Every move she made fascinated him. “Are you hungry?”
    “I wasn’t until the smell of those cinnamon rolls hit me on the way in.”
    “You will not be disappointed. Café con leche as well?”
    She smiled and nodded. “Yes, please.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and he resisted the temptation to reach out and help her. He imagined the dark mass would feel like the finest silk fisted in his hand as he took her from behind.
    Armand snapped his fingers. “Maria.”
    The woman quickly crossed the small café and Armand gave his order. In less than two minutes, she was back placing the rolls and coffee on the table. Before she could walk away, he touched her arm.
    “How is your mother?”
    “Much better.”
    “Good. You will let me know if she needs anything?”
    “ Si´ and Gracias. ”
    Armand turned back to the delightful morsel across from him who was sipping her coffee. “Maria’s mother had a terrible fall a month ago and broke her leg.”
    “Oh that’s awful.”
    He reached for a napkin and laid it over his lap. “Yes. They have very little money so I took care of the medical expenses. Maria insisted on paying me back so I let her work here to repay the debt. I tried to talk her out of it, but her family is proud.” He leaned across the table. “Don’t tell, but I’m putting the money aside so she can go to college next fall.”
    She finished chewing her roll. “That’s so kind of you.”
    He lifted his shoulders. “They are good people and she deserves to go to school.” He shifted in his seat. “So. Earlier you mentioned you were an author? Tell me more. What do you write about?”
    Her cheeks turned a rosy pink and she chewed her bottom lip. He nearly groaned out loud, wanting to kiss and nip at the plump perfection before his tongue slid into her mouth and tasted every inch. He was positive she'd taste of strawberries. Plump, juicy and ripe for the picking.
    “I write romance. Well actually, it's called paranormal romance.” She took another quick sip of her coffee.
    “Ahh yes. Sex with vampires and other mythological creatures.” How perfect that his little vixen would be a master creator of such love stories. How would she take the news that he was one of them? Well a half-ass one at the moment, as he had no magic to back him up, but one nonetheless. Not that he would tell her even if he could prove it. He wondered why it even crossed his mind. Still … would she roll her eyes at him? For some reason, it pained him slightly that she might take him as a joke.
    She gave him a sheepish smile. “Yeah, that would be the kind of stuff I write about. Well, I used to anyway.” She cast her gaze into her lap. “I'm surprised you're familiar with it.”
    “You'd be surprised at the things I know. Why do you no longer write?” He made a