Josephine

Part of me is still processing all of this.

It's been a week since me and Ramona talked about her being a vampire, and it took me a little while to realize that this isn't a product of me hitting my head too hard. It's real.

It's also difficult to believe that a divine force has paired me with the goddess-like beauty.

I mean I know I'm not ugly. But me? A normal, uninteresting human? Paired with the literal vampire Queen? How the hell does that happen? How did manage a Nat 20 on luck? I can barely average a seven!

Despite my confusion on that front, which Ramona finds hilarious, things have gone well.

After my friends healed up, and I convinced them that we should take a break from the paranormal investigation, considering what we recently experienced, they returned home. From what I gathered from them, and from what Ramona overheard, they've decided to disband the group for the foreseeable future. It was more dangerous than they were expecting, and they were concerned it was more risk than it was worth.

Basically, it scared the shit out of them.

I understand though, especially after Ramona explained what that thing was. Shades, just the name gives me the creeps. I was literally seconds from death when she intervened, and so were my friends. So, knowing that they aren't going to go out looking for the scary shit anymore is a relief, and I'm glad they were kept in the dark about everything else, they're better off not knowing they were about to die. The nightmares are going to be bad enough, I should know.

As for me, I remain in the rental home on Galaway Bay, at least for a little while. We all helped pay for two weeks of rental up front, and I have a couple of weeks left of time off from work, so I decided to stay for the rest of the time I have the place, which works out well, since Ramona lives near the cliffs of Moher.

Honestly her living nearby is the only reason I'm here, since the woods we were exploring are right between the bay and the cliffs. If she had been any farther away, no matter her speed, she wouldn't have gotten to me in time.

That, and her friend Kira.

She's told me about her a bit since we started talking and spending time together. She's something called a Seer, which apparently is a person given the ability of premonition, or future vision. It's her gift that let Ramona know I was in danger, and got her to me. It's probably the first time I've ever truly been grateful for someone I haven't met personally, but I do look forward to meeting her. Ramona talks highly of her, describing her as not just her unofficial right hand but as a dear friend.

I suppose it's only a matter of time, considering how things are going with us.

Ramona and I have been going on dates ever since I left the hospital, and each time we part the ache to be near her grows stronger. It's a little scary to be affected by someone's absence this much, but the feelings I get when I'm with her are just as powerful, and alleviate the fear.

I've never felt this way with another woman, especially not this fast. Maybe it's the difference between a simple crush, and actually being in-

Oh, oh shit.

The sound of my phone going off pulls me out of my thoughts, and I roll over in bed to grab it off my nightstand. I smile as I see her name on message, unlocking to reply.

~Good morning Love.

Christ, I get butterflies every time she calls me that.

~Good morning, I thought you had a really late night?

~I did, but that is not going to stop me from being the first person to talk to you.

Crap, I'm already blushing.

~You are blushing, I can feel it. She continues, and I can almost see that devious grin of hers.

~Why must you tease me? I reply, groaning outwardly.

~Because it is fun, I can picture that adorable expression on your face.

Bloody Hell...

~Well, now that you are pouting😏Would you like to meet in our usual place for lunch?

I sigh, the sound of my stomach rumbling at the thought of food reminds me I haven't eaten breakfast yet.

~Depends, you gonna keep teasing me?

Her response is almost immediate.

~It would not be as fun if I behaved, and do not pretend you do not like it.

Fuck.

~You're impossible. I'll see you there.

~Of course Love 😏

I groan as I drop my phone on the bed, my cheeks hot as I stare up at the ceiling. This woman is going to be the death of me.

~~~~

I sigh as I lock the door behind me, pulling the hood of my knee length raincoat over my head, then stuffing my glove covered hands in the hoodie underneath. I wish I could have dressed nicer, but it's too damn cold and rainy for that. Not to mention that most of my cold weather gear is more for comfort and function then style, which is all I planned for when I originally packed for this trip.

Well, I'm sure Ramona will understand.

Thankfully, the restaurant we're meeting at isn't that far of a walk, so I won't have to be outside long. My boots splash in the puddles as I get closer, and I sigh in relief as the front of the restaurant comes into view.

Ah, coffee...and something better to eat than that buttered toast I ate earlier.

I enter, wiping off my shoes and pushing off my hood. Part of me wonders if I actually managed to beat her here this time, but I quickly lose that bet when I see her in our usual spot in the quiet corner, her back to me. Even still, I can recognize that beautiful hair, the gold pieces glinting in the soft light.

Clearing my throat, I walk towards her, her head turning to the side as soon as my feet leave the door mat. Her smile makes my heart thump a little harder at the sight of it, and I struggle to smile in any way but dopey.

Get a grip! You've done this a dozen times already!

"There you are Love, for a moment I wondered if the rains had washed you away." She chuckles, and I huff as I take off my raincoat to hang it over the chair before sitting down, giving her a halfhearted glare.

"Very funny." I grumble, and her smile only getting wider.

"Oh I do love it when you pout, it is adorable." She almost coos, and I can feel the heat burning my once cold cheeks.

"I am not pouting."

"Oh you are Love, denial is not going to save you."

I click my tongue, trying to push down the blush by sheer willpower.

"Cruel woman." I grumble, and the look of mischief in her eyes sends a shiver down my spine.

"Oh? Oh Lovely, if you think I am cruel now, then later you will think I'm absolutely sadistic~" She almost purrs, and it feels like my entire body just blushed.

Shit!

I avert my gaze to the floor, trying to regain any sense of calm as my heart races in my chest. Her soft laughter makes it difficult though, and I can still feel her eyes on me despite me looking away.

"Alright, alright, I have tormented you enough...for now. Let us get something to eat, preferably before I make you faint."

Sighing, I look back up to see her look over the menu, which is kind of needless considering how many times we've eaten here. Still, I do the same, using it as more of a shield than actually reading it, I can still feel the heat burning in my cheeks as I look over the options distractedly. However despite my best efforts to stop staring, I can't help but focus on something.

"I was thinking about getting the smoked salmon this time, what about you Lovely?" She asks, and I blink as I snap out of my thoughts.

"Oh, I'm not sure...probably a soup or stew I guess." I mumble, looking back at menu. It only takes a minute before I go back to looking at her, only to jump at her already staring at me.

"Is there something on your mind? You are awfully distracted despite being so hungry."

I swallow hard, and sigh.

"I was just wondering, why are you still wearing your coat?"

She blinks, only to chuckle in response.

"Ah, I forgot I was wearing it. My kind do not really get bothered by temperature, so it's more like a costume to keep the humans from getting suspicious." She explains undoing the buttons of her long, black coat.

"Oh, ok."

I go to look over the menu again, only for my eyes to get caught on a glimpse of red...

Oh...oh shit.

My eyes widen at the red turtleneck she's wearing underneath, and just how well it fits her. I mean, the other outfits she's worn have looked great, but this shirt clings to her almost like a second skin, outlining every single one of her curves...

I desperately rub over my mouth to make sure I'm not drooling.

I can't take my eyes off of her, not even as she returns my stare, a grin curling at the corners of her mouth. Not only is it a beautiful color on her, but it leaves almost nothing to the imagination about her body...

Fuck me...

Her soft chuckle and raised eyebrow catches me a little off guard.

"Maybe later Lovely, I prefer privacy if I am going to ravish you."

I slap my hand over my mouth in silent horror as her words sink in, and I fight the urge to hide.

Oh My God...I said that out loud.

"Oh do not look so mortified, I took it as a compliment. Besides Lovely, it is something I'd be happy to do once we are a little more...well acquainted."

Dear God, I'm going to have a heart attack.

"This is almost too much fun. I do hope you adjust soon, I would hate to have you borderline passing out from embarrassment all the time." She chuckles, her red eyes holding my gaze, and I swallow the lump in my throat.

"I will, it's just, you're very forward. More than I'm used to."

Her answering grin is very smug.

"I quite enjoy that, but do let me know if you become uncomfortable with it. I assure you, it is the one thing that will stop me from teasing you."

I nod, turning back to my menu.

"Oh...um, you look nice, by the way." I say quietly, and she laughs softly.

"I had a feeling you thought so, but thank you Lovely. You look quite good yourself."

I scoff, shaking my head.

"Don't joke, I'm wearing worn out sweats and hiking boots. I look homeless next to you."

"No, you look warm, and comfortable. As much as I would love to see you dressed up, I would much prefer you stay warm, and not get sick." She replies, and my heart thumps a little faster. "Besides, you do not need to impress me, I already find you stunning."

Dear God help me.

As if the universe could sense my need for a distraction, our usual waitress shows up with two mugs of coffee, and I sigh in relief.

"Here you are ladies, just the way you like it. Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?" She asks, an almost knowing smile on her face. Shit, are we that obvious? Or is it just me?

"I am ready if you are." Ramona says, and I nod.

"I'll have the stew."

"And for you?"

"The smoked salmon please."

"I'll be right back with your order."

I sigh again as I bring my mug to my lips, only to hear Ramona chuckle.

"I think the only thing I miss is your lovely tattoos." She murmurs, and I nearly choke on my coffee.

I'm gonna need divine intervention.