Sex Shifters and a Vampire: An Unlikely Christmas Match by Addison Avery Page B

assumption.
    This guy planned on screwing the damn thing.
    “I explained what I need on the phone.”
    Yeah, Conrad remembered. He recalled how out of sorts he’d gotten, too, anticipating the arrival of one red-hot seductress.
    The cowboy’s eyes sparkled like a new quarter, turning more platinum than blue, and Conrad focused on the shaded change of color. “Now that’s odd,” he muttered, unable to turn away.
    The stranger’s gaze started at Conrad’s dusty boots and worked him over like a rancher waiting to brand a worthy bull. Kim studied Conrad like he might consider the vampire intimidating or dangerous, but that didn’t stop the peculiar cowboy from giving him another once-over all the same.
    “Have we met before?” Conrad asked, thinking there was something slightly familiar about Mr. Bellows.  
    “No,” Kim replied, moistening his lips. “And that’s been my loss.”
    Conrad’s fangs threatened to break free. One of his teeth formed the elongated point, the incisor slicing through his lip when he bit back a snarl. Conrad didn’t feel the alarming need for self-preservation, so there was only one explanation. His fangs dropped for another reason altogether. He was excited by this stranger—a man he’d just met and a man at that!
    “I’m surprised our paths have never crossed, this being a small town and all,” Conrad remarked, agitated by how he responded to Kim. He continued toward the stable, convinced he was in the presence of a supernatural creature much like himself.
    Conrad entered the large barn and headed down the center aisle, kicking at the sawdust as he walked. He found the breaker box quickly and used his balled fist to hit the brass lever and throw the main switch. The recognizable ear-piercing whistling sound of a generator hummed through the barn as the lights flashed overhead burning bright enough to light up the place for miles around.
    “Let me show you that paint horse,” Conrad suggested, grabbing a halter and leather lead from a large metal hook.
    “Sounds good,” Kim said, following him.
    A few seconds later, Conrad had the feeling he was walking alone. When he didn’t hear footsteps behind him, he whipped around. Standing in front of the first stall, a beautiful woman struck a pose with her hip cocked and her hand placed in the curve of her small waist. By her profile, the woman could’ve easily passed as the cowboy’s sister, only she stood about five foot four or so, much shorter than Conrad’s original guest.
    She reached between the metal bars encasing the first horse stall and stroked the head of a chestnut mare. “Easy, girl,” she purred.
    “What the hell?”
    The stranger giggled, stopped focusing on the horse, and pursued him instead.
    Her eyes were as brilliant as the blue-fire glow found in expensive chandeliers. Extending her hand, she introduced herself, “I’m Kimberly Bellows.”
    Conrad glanced over the woman’s shoulder. Had he been dreaming earlier? Did he imagine a man when he first met his guest at the door, and if so, why? He rubbed his chin and eyed the sensational creature in front of him.
    He really should’ve taken time out for a cup of coffee. Vampires his age needed their rest, and when they didn’t get a little shut-eye, they typically relied on caffeine just like the humans.
    “Are you okay?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.
    Her voice sounded familiar. Perhaps she was the female caller who’d awakened him earlier. “Kimberly Bellows, is it?”
    “That’s right,” she replied, leaving her hand out until he took her palm in his and drew her fingers to his lips. That was the gentlemanly thing to do.
    Immediately, a searing bolt of electricity zipped up his arm like he’d been struck by a bolt of unforgiving lightning. Conrad gasped. “Oh, fuck me into a cowboy’s hell.”
    Kimberly touched his cheek. “Now, Conrad, don’t act surprised. You knew I’d eventually come for you.”
    Conrad backed away from her