Just as he had promised, LaCroix returned when her shift ended. This time, however, he drove a sleek black sports car, complete with tinted windows.
"I take it you're planning to go home after you drop me off," Nat commented when she saw how dark the tinting was from the inside. She settled back in the soft, leather seat and waited for his answer.
LaCroix gazed at her intently before starting the car. "Actually, despite the strength of the tint, the sun still has a nasty habit of being irritating. I rarely venture out after sunrise unless the sun is safely behind the clouds."
"Oh," said Nat. She peered out the window at the clear, early morning sky. The sun would be up in another hour or so, and yet, LaCroix had not mentioned where he would spend the day. "Well, you're welcome to have my couch if it gets too late. Nick's done it a thous--" She stopped, unable to continue with her recollection of Nick.
"Things are not going well between Nicholas and yourself, are they?" LaCroix asked, sounding genuinely concerned.
"No, they're not." She found herself telling him about the way Nick had been behaving lately. "He was pretty good tonight," she told him. "He acted like we were still best friends. We joked and laughed... but that makes it worse, harder for me to accept his mood swings."
LaCroix had been listening to every
word while he drove. Now they were home, and he got out to open her door--
always the perfect gentleman. "I understand, Natalie. There have been so
many times in the past when I thought Nicholas and I were getting over
our differences, only to have him crush that hope. Be patient with him,
my dear."
Walking her to the door, LaCroix bent to touch her lips lightly with his own. "I would be honored if you would join me this evening for a tour of the city."
Nat smiled. The way he said it sounded funny, but she knew that he was asking her to join him on his walk. Did he take walks every night? "I'd love to, but I *do* have to work, you know."
LaCroix returned her smile. "I'll
see to it you're not late," he said as he went back to his car.
As she watched him drive away, Natalie found herself wishing he had taken her up on the offer to stay. Suddenly, she felt very tired. Entering the house, she went straight into the bedroom, collapsing on the bed.
"The stars are so beautiful," Natalie commented as she walked beside LaCroix. He'd shown up shortly after the sun had slipped beyond the horizon.
"Indeed they are," LaCroix acknowledged. "Yet, they hold no candle to your own beauty, my dear Natalie."
Nat felt herself blush at his compliment. After stammering a thank-you, she decided to change the subject. "Do you do this often?" she asked. "I mean... go for walks?" She felt stupid for asking, but LaCroix did not acknowledge her nervousness.
"Usually, I walk every night before the club opens. I enjoy having some time to myself... to get away from the element that clutters the Raven. To gauge the atmosphere of the city... to reflect upon the night."
"To hunt," Nat added, the grin on her face completely ruining his philosophical moment.
"That too," chuckled LaCroix. "However did you guess?"
"Somehow, you don't strike me as the kind who would drink cows blood." Like Nick, she'd been about to say.
"Gracious no!" LaCroix replied, his face wrinkling into an expression of disdain. "I prefer my meals fresh, Natalie. Most of us do."
"Is Nick the only one who... ?"
"Drinks that horrible stuff?" LaCroix finished her question for her. "He is the only one that I know of." After a pause, he continued, "Natalie, you have no idea how repulsive animal blood is. To compare it to human blood is like comparing grape juice to a fine wine. There *is* no comparison."
"Oh," said Nat. "So... have you... fed tonight?" Again, she felt uncomfortable.
LaCroix nodded briefly. "I had a bit of the bottled variety we sell at the Raven. It's not the same as fresh, but it is better than the swill Nicholas is poisoning himself with.
They both fell silent as they walked. They had begun to circle around and return to Nat's place.
As they came in sight of her car, LaCroix commented, "I rather enjoyed this evening, my dear."
"You did?" Nat had thought they were both strained and uncomfortable with each other.
"Yes, I did. You are interested in my life, and I enjoy talking to you." He helped her into her car. "Until tomorrow night, my dear..." he said, his voice low and seductive. The kiss he planted on her lips was feathery and soft.
The days flew by quickly for Natalie... and enjoyably. Well, except for work. At work, she had to deal with Nick, who was becoming increasingly hard to deal with. The rest of time, however, was wonderful.
She and LaCroix continued to take walks together before work. They'd talk, but no longer about Nick. Usually, LaCroix would entertain her with different historical anecdotes from his long life. She would listen intently to every word, loving the mere sound of his voice.
Just lately, however, she'd begun to feel as if she needed more from him. Talking and an occasional kiss was just not what she had been expecting. Her memories of the brief affair he'd had with Natasha told her that LaCroix was capable of so much more than what he was giving her. And yet... she was also afraid of advancing their relationship beyond the form of courtship he'd chosen.
Also, it seemed to her that LaCroix was content with the way their relationship was going. Naturally, it would be stupid to try and push him.
The best thing to do, Natalie finally decided, was to just sit back and see where this would take her...