The Vampire's Valentine Surprise: A Nocturne Falls Short Read Online Free PDF

stand just fine.” She leaned on the table. “I’m not giving up.”
    He frowned at his beautiful, stubborn wife. “Then I’m going to stand right next to you and help hold you up. That’s not against the rules, is it?”
    Her grin strengthened. “No.”
    He planted himself next to her, keeping one arm locked around her waist. “Good. Because even if it was, that wouldn’t stop me.”
    “I know,” she said softly. “You wonderful, obstinate man.” She picked up the raspberries and went back to work adding them to the layer.
    Hugh kissed her neck. “I could help.”
    “That’s definitely against the rules, so no.”
    He kissed her again, a little higher this time and right on the spot beneath her ear that always got a response.
    She giggled and swatted at him. “Stop that now or I’ll have you thrown out.”
    He whispered into her ear, “Maybe we could get thrown out together.”
    “For what?”
    He gripped her hip possessively. “Inappropriate public displays of affection.”
    “Hugh,” she exclaimed. “Behave yourself.”
    But there was happiness in her voice and that was enough for him. Anything to keep her mind off whatever was happening to her.
    He let her work, watching with interest at how careful Delaney was with everything, and how skilled. He’d never seen her at work this closely before. She was amazing. It filled him with pride and at that moment he didn’t want her to have to leave the competition either.
    She deserved to win this.
    She topped the cake with the last layer. “There. Now I just need to crumb coat it and give that time to set, then I can do the final frosting and decoration.”
    “You’re very good.”
    A little half-smile bent her mouth. “You say that like you’re just realizing it.”
    He smiled back. “Seeing you work, I’m just appreciating it for the first time. You have to stay in the competition because you’re going to win.”
    “You think so?”
    He nodded. “I do.”
    “Thanks, honey.” She bumped her hip against his. “I need to get my buttercream.”
    “You’re not going to make me taste it again, are you?”
    She laughed. “No. Not this time.”

Chapter Four
    D elaney was feeling better . Still tired, but that seemed to come and go in waves. At least the nausea was gone. But she kept that to herself. She liked having Hugh right next to her, all lovey and sweet. Not that he wasn’t always, but there was something so tender and wonderful about him right now that she didn’t want to do anything to break the spell.
    She scooped a dollop of buttercream onto the end of her offset spatula and dropped it on top of the cake.
    “I’m back.” Pandora slipped into the station.
    Hugh tensed at Delaney’s side. “What did you find out?”
    The witch put the coffee cup back on the worktable. “There’s nothing in there but coffee, sugar and creamer.”
    Hugh scowled. “Check it again.”
    Delaney elbowed her husband. “If there’s nothing in it, there’s nothing it in.”
    Cole and Kaley walked up. He nodded at Delaney before looking at Pandora. “How’s it going?”
    The witch answered, “Really good or not good at all, depending on your point of view.”
    “The coffee?” he asked.
    Pandora shrugged. “Just coffee.”
    A new wave of lethargy hit Delaney. “I need to sit.”
    Hugh got her into the chair, holding onto her like she might break. “You want some water?” He glanced up. “Pandora, will you get her water? And we should call a doctor.”
    “You got it,” Pandora said. “You want anything else, Delaney?”
    “Maybe…” She held up her hand for Pandora to wait as another wave of dizziness swept through her.
    Cole pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll get a doctor.”
    “What’s wrong?” Kaley asked.
    Cole dialed as he answered. “Mrs. Ellingham isn’t feeling well, kiddo.”
    Kaley nodded, eyes wide as she took it all in. She walked up to Delaney. “Is it because of the baby?”
    Delaney laced her fingers with