Cliff’s Descent by Dianne Duvall

Chapter Seven

Cliff carefully restrained his pace to a casual stroll and kept his face impassive as Todd and the other guards escorted him to the cafeteria the following week. Would Emma be there, already sitting at what he had come to think of as their table?

Theirtable, as if they were a couple with regular reservations at their favorite restaurant.

He shook his head at himself.

She had joined him for lunch every day the previous week. And just that quickly, he had come to crave her company so much that he had felt ridiculously disappointed—considering the brevity of their acquaintance—when he hadn’t seen her on Saturday or Sunday.

He didn’t think he had ever greeted a Monday with such eager anticipation before.

Todd kept up a rambling conversation as they walked, one that fortunately only required Cliff to nod here or there while he searched the faces they passed. A few smiled and nodded. Most just stared like a toddler seeing a larger-than-life mall Santa for the first time.

“If it helps,” Todd said, “they do the same thing when an immortal is on-site.”

The other guards nodded.

Cliff arched a brow. “You mean Bastien?”

Several men issued derisive snorts.

Todd laughed. “No. When he’s on-site, they shake in their boots and lock themselves in their offices.”

Cliff scowled, pissed on his friend’s behalf.

“He did make a pretty bad impression when he breached network security and broke a lot of guards’ limbs that time.”

He had a point. But Bastien wouldn’t have done that if Reordon hadn’t been a dick and refused to let him see Vince.

“Bastien scares them,” Todd continued. “But Seth, David, and some of the other immortals intimidate the hell out of them. So they look at Immortal Guardians the same way they’re gawking at you.” He shrugged. “Just thought I’d put that out there.”

Knowing that did help a little. “Thanks.”

When they reached the cafeteria, most of the guards entered ahead of him and spread out around the room.

That grated a lot less when he recalled Emma’s Secret Service comparison.

And there she was, the woman he spent far too much time thinking about, sitting at their table, head down while she read a book on her phone. She wore a yellow dress that looked fantastic against her beautiful brown skin. It hugged her slender torso and flared out into a loose skirt beneath the table, hiding most of her lovely legs.

Her hair was pulled back into a puffball ponytail that managed to look both cute and alluring at the same time, baring a smooth neck he had pressed his lips to in a dream last night. As far as he could tell, she wore no makeup beyond something that made her lips shimmer temptingly.

Silence continued to fall whenever Cliff entered the room.

When it did, Emma glanced up. Amusement twinkled in her eyes as she watched what she now called his entourage take up their usual positions.

Cliff’s pulse picked up, but he gave no indication of it. Offering the room in general his standard abrupt nod, he headed over to the lunch counter where Mason grinned and bellowed another boisterous greeting. Damn, he appreciated that. Whetsman was being a dick again, so it was nice to not be treated like an ax murderer.

After receiving another tray heaped with scrumptious food, he crossed to Emma.

Her pretty face lit with another smile as she turned her phone off and gave him her full attention. “Hi.”

“How’s it going?”

“Same old, same old. Care to join me?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Whispers erupted as he seated himself across from her.

“What about you? How’s your day been so far?”

He shrugged. “About the same. What are you reading?”

“Another sci-fi romance.” Her smile turned wry. “I’ve been needing more of an escape lately.”

He could relate. “Can’t get more of an escape than by leaving the planet.”

“Exactly,” she agreed on a laugh.

While she summarized the plot for him, the whispers of the other diners carried to his ears via his exceptionally sharp hearing.

They’re sitting together again,a man said furtively. This is the fifth or sixth time. Do you think they’ve got a thing going on?

I don’t think so. I mean, that isn’t allowed, is it? He’s a vampire.

He may be a vampire, but clearly he ain’t dead. Look how he looks at her.

Shit. Look how she looks at him.

Unease rose.

Why is she sitting with him?a woman on the opposite side of the cafeteria asked softly.

Because he’s freaking hot, her female companion responded.

But he’s a vampire. Isn’t she scared?

I would be. Rumor has it they can be fine one moment and snap the next without any warning.

Maybe we should tell Mr. Reordon. Do you think he knows? I doubt he’d approve of…

One of his employees doing a vampire? Yeah. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t approve of that.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Todd hissed in a whisper. “They’re just eating lunch.”

Shit. Todd must have been standing near enough to hear the women.

“Cliff?”

Blinking, he realized Emma had ceased speaking. “Yes?”

“Is something wrong?”

He wanted to say no. To hell with those people. If he wanted to have lunch with Emma, he would have lunch with her. Who were they to object? It was none of their damn business.

But he suddenly understood Bastien’s reluctance to embark upon a relationship with Dr. Lipton. Bastien feared fraternizing with him would reflect poorly on Melanie and might threaten her position here at the network.

Now Cliff feared the same for Emma.

Granted, all they did was sit at the same table while they ate lunch. They didn’t sneak kisses or caresses or do anything even remotely amorous. They just talked and laughed together. But tongues were already wagging, and…

His hands tightened into fists.

Emma glanced down at them. “Cliff?” she repeated softly.

“I don’t think we should eat together anymore.” The words left a sour taste in his mouth, but he’d rather eat at a separate table and still get to see her than have Reordon restrict him to sublevel 5 again.

“Why?” Nothing in her posture indicated he’d offended her. Rather she leaned forward, her pretty face somber.

He glanced to one side, then the other. “They’re talking.”

She followed his gaze, undoubtedly noticing the number of occupants who quickly looked away. “About us?”

“Yes.”

She seemed to ponder that. “What are they saying?”

He didn’t want to scare her by telling her they thought he wanted her, but he dreaded her response when he told her the rest. “They think you’re having lunch with me because you’re attracted to me.”

She studied him. “And?”

He stared. “And?” he parroted, caught off guard by the one syllable reply. He had expected her to laugh or deny it or say that was crazy.

Rolling her eyes, she motioned to the other employees. “Half the women here are probably attracted to you, Cliff. You’re freaking hot. What does that have to do with anything?”

His mind blanked. And his treacherous heart began to pound. Was she attracted to him? How could that be? “I’m a vampire.”

Her lips stretched in a smile. “I’m aware.” Her complete lack of concern confounded him.

“They don’t think Reordon would approve and are wondering if they should say something.”

Her smile vanished as her brows drew down. “Really? Crap. I didn’t think of that.” She nibbled her lower lip.

And damned if he didn’t feel desire slither through him as he watched. He swore silently. This would not be a good time for his eyes to start to glow.

“Did Mr. Reordon tell you not to fraternize with the employees?”

“No. But if he thinks there’s even a remote chance that—”

“Oh good!” a bright, feminine voice trilled. “You’re here.”

Cliff’s eyebrows shot up when an elderly woman stopped beside their table and beamed at him. She didn’t look a day under ninety, had a sweet smile bracketed by wrinkles, skin so pale he could see the veins at her temples, and snow-white hair pulled up into a tidy bun. The biceps left bare by her dress looked thinner than his wrist, and she seemed to weigh little more than the large clear container full of cookies that she carried.

Emma offered the woman a warm smile. “Hi, Sadie.”

“Hello, sweetie,” Sadie said, then swung her attention back to Cliff. “I’m so glad I caught you today, young man. Here. I baked these for you.”

Cliff’s jaw dropped when she held out the container. For a moment he could only stare in stunned disbelief. But the muscles in her bony arms began to tremble, so he hastily took the cookies. “I think you must be confusing me with someone else.”

She waved a hand and issued a pshaw sound. “I may be old, but my memory’s as sharp as a tack. You’re Vampire Cliff. Now set that down so I can hug your neck.”

What… was happening?

He shot Emma a glance.

Her lovely lips stretching in a grin, she looked as though she were struggling not to laugh. “You’d better do as she says.”

Cliff set the container down.

Sure enough, Sadie moved closer, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him a hug. The scents of lavender and vanilla wafted over him. “It’s okay,” Sadie told him cheerfully. “You can hug me back. I won’t break.”

Nonplussed, he closed his arms around her and gently patted her back.

After a moment, Sadie withdrew with a smile. “As soon as I heard you’d been spotted up here in the cafeteria, I knew I had to bake you some cookies. I hope you like them. It’s a recipe passed down by my Danish grandmother.”

“I’m sure they’re delicious,” Cliff said. “Thank you.”

Maybe she didn’t understand what a vampire was.

Emma smiled at the woman. “Sadie, would you like to join us?”

“Oh yes, dear, I would. Let me go get my lunch first.”

Cliff watched the woman shuffle over to the serving counter, then looked at Emma.

She grinned. “I wish you could see your expression right now. It’s absolutely priceless.”

“I have no idea what’s happening.”

She laughed. “I know. She’ll explain it when she gets back.” Leaning forward, she nodded at the container. “Sadie treats everyone under the age of sixty like they’re her grandchildren. She’s ninety-three, so to her we’re all just kids.” Her eyes crinkled with mirth. “I even heard her refer to Sebastien Newcombe as that handsome boy with the glowing eyes who caused such a fuss.”

He laughed at the description. “Bastien is more than a century older than Sadie.”

“I know. But he looks like he’s thirty, so to her he’s just another kid in need of cookies.”

Sadie returned and shocked Cliff again by setting her tray down beside his.

Rising, he pulled her chair out for her.

“Oh my. So gallant,” Sadie said with a happy smile. “You remind me of my Henry.”

Cliff retook his seat. “Who’s Henry?”

“He was my husband for sixty-two years until the cancer took him.” She spread a napkin on her lap and sighed. “He was so handsome. Tall and broad-shouldered like you. And he always did little things that made me feel special.” She winked. “Like pull my chair out for me.”

Cliff smiled as he watched Sadie take a delicate bite of her sandwich. “May I ask why you baked me cookies?”

“Of course! I did it because I wanted to thank you for saving my life.” She smiled at Emma. “And for saving Emma’s. This precious girl means the world to me.”

Emma smiled. “Awww. Thank you, Sadie.” She patted the woman’s hand. “I’m afraid Cliff doesn’t remember much about that morning though.”

Sadie sent him a commiserating look. “I know how that is.” Leaning closer, she whispered, “I lied. My memory isn’t what it used to be. I forget stuff all the time. Mr. Reordon only keeps me around because he likes my cookies.”

Emma laughed. “I’m pretty sure it’s because you’re a whiz with the stock market and make the network tons of money.”

“That, too,” she agreed.

The next hour passed quickly. Cliff enjoyed the women’s banter. They seemed to really care about each other. He also enjoyed the Danish cookies. “Mmmm. Sadie, these are delicious.”

She grinned big, the wrinkles in her face multiplying. “Oh, I’m so glad! That’s really saying something, coming from you. I imagine your taste buds are so sensitive that you could tell me every ingredient.”

He nodded as he devoured another. “But not the proportions. These are perfect. Have some, Emma.”

Emma took two. “Thank you. The only thing I don’t like about Sadie’s cookies is that they’re incredibly addictive.”

“I can see why.” The cookies were so good they almost made him forget his concerns about Reordon.

He didn’t know how many cookies Sadie had baked, but there were still a dozen left when Emma’s lunch hour ended. Cliff handed the older woman the container.

She waved a hand. “Take it with you and bring it back when you’re finished. If you don’t see me, just give it to Emma and she’ll pass it along.”

Since it would give him a legitimate excuse to approach Emma after they stopped sitting together, he agreed.

Todd and the other guards closed in around him after he bid the women goodbye. Their stomachs growled as they eyed the treats he carried.

Cliff waited until they were all ensconced in the elevator with the doors closed, then took the top off the container. “Anyone want a cookie?”

They were stuffing their faces before he even finished the question.

He laughed. But his amusement couldn’t quite take the edge off the sadness that filled him now that his time with Emma had come to an end.

Damn. He really liked her. Hard to believe he had only known her for a week.

But he was a vampire. Vampires didn’t get happily-ever-afters with women like Emma.

Vampires didn’t get happily-ever-afters at all.

Nothing but darkness lay ahead of him.

Emma paused when she reached Cynthia’s office. Much larger than hers, Cynthia shared it with nine other employees who closely monitored the internet for mentions of Immortal Guardians, gifted ones, and vampires.

Cynthia had grumbled that the last was a pain in the ass because there were so many vampire wannabes out there. So weird.

Emma poked her head in. “Hey, Cynthia?”

Her friend looked up with a smile. “Hey, girl.”

“Hi, Emma,” the others chorused.

Emma tossed them a hello and turned back to Cynthia. “You got a minute?”

“Sure.”

Cynthia rounded her desk and stepped into the hallway.

Without saying a word, Emma led her to the nearest restroom and ducked inside. Once there, Emma made sure the stalls were all empty before she spoke. “I need a favor.”

“Okay.” Cynthia was such a great friend. She didn’t even ask what it was before agreeing.

“I need you to see if Todd can have lunch with us.”

“By us do you mean you and me? Or—”

“Cliff is worried because he heard some of the other employees gossiping about us, speculating that I’m having lunch with him because I’m attracted to him.”

“You are having lunch with him because you’re attracted to him.”

“I know that. And you know that. But he doesn’t. And apparently the loose-lipped jackasses who are talking about us think they should tell Mr. Reordon so he can… I don’t know… step in or something.”

“What?” Scowling, Cynthia propped her hands on her hips. “That’s total bullshit!”

“I know. But I’m afraid Mr. Reordon might ban Cliff from eating up here. And Cliff needs this, Cynthia. Especially after what happened with the mercenaries.”

“I agree. Todd said Cliff has been way more relaxed since he started venturing out of sublevel 5. He’s even laughing and joking again.”

Happiness filled her. “He is?” Was it because he was exploring other areas of the building or because he was spending time with her?

Emma quickly shut the thought down.

“Yes.” Cynthia touched Emma’s arm. “But honey, you know this can’t go anywhere, right? You and Cliff?”

“We’re just friends.”

“But you want to be more.”

Hell yes she did. “We can’t be more. The only time we see each other is at lunch.”

“And you don’t want to lose that?”

Emma hesitated. “No.” Cliff made her feel things she never had before. “I mean, no one else will sit with him. So if I don’t, he’ll have to eat alone while everyone else gawks at him.”

Cynthia smiled in a way that said she knew Emma was full of crap.

Emma laughed. “Well. It’s true.”

“Uh-huh. So you want Todd and me to start eating with you?”

“Yes, please.”

“You aren’t worried that it’ll look too much like a double date to the gossipmongers?”

Emma bit her lip. “Oh. Right. I didn’t think of that.” Throwing up her hands, she exclaimed, “This is so ridiculous! What does it even matter? It’s not like we’re going to start groping each other right there in the cafeteria!”

Cynthia laughed. “That would rock! Talk about jaws dropping.”

Emma eyed her balefully. “So happy I can amuse you.”

Still chuckling, Cynthia waved a hand in dismissal. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got this.” She winked as she headed for the door. “See you at lunch.”

Cliff glanced at the guards as they crowded into the elevator with him.

There was one more than there had been the day before. Why? Had someone complained?

He frowned. About what? Cliff had been on his best behavior while on sublevel 1 and had done nothing to scare anyone. All he’d done was chat with Emma.

His frown deepened into a scowl. Wait. Had someone tattled to Reordon? Was the extra man coming along to ensure Cliff would keep his distance from Emma?

He grumbled inwardly. What a crock. He had already decided to keep his distance from her. He wasn’t sure how he would do that exactly. If she approached him and asked if she could sit with him, he knew he wouldn’t have the heart to say no.

But when Bastien and Melanie made their attraction known, things had gotten a little snippy for a while between Mr. Reordon and Melanie. Cliff didn’t want the same to happen with Emma, particularly since he wasn’t sure Reordon considered Emma as irreplaceable as Dr. Lipton.

Todd offered no explanation, and Cliff didn’t ask.

Dread pooled in his stomach. Irritation rose until he swore inwardly. Couldn’t he have one damn thing he could look forward to each day? Just one. Damn. Thing? Was that so much to ask? A nice meal with a beautiful woman who made him smile and laugh? Who made him feel like a man rather than a crazed vampire whose days were numbered?

A ding sounded shortly before the doors slid open.

Their boots clomped on the floor like a drumbeat as they strode forward. Every fascinated, curious, or nervous stare that met his made Cliff’s ire rise. Which one of them had run tattling to Reordon? Was it him? Or her? Or them?

“You okay there, Cliff?” Todd asked, sliding him a sidelong glance.

“Sure.” When anger continued to rise within him—something it did more often now—Cliff drew in a deep breath and forced his tight muscles to loosen. “What’s the extra man for?”

Todd shrugged. “I missed breakfast today.” As if on cue, his stomach rumbled. “I’m hungry as hell, so Simmons is going to take my watch while I eat lunch.”

Cliff looked at him in surprise. “Oh.”

“What’s wrong?” Mischief lit Todd’s green eyes as he smiled. “Did you think Simmons asked to come along so he could ogle you while you eat? You’re not that good-looking, you know.”

Cliff laughed.

The other guards laughed too as Simmons gave Todd a hard shove.

As they entered the cafeteria, Cliff wondered if the occupants would ever stop going silent and gaping when he entered.

Emma was nowhere to be seen, he noted with disappointment. Had she chosen not to come so the gossip would die down?

“I like this,” Todd murmured, nudging him with an elbow.

“What?”

“Everybody going quiet and staring.” He puffed out his chest and adopted an exaggerated swagger. “Makes me feel like a celebrity.”

Smiling, Cliff shook his head.

Once Mason happily provided them with lunch, they headed for Cliff’s usual table.

Cliff arched a brow when Todd pulled out the chair next to his, sat down, and began to inhale his lunch.

“What?” the other man asked around a mouthful of burger.

“Is there a reason you’re sitting beside me instead of across from me?

“Yep.”

If he thought sitting beside Cliff would make it easier to tranq him in a worst-case scenario, Todd was mistaken. “And that is?”

“Wait for iiiiiiiiit—”

“Hi, baby!” a cheerful feminine voice called.

Cliff looked toward the entrance.

A pretty Latina woman was grinning and waving. Beside her, Emma walked quietly, a slight smile curling her lips as her eyes met Cliff’s.

“Hi, gorgeous,” Todd replied with a grin as they approached.

This must be Cynthia.

“Give us a minute to get our lunch,” she said.

“Sure thing.”

Cliff forced himself not to turn and watch them as they continued on to the lunch counter. Heart lightening, he instead kept his expression impassive and focused his attention on consuming the gargantuan bowl of salad Mason had prepared for him.

Todd grimaced. “I don’t know how you can eat that shit without salad dressing.”

Cliff shrugged. “As long as it has lots of walnuts and raisins in it, I don’t need the dressing.” Although he still wasn’t a fan of celery. Mason must’ve caught on to that though, because he’d left the celery out this time.

Nice guy.

The women returned.

Cynthia paused long enough to give Todd a quick kiss, then set her tray down across from his.

Emma set her tray down beside her friend’s.

Cliff rose.

Todd glanced up at him, then hastily rose, too.

Both women smiled and took their seats.

Cynthia smiled at Cliff as he sat down once more. “You’re a good influence on him.” She extended her hand. “Hi. I’m Cynthia.”

He gave it a shake. “Nice to meet you. I’m Cliff.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt stupid.

“I know.” She grinned. “Sadie’s been singing your praises.”

“She has?”

Cynthia nodded. “Ever since I heard you were eating lunch up here, I’ve been wanting to join you, but work kept getting in the way.” Wrapping an arm around Emma, she drew her tight against her side in a hug. “Thank you for saving my bestie. And Sadie. I love them both to pieces.”

Smiling, Emma hugged her back.

Cliff didn’t know how to respond, so he just nodded. “I’m glad I was there to help.”

Cynthia gave him a teasing look. “So modest.” She jerked her chin toward Todd. “Unlike some people, who think I should be eternally grateful if they load the dishwasher.”

Todd laughed, as did the rest of them.

Cliff shifted his gaze to Emma as the couple bantered.

Her brown eyes met and held his, happiness brightening them.

Shehad done this. She had convinced her friends to eat with them to try to deflect any suspicion that they were interested in pursuing more than friendship.

And hell, if friendship was all he could ever have with Emma, he would take it. And appreciate it. And appreciate her.

The next day, Todd, Cynthia, and Emma joined Cliff for lunch again, as did Sadie. The day after that, a man named Miles joined the growing group at their table. Then a couple of brothers who were part of Reordon’s weapons development team. And so it went for weeks. Then months. Sometimes the table was full. Sometimes he only had a handful of companions. But Emma was always in the mix. And she always sat directly across from him, her eyes meeting his much more often than that of the others’.

Affection for her grew. And admiration. She had succeeding in finding a way for them to continue seeing each other five days a week without either of them facing negative repercussions. The whispers gradually stopped. The silence and staring that always greeted Cliff’s entrance gradually shortened until he hardly noticed it.

While he missed being able to spend time alone with Emma—or as alone as they could be in a room full of other people—he knew this would have to be enough.

His heart still lightened whenever he saw her. His pulse picked up. His lips stretched in a smile whenever hers did. And just the sound of her laughter made him happy.

How he wished he could touch her. Cover her soft hand with his. Cup her lovely face in his palms and brush her lips with a kiss.

Did she want the same? Did she dream of the two of them coming together, bare flesh against bare flesh, the way he did? Did she even think of him as more than a friend or work acquaintance?

Since she never gave any indication, he honestly couldn’t tell.

Until one day a few months later.