Apocalipstick (Hell in a Handbag Book 1) by Lisa Acerbo (the best e book reader txt) 📗

“Romance and a gun. What more could a woman ask for.”

“Strange times call for strange dates. No telling what an apocalypse will do to traditional dating rituals. Relax and enjoy.”

“Relaxation isn’t really my strong point. I’m usually doing laps around the inn if not engaged in chores or outside.” She fingered the holes in her sweatshirt.

Should she wear something nicer? Not a lot of options in her closet. At least the jeans are clean.

“We’ll work on relaxing together.” He sat her on the blanket. He pointed to a fresh salad.

That’s thanks to your garden. The casserole is from me.”

She eyed the pan. “Interesting. What’s in it?”

“Don’t look so skeptical. Made it myself.” He chuckled. “Not sure what it will taste like, but Emma swore by the recipe and we trust her. Right?”

“We trust her with medicine, but not sure about her cooking. Still, she’s all for this union so I’m sure she wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

“Let’s dig in.” He doled out meals and handed her a plate.

Jenna relished the dinner and relaxed, enjoying the scenery and company.

“This is our official first date.” He broke into a boyish grin and added, “How’s it going so far?”

“What makes today different to previous times?” She put her fork down.

“Because I’m going to go hunt. If you don’t go running back to the inn, it will be because you don’t find me utterly repulsive.”

“Putting it to the test. Go for it. After killing Streakers, I can deal with sitting here while you go find some more food. Before you go, explain why you want to do this now.”

“I don’t need to hunt at this moment, but it’s important you understand what you are getting into.”

“And that is?”

“New Racers are driven by a need for blood, be it animal blood or human, but human blood is more fulfilling. No matter what kind, the virus brought about an evolutionary change linking us to Streakers. We all need blood. If I don’t hunt regularly. I really would go insane. Lucky for us, there’s plenty of deer and bears around.”

“Deer and bear?”

“And squirrels and rabbits but they aren’t filling.”

“Obviously.” She frowned. “Off you go for a late-night snack. Find something tasty.”

“I’ll try.” Caleb kissed her on the cheek before he sprinted into the woods.

What to think about this?

Her boyfriend drains the blood from poor woodland creatures. It should disgust her, but she was a fan of fresh venison steaks and never turned down a hamburger when they were available pre-pandemic. Damn, she was making herself miss dollar-menu fast food right now. Was it really so crazy in this bizzarro world she called home?

The rustle of small animals scurrying away turned loud amid the silence. And then two pinpricks burned scarlet in front of her. As they drew closer, they grew into demonic red eyes like seen in old photos. Those eyes stared into her soul. Caleb was but a blurry image when he approached, back by her side before she could blink. She hadn’t known what to expect but his clothes remained clean. She’d wondered if he’d returned covered in blood and guts. He appeared healthy, happy, and sane.

“That’s it?” she asked.

“What did you expect?” He shrugged his shoulders before sitting on the blanket. “I had an extra meal. I’m a growing boy.”

“I’m not sure how to react to all of this.” The darkness hid her heated cheeks.

“It’s a strange new reality. All of us needed a while to come to terms with what we are now. Accepting this new life is liberating. Discarded my old self for an improved one. At least that’s the line I’m selling to myself.”

“Who were you before all of this?”

“I was in college, liked music, played guitar, and had started a band. My goal was to be a rich and famous rock star or a music teacher.”

“Seriously?” Jenna stared at him in disbelief.

“Average, normal person just like you. Hated math just like you. I was on campus when the virus invaded. They didn’t even have time to evacuate us and send everyone home. By the time I was able to get in the car and leave, half the campus was in the infirmary infected or dead. Coming home wasn’t much better. My parents and sisters were already gone.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Everyone still kicking has a story like mine or yours or worse.” He shifted, gaze intent. “I didn’t bring you here to make you sad or talk about the past. What can I do to make you happy in the present?”

“Would you play something for me. There has to be a guitar somewhere in the area.”

“That’s what you want?” He pointed at himself. “Out of everything you might have had.”

“It’s what I want.”

“I have a guitar in my room but haven’t played since the outbreak. I might not remember how. I’m not sure I want to play anymore.”

She moved close. “It’s romantic and if you want a second date, you’re going to have to woo me.”

Caleb chuckled. “Woo you? What pandemic have you survived? We’re not back in the flu pandemic of the early 1900s.” His hand moved to her knee. “I’ll woo you if that’s what you really want. Your wish is my command.”

“Really?”

“You. This. Whatever we have going here is keeping me sane, so if I need to woo, I’ll woo.”

“Please stop saying the word woo. I’m so sorry I started this.”

He leaned in and Jenna moved expecting a kiss.

She shrieked when Caleb’s fingers found her side and tickled her stomach. Jenna kicked out, but he refused relent.

“Mercy. Mercy,” she begged and sat wheezing, leaning on his strong shoulder.

“How’s that for being wooed?”

“Not what I expected, but I guess it will do.”

More.

Jenna packed the remains of dinner, placing plates and cups in a picnic basket. She walked next to Caleb, heading back to the inn. Once there, she held his hands, breathing in the electricity between them. Their fingers danced.

“It was a great date.” His eyes caught hers.

Heat simmered in her core. “I’m in one-hundred percent agreement.”

“Would you consider