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

As the evening wore on, Lilly, Jim, and Mack became more communicative. Lilly, tiny and thin, was roughly the same age. The two rehashed life before the pandemic while Quentin, George, and Gus showed Jim and Mack the improvements to the inn. The New Race went to bond on the hunt.

Jenna loved having another person her age to reminisce with. It brought back reminders of sleepovers and gossip sessions. Lilly was sweet and shy but warmed when the discussion focused on the years before the virus.

Emma came over with a bottle of Chianti and poured it into three mismatched mugs.

“You broke out the wine for a special occasion,” Jenna said.

“Nothing more special than finding people.” The older woman pulled them both into a hug.

“We were reliving the past. I hated middle school when I was in it,” Jenna said. “I was thirteen and such a geek. Who would have thought I would give anything to go back if I could.”

“I’m sure all the little boys were dying to give you your first kiss,” Emma teased.

“Not at all. I was tall for my age in middle school. All the boys were shorter than me for a year or two. Just imagine me bending down for my first kiss?”

“You’re lucky,” Lilly said. “I was always a midget. Everyone towered over me or jostled me out of the way. I tried so hard to be cool, always into make-up and trends, but hated the fashions. It was all leggings and short skirts when I wanted to be different. Now, I just wish we were all the same. Human. No Streakers.”

“Amen, girlfriend,” Emma slugged back her Chianti.

“Hey.”

Jenna and Lilly jumped, and Jenna wondered once again how Caleb moved so soundlessly, she failed to hear when he came near her.

“You scared me,” Jenna studied him. “You finished with the hunt?”

“I didn’t want to stay away too long. Dinner was a little tense, and I wanted to make sure everything was okay here.”

Jenna introduced Lilly. Caleb stuck out his hand so she could shake it. Her face turned white, and she stared at his fingers like she didn’t understand the social protocol.

“Are you okay?” Jenna asked.

“Sorry,” Lilly replied. “Stupid of me. Nice to meet you, Caleb.” She shook his hand.

Caleb joined them and after a few more glasses of Chianti the conversation erupted. Lilly came out of her shell and told funny stories about her past life as a band geek. It was obvious Lilly was intelligent and sweet, but she acted nervous and scared around Caleb. After Lilly retired to bed, Caleb and Jenna returned to her room.

She jumped on her bed and motioned Caleb next to her. Her hand drifted to the leg of his jeans and she let her hand drift along the fabric when they conversed.

“What do you think of the newcomers? Especially Tundra? She’s different.”

“I like Lilly. She’s charming. I didn’t really get a chance to meet Jim and Mack tonight. The hunt with the visitors was intense. Tundra and her crew are pretty extreme, but I guess you need to be that way to live in the world these days. We’ve gotten soft at the inn.”

“I don’t like her.” Conviction permeated the words. “There is something off about her and her group. She must have been a good leader because they all survived, but I find her really condescending.”

“How so?” He entwined their hands.

“Like Lilly was less important than the New Racers in her group. She made it apparent she doesn’t like me or maybe all humans. Tundra addressed Peter and the New Racers, while ignoring the rest of us.”

“You’re reading too much into it. Peter stepped in to introduce us. Its natural Tundra would consider him in charge. Plus, it must be easier for New Races to relate to their kind and humans to humans.”

“Really?” Jenna asked, freeing her hand from his. “I guess we are done.” She stroked his washboard flat stomach. “Unless you’d like to articulate what a New Racer is doing with this human?”

“Good question,” Caleb teased. “Maybe I should dump you now that some new blood is in town.”

“Don’t joke.” She swatted him.

“Sorry.” He lowered his eyes. “Seriously, Jenna, there is no one else I could ever imagine being with, and no one I want more than you.” Caleb’s gaze intensified and his eyes darkened to the color of thick blood.

He leaned in and kissed her. She was suddenly aware of how small she was against him. His scent, musky from the hunt, made Jenna tremble. At first, Caleb was gentle, nuzzling her neck and arms, causing them to tingle. Then he let his desire be known.

Jenna met his kisses with equal fervor, something she never would have imagined. She ripped at his clothing, wanting to touch skin, feel his nakedness next to her.

Caleb, on the other hand, took his time, easing Jenna’s shirt over her head. His hand leisurely trailed from neck to navel to tackle the single button on her jeans. He liberated Jenna from those.

He nuzzled her neck.

Jenna’s pulse raced. Her body longed for his and whatever existed between them was real. As the night advanced, Caleb found a way to bring her joy she could never have imagined.

Afterwards, Jenna snuggled in the tangled sheets against his broad frame, his arms wrapped around her. She fell asleep to the sound of his whispered words.

Harsh banging on the door roused her and Caleb before dawn the next morning.

“Group meeting in fifteen minutes. Move yourselves sleepy heads.” Victor’s baritone boomed.

Caleb and Jenna arrived late, entering a crowded main hall where closed curtains sealed out the light. Tundra stood in the corner politicking to Aiko, Victor and John, who laughed, captivated.

The hairs on Jenna’s arms rose, and she grabbed Caleb’s hand for support. He smiled reassuringly and found two seats.

Peter brought the group to order. “Tundra and her group are happy to find us. They never thought they’d find people settled and doing well and want to join. Let’s start the discussion