If Lisa’s father hadn’t shared the tales of woe about a woman hurt by so many, Lisa would have let her feelings be known, except Lisa did know about Bennett’s past, and that sowed a field of uncertainty. Lisa always had faith she’d remain honest, kind, and compassionate after becoming a vampire, but what if she didn’t? What if she did become like the others? Did she really want to be yet another in a long line of women who had hurt Bennett so terribly?

It had only taken a month of working alongside Bennett for Lisa to come to her decision. Bennett was amazing; her blend of decorum and wit constantly bringing a smile to Lisa’s face, and Lisa would have gladly gone sleepless to continue discussing art with the woman. For four weeks, Lisa had floated from the gallery, high atop fluffy white clouds filled with love and hope and dreams, yet each time Lisa returned to earth, returned to the reality of her situation, the answer remained the same. No, she would never hurt Bennett like all the others. Yes, Lisa would still dream. Yes, she would still pine, and yes, she would still cherish every second she spent with Bennett, but until Lisa was turned, and until she was sure she wouldn’t become cunning or cruel or corrupt, Lisa would keep her feelings hidden. She slammed the door to her heart shut with a bang, believing it would remain locked for the next twenty years. Except a maniac had moved up Lisa’s timeline, and her heart was now open…and open wide.

Lisa rolled over and clasped her hands behind her head. Was the fact Bennett had been prepared to let her die unforgivable? Lisa’s lungs deflated. Right or wrong, Bennett did have her reasons, and while it hurt to know the truth, like Ruby said, who was Lisa to judge? After all, she, too, had done some things she told herself were for the right reasons, even though now Lisa knew she’d been wrong.

Lisa huffed out a breath. Did it matter that Ruby was the one who turned her? Yes, but then again, was it so horrible not to forgive, not to forget, not to let sleeping dogs lie and enjoy every day of the rest of your never-ending life with the woman you loved? No…and in a big way.

Lisa smiled to herself, wondering if Bennett had any idea. Had she been so wrapped up in concealing her own feelings that she’d been unaware of Lisa’s? Lisa smiled again when the word clueless came to mind.

Of course, Bennett being clueless wasn’t entirely her fault. Lisa played a hand in it, talking about dates that weren’t really dates, a somewhat infantile attempt to see if Bennett would be jealous, and she did, but to what end? Lisa’s face fell. To what end, indeed?