Lisa squinted at Bennett. “Damn it all to hell, honey. How am I supposed to argue with that?”

“You’re not.” Bennett leaned over and kissed Lisa on the cheek. “And that’s the point.”

The conversation stopped when the sommelier returned with their champagne. After pouring a splash in Bennett’s flute to ensure it was to her liking, he filled everyone’s glass with the prestigious bubbly wine.

“I’d like to raise my glass to all you ladies,” Bennett said, holding her flute high. “These past few days have been not only enlightening but harrowing as well. Together we averted a crisis that would have caused the deaths of countless mortals, and I would not be sitting here tonight if it weren’t for all of you. You stood by my side, and I am hard-pressed on how I’ll ever be able to truly show my appreciation other than to say you will always have a place in my heart. Cheers.”

Everyone took a sip of their champagne, and once again, their expressions were identical as they enjoyed the dry, bubbly wine tasting of apples and honey.

“Excellent choice,” Angelique said, putting down her glass. “And speaking of choices, getting back to what you asked about me staying with Max’s clan, Polly and I were talking. If it’s okay with you and Lisa, we’d like to travel with you for a while.”

“With us?” Bennett said, her eyes darting to Polly before returning to Angelique. “Why?”

“Because we both realized we’ve never been among so many of our own kind before the other night, and it was…it was different. Um…like a family. Like home…comfortable. Free.”

Bennett’s eyebrows knitted. “What are you talking about? You’ve always been surrounded by your own kind, Angelique.”

“I’m not talking vampires, Bennett. I’m talking lesbians.”

The server delivering the raw bar platter hadn’t meant to overhear the conversation, but he did, and he almost dropped the china dish onto the table.

“We’re chatting about a new book I’m reading,” Angelique said, flashing an all-too-sexy grin. “Every man’s wet dream, I suppose. Would you like the name of it?”

With his face now beet red, the young man scurried away without saying a word.

“You’re horrible,” Bennett said, laughing. “Tremendously funny, yet horrible.”

“Thanks,” Angelique said, placing a raw oyster on her plate. “So, what do you think? I mean, you two are just starting out, but the house is…” Angelique’s voice trailed off when she remembered Bennett had wanted to surprise Lisa, and she took a few seconds to regroup. “Well, let’s just say there’s enough room and leave it at that.”

Bennett focused on Polly. “Have you spoken to Max about this?”