The Path to a Vampire's Heart...

Mara snuggled closer to Jake, enjoying the warmth and comfort of his embrace. "I could stay like this forever," she said with a contented sigh, tracing lazy circles on his chest with her fingertips.

"You know, I don't even need to go out any more. With you here to keep me company, I have all I need." She looked up into his eyes, her gaze filled with genuine affection. "Thank you for being mine, roomie."

Jake teasingly tussled her hair. "All I need is you…" he teased her. "Annnd the occasional shopping trip for groceries. I mean… I plan to cook for you every now and then."

Mara laughed at his teasing, batting her eyelashes playfully. "Ah, the way to a vampire's heart is through her stomach, huh?" She said with a grin. "I'm flattered, roomie."

Mara stretched languidly, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. "But just so you know, I'll be the one doing the cooking around here. I have centuries of culinary experience that you couldn't even begin to comprehend." She leaned in and gave him a playful kiss. "Besides, I can't have you running amuck in my kitchen with your amateurish attempts at cooking." she giggled as she poked him playfully.

Jake laughed at her teasing, enjoying the attention she was giving him. Mara found his laughter infectious, and couldn't help but laugh with him.

"You know, roomie, I never thought I'd enjoy having a human around so much," she said, her expression turning momentarily serious. "But there's something about you. Something… special." She nestled her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "I don't know what it is, but I feel I can trust you with anything. Even my darkest secrets." She looked up at Jake, her blue eyes shimmering with emotion. "Do you feel the same way?"

Jake could hear the hopeful pleading in her voice. "Totally and completely." he said with a reassuring smile. He wasn't sure where this was coming from and wondered if her walls she so obviously kept around her heart were starting to come down.

Mara smiled, her eyes shining with pleasure. "I'm glad to hear that, roomie. I've been looking for someone I can trust for a long time." She ran a gentle finger through his chest hair, her touch soothing Jake. "You know, I have a little surprise for you. Something to show you how much I appreciate you."

She pulled away, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But first, I need you to do something for me." Mara leaned close, her lips brushing against Jake's ear. "I want you to close your eyes and count to thirty. And when you open them, I'll have something special waiting for you.: She pulled back again, her smile growing wider. "Can you do that for me, roomie?"

Jake stretched out putting his hands behind his head. He smiled at Mara as she openly leered at his naked body. She saw him smiling at her and realized how openly she had just been ogling him, her cheeks turning a deep red. Jake winked at her and closed his eyes. "1, 2, 3…" he started counting.

Mara watched as he closed his eyes and started counting, a smirk forming on her lips. She pulled out a small remote and pressed a button, causing the blinds to slowly slide shut and cover the windows in her penthouse.

Jake continued to count. He could just make out Mara moving around the bedroom, silently preparing his surprise. He heard the soft rustle of fabric, followed by the sound of a match being struck. As the smell of the sulfur from the match reached him, he started to wonder what she could be planning.

Jake finally reached thirty and opened his eyes, only to be met with the flickering light of dozens of candles scattered around the bedroom. The sweet smell of jasmine filled his nostrils as he took in the sight before him. Mara stood at the foot of the bed, surrounded by candlelight, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Well, what do you think, roomie?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement. "Is this special enough for you?"

Jake gazed at her lovingly. "You were special enough for me from the moment we met. This…" Jake waved a hand, indicating the room. "It's just icing on the cake."

Mara smiled, her eyes softening at his words. "You know just what to say to make me feel like the luckiest vampire in the world," she murmured as she stepped around to the side of the bed. "And you're right. This is just the beginning. I have so many surprises in store for you, my dear roomie."

She took Jake's hand as he got out of the bed and led him over to a small table where a sumptuous meal was waiting. "But first, dinner." She pulled out a chair for Jake, her movements graceful and fluid. "I hope you like it."

Jake couldn't help but notice the pride mixed with hopefulness in her eyes. As he sat down, Mara began to serve him a feast fit for a king. Each dish was more elaborate and delicious than the last, filling his senses with a variety of flavors and textures. She watched with satisfaction as he ate, her expression pleased. "I knew you'd appreciate the effort I put into this. It's not often that I get to cook for someone who can actually taste the food." She grinned, her teeth glinting in the candlelight. "Consider yourself lucky, roomie. Not many humans get to enjoy the fruits of my labor."

Jake savored every bite of food. The meal truly was incredible. Something nagged at him though. When did she have time to prepare such a feast? She had been with him the whole time. He finished his last bite and wiped his mouth with his napkin and looked at her. "You are amazing, and I fear I may be falling in love with you."