“I don’t see a way in,” Eve whispered.Why are you whispering?” Myrnin whispered back. “Vampires can hear us, anyway.”

“The secret is,” I say, whispering right into his ear, “that yours was the best kiss I’ve ever had in my life.”“But I’ve never kissed you,” he whispers back. Around us the rain sounds like falling glass. “Not since third grade, anyway.” I smile, but I’m not sure if he can see it.“Better get started, then,” I say, “because I don’t have much time.”

“what did you hear? I whisper. He turns around and whispers back. Two people whispering.”

“I can’t stay away from you,” he whispers...“Don’t stay away from me, then,” I whisper back...”

“See you soon,” I whispered. I bit my lip; and, in a moment of sheer abandon, I added, “I think I might . . . you know . . . love you, by the way.” “Too,” Joshua whispered back groggily. “Love.”

“I can’t stop thinking about doing this to you,” he whispers, so quietly I can barely hear him. “Tell me to stop now if you don’t want this. If you don’t want me.”