A quick shower later and I settled in a deck chair next to the Hensley's pool, the last of the sun sinking into the ocean. As much as I sucked at surfing, I loved the West coast. I'd had to wrangle some concessions out of my vampire core, convincing her to allow me time in the sun. She'd finally caved somewhat, agreeing to most of the morning and from late afternoon on, though she just couldn't bear the heat and full sunlight of midday of the California summer.

Fair enough. I ...