Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas by Bartlett, Gerry (white hot kiss TXT) 📕

can’t just shop. Well, maybe I could, but where would my self-respect be then?”

“I admit, I enjoy working. Fergus and I figured out what each of us is good at and divided duties in the family business accordingly.” Maggie smiled at her husband across the room. “We’re a team. He’s really good at negotiating. I handle the money and go in and soothe ruffled feathers when need be. I wish you and Jeremiah could come to the same kind of understanding.”

“I’ll never be his equal.” I closed my eyes and took an unnecessary breath. Then I met my friend’s sympathetic gaze. “He started too far ahead of me, Maggie. I need to come up with something all my own. Earn his respect. Like you have with Fergus.”

I had to admit Maggie was not the same woman I’d met four hundred years ago and not just physically. Yes, she’d taken my advice before she’d been turned and dieted down to a size ten first. It was something I’d always wished I’d done. Now she dressed to suit her position— head of a big corporation. Her designer dress had to have come from Europe. And her shoes! But it was her confidence that was the real difference. She had a steely gaze that made me squirm under her regard.

“Jeremiah respects you.” Maggie kicked off those shoes.

“Hah! In the bedchamber.” I picked up a high heel to read the label as much out of curiosity as to avoid looking into her eyes. Expensive. “Where did you get these?”

“Italy. You like them? Try them on. Honestly, they’re killing me. Looking professional isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I wish I had on a pair of shorts and t-shirt like you do right now.” She waved her hand and I took her up on the offer.

I slipped on the designer shoe and admired it. A little loose, but so pretty. And worth more than I made in a week.

“Hit the gift shop, Maggie. You can wear whatever you want. Treat this like a vacation.” I got up and walked around. Innersoles and they’d be perfect.

“I will. But you’re changing the subject. What’s this kick you’re on? You want to be a CEO?” She smiled. “I have to admit, I like the power. It’s something I never dreamed of back when I was making costumes for Shakespeare.”

“You were always talented and determined to survive after that so-called first husband left you.” I took a few steps around the couch. He hadn’t married her because he’d had no interest in women. She’d pretended to be his wife to save him from hanging. After a shift on my feet, no high heel was going to feel comfortable. I collapsed next to her, took them off and handed them back.

“I did what was necessary, so did you.” She frowned at the shoes. “Keep them. I’m not torturing myself in those again.”

“You’re kidding. They’re too expensive.” I looked at the label inside again. “Way too expensive.”

“That new toy of Fergus’s, the jet? Holds lots of luggage. I brought plenty of shoes. We’re stopping several other places when we leave here, checking on some of our other grandkids who have assignments in America.” She smiled. “Now, tell me, if you’re serious, what will your new career be?”

“I’m saving to start my own business. If it were up to Jerry, he’d buy me a business, stock it, hire the help and make sure it was a success even if he had to be my only customer.” I threw back my hair which I should have brushed out before I left the club. I was still sporting my teased slut look that brought in tips. It was another way I didn’t match Jerry who looked so good with his conservative haircut.

“I’m sure he would.” Maggie smiled.

“I won’t allow it. This is all about earning my own way. Self-respect. Jerry can’t buy that for me.” I glanced at the men who were deep into talk about profits and loss.

A sudden crash had Jerry pulling a knife from inside his jacket. “What the hell?”

Valdez picked himself up from the remains of someone’s lunch tray and shook. “Sorry, boss. Sherie didn’t believe I could defend Glory property. I was just showing her one of my moves.”

“You moved right into the coffee table, hound.” Caroline’s remark got her bumped by Sherie right into a floor lamp.

“Girl fight!” Valdez jumped on a chair after he grabbed a piece of bacon from a plate.

“Hey, he’s doing the best he can,” Sherie said as the two shape-shifter women faced off.

“Stop it.” Fergus’s quiet command sent Caroline to another chair while Sherie smirked.

“Valdez has a tough contract. You understand that?” Jerry gave Sherie a look that had her walking over to lay a hand on the dog’s head.

“Yeah, I get it. Caro, do you?” Soon the three moved on to a discussion of weapons. Valdez was getting plenty of pity for how his contract kept him from using anything but his own strength.

I turned back to Maggie.

“Ignore them, Glory. I’ve learned shifters like to play rough. Be glad I only brought one with me this trip. Oh, make that two. Anyway, I made my own hard decision when I decided to become vampire. Mother Turnbull had been praying for the day when mortal me would die a natural death. You can imagine how I disappointed the witch.” Maggie sighed. “Well, she’s long gone and look who’s running her family company now. I certainly don’t regret the choice I made.” Maggie stared across the room at Fergus. “He’s so handsome in a golf shirt and jeans, anyone looking would think he’s a modern man.” She smiled and patted my hand. “Do this and maybe you and Jeremiah can finally come to some kind of permanent understanding.”

“Maybe. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway. Seeing you and Fergus happy sticking with it all these years, makes me think it might be possible.”

“We have our family. It makes a difference. I’m sorry…” She shook