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

“Don’t ever be sorry for me, Maggie. I will never regret choosing immortality over having a family back then. But it’s past time for me to prove to Jerry and to myself that I can be truly independent and worthy of his love.” I hugged her. “Now help me. I don’t want to give up my man, but I’ve been racking my brain trying to come up with an idea for a business. What can I do that I can turn into a money-making proposition? At night!” I couldn’t resist slipping those very expensive shoes back on and admiring my feet in them.

Maggie leaned back and stared at me. “You know, you’ve always loved pretty clothes. And have excellent taste.” She eyed my current outfit, reading the quote on my t-shirt with a smile. “Usually. Have you kept any of your best things over the years?”

“Some of them. During the horribly lean times, I’ve had to sell a few, but the really nice pieces, like the Chanel suit Jerry bought me in the fifties in Paris? I have that. It’s tucked away in a climate-controlled storage room I rent. I pay that bill even when I can’t afford to pay anything else.”

“There you have it. Vintage clothing. Set up a high-end vintage clothing shop. It can be open late which will make it unique. I might be able to help you find a shifter to work days for you. That’s an expensive bit of overhead though. Better you find someone yourself. Add some antiques. You certainly know the real from the fake, having lived through the time periods.” She smiled. “Only sell those clothes in good repair. Have you learned to be careful with your things? You used to be so hard on your clothes.”

“These days I’m not dealing with pirates, am I? It’s a lot easier keeping nice clothes in decent shape when you aren’t sword fighting. Besides, I can’t afford to replace my good clothes. They have to last.” I leaned against her. She was a good friend, the best. “You know, I think you’ve got it. You are such a brilliant businesswoman. I may need your help figuring things out. How long are you staying?”

“A while. But are you sure you won’t accept Caroline? Otherwise, I’ll have to find another assignment for her.” Maggie pulled a tablet computer out of her designer bag. “I’ve had some other inquiries in Las Vegas. It seems your boss at that club is planning an event on Halloween. He wants extra security for that.”

“Yes, he’ll have a lot of vampires coming in for it, wealthy ones. They will each bring their own guards, of course, but Dom doesn’t seem to have his own shape-shifter on a regular basis. He has mortal bouncers at the club, but those thugs are clueless about vampires. I don’t know what he does for protection during the day. He probably relies on a security system.” I felt Jerry watching me from across the room. The clock was ticking and he sent me a mental message that the whirlpool tub was waiting. The very idea had me squirming in my seat.

“If he’s like most of us, Dominic has a secure home, a safe room, where he’s comfortable. But he might be in the market for a permanent shifter.” Maggie touched her tablet. “I’d like to meet him, give him our sales pitch.”

“Please don’t sell him on Caroline. He’s a womanizer.” I stood and bumped into the girl.

“A womanizer?” Caroline grinned. “I can handle him. Bring it.”

“Now dear, I’m not sure I want you to handle him.” Grandma Maggie wagged a finger. Then she smiled. “What do you think, Glory?”

“If she really is good at martial arts, it might be fun to see her take him down a peg or two. Dom thinks he’s a tough guy, but I haven’t seen him actually be one. Come to the club tomorrow night. I’m sure Dom will be there.” I walked over to Jerry. “Sorry, but your surprise is a bust. I love seeing Maggie and Fergus though.” I gave Maggie’s husband a kiss on the cheek. “I won’t have another bodyguard and that’s final.”

“Difficult woman.” Jerry slung his arm around me.

“That’s our signal to find our own suite. Come along, girls.” Fergus gestured to Maggie and Caroline. “We’ll see you tomorrow, Glory. I suppose I’ll have to meet you at the Velvet Slipper tomorrow night.”

“Have to meet you there. Poor man.” Maggie slid her arm around his waist. “You can always stay here at the hotel and let me handle it.”

“Not on your life.” He laughed and pushed them out the door. “Caroline, are you feeling rejected? You have time for a trip to the gift shop in the lobby. Granddad’s treat.”

I heard them talking excitedly as they approached the elevator.

“My surprise was a bust? The night’s not over.” Jerry glanced at Valdez and Sherie. “Walk the dog, Sherie. We’ll see you at dawn.”

“Right.” Sherie nodded then the two left. The door clicked shut behind them.

“You did give me Maggie and Fergus. Not a total bust.” I wound my arms around his neck. “Are you still leaving soon?”

“I’ll stay another day at least, since they’re here. I don’t want to miss the chance to visit with them.” He threw open the bedroom door, picked me up then carried me to the bathroom before he set me down. “Start the water. I found some bubble bath in the closet. Which scent do you want? We have lavender, orange blossom, rose, lemon…”

“Lavender. It’s relaxing.” I adjusted the temperature and turned to him. “I did enjoy seeing Maggie. I don’t have friends here and I get lonely.”

“I know.” He pulled my t-shirt off over my head. “I do too, even when I’m surrounded by people. Because you aren’t there. Know what I mean?”

“Yes, I do.” I opened his shirt then leaned against him. “You’ve learned to say some of the right things.”

“I’m just saying what’s in my heart.” He pulled off