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

I gave Jerry a quick kiss then got in the car. “I’ll text when I’m almost there.”

It wouldn’t be easy but I was determined to give Jerry something special to remember before the night was over. I rushed to my storage unit. Talking to Maggie had reminded me that I did have some pretty wonderful things stored. At least a couple of the cocktail dresses were timeless. I’d pull out my sexy best so Jerry would have that picture in his head when he was without me in New Orleans.

I quickly rifled through my racks in the climate-controlled unit. I finally found what I wanted.

New Orleans. The very name conjured up visions of good times, parties and hot women crawling all over my man. Was I a fool for letting Jerry go there without me clinging to his side? Too bad I had this obsession with being independent. I’d just have to hurry every chance I got.

I ran back to the apartment and jumped in the shower. I was running late, but Valdez’s whistle told me the effort was worth it. My low-cut Pucci mini from the sixties was a stunner. I’d always had too much boob for it, but that’s why Jerry had liked it on me. Yes, I was braless and showing cleavage for days. Add to that I displayed lots of leg.

“Gloria, that dress is fabulous. Where did you get it?” Misty helped me with my makeup. She kept holding up a hand mirror and I pretended that I could see myself and how she’d done my eyes.

“I have a bunch of vintage clothing in a storage locker. I’m planning to open a shop when I get enough money together.” I struggled into high heels, wincing at the pain. Too much standing on my feet. And I wanted to go dancing? It would be a short visit to the dance floor because I wasn’t sure how long I could stand in these heels.

“I love vintage clothes. I’d buy something like that in a heartbeat. You have other sizes, or just stuff made for you?” She walked around me. “That would be way too short on a woman my height. It would be showing my hoo-ha.”

I laughed. “You’re right. I do need to start collecting things in different sizes. I don’t suppose you have any vintage pieces you’d like to sell.”

“My grandma kept some things that would fit me.” Misty smiled.

“I’ll buy things in good shape. This piece was in storage, not on my bedroom floor.” I didn’t mention the clothes I’d damaged in sword fights. I stuffed my phone into a beaded clutch. “Time to go. We’ll talk about this another night. Spread the word. I need to buy more vintage clothing. I won’t be opening the shop for a while, but I’ve already started collecting the stock.”

“Will do.” She grabbed her phone. “I’m taking your picture. You look fabulous.” She snapped it. “Look. I’ll send this to your phone.”

I gawked at it. We did show up in photographs but it was one piece of modern technology that I tended to forget. There I was, with smoky eyes and that fabulous pink and orange print sequined mini with legs for miles. Even my hair had cooperated and it fell in waves past my shoulders the way Jeremiah liked it. Valdez had managed to push into the picture and my hand rested on his head. It was definitely a keeper. I gave Misty Jerry’s cell phone number.

“Send that to Jerry. He’ll have that to remind him of us when he’s working.”

Misty grinned. “Good idea. You look so good, he’ll not think of straying.”

Valdez chuffed and we both looked down at him.

“I swear that dog understands every word we say.” Misty patted him as he walked past her to the door.

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” I let him out. “See you tomorrow.” I grabbed a tote with a change of clothes in it. “I’ll stay over.”

“Of course, and you’ll give him a passionate sendoff.” Misty sighed. “This almost makes me miss Sid. I even thought I saw his car in the parking lot when I drove in tonight.”

“You wouldn’t take him back, would you?” I held the door and looked down when Valdez growled.

“No. I haven’t heard from him either, which kind of surprises me. I thought he’d beg me to take him back.” Misty picked up a paper from the coffee table. “But I did get this in our mail box. It’s his hospital bill. He’s trying to make us pay it. Like we have that kind of money! He was at fault anyway.” She held it up then tore it into pieces. “There! Let him try that again.”

I admit it worried me that she thought that would be the end of it as I got in my car and drove to the hotel. I made one quick stop on the way at a drive-thru for Valdez. My car air conditioner had quit cooling and my shifter had his head hanging out the window.

“I’m not sure Jerry will leave tomorrow night after he sees you looking like that,” Valdez said after he finished eating yet another hamburger in the car.

“I hope to give him a night he’ll never forget.” I looked down to make sure I wasn’t showing too much boob before I handed my keys to the valet and snapped on the leash for Valdez. I’d texted Jerry that we were almost there. As soon as we entered the lobby, I could hear the music coming from the lounge over the usual noise from the casino. I couldn’t wait to hold Jerry and just sway to the romantic song.

“There’s my woman.” Jerry swept me into his arms. “I got the picture on my phone. The reality is even better.” He held me away from him. “Beautiful. And braless.”

“Hush!” I looked around. The lobby was busy and there were people nearby. A teenager snickered and eyed my plunging neckline.

“We’ll be going.” Sherie