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

hotel construction has hit a snag and the permits we need for the casino are not coming through as promised. I have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow night that I shouldn’t miss. But if you need me, I will let that all slide. I swear, Gloriana—”

“I love you, Jerry. And miss you. But stay where you are. I will see you on Halloween. That will have to be enough.”

“I love you. I can’t wait.” He ended the call.

I pressed the phone to my heart. Always my hero, ready to run to the rescue. I had to remember that when I was tempted to see other men. None would ever measure up to Jeremiah Campbell. I was sure of that. I walked inside and found a short red dress that would help me fit into the crowd at Misty’s favorite casino on the Strip. With good makeup and another effort with my hair, Misty pronounced me ready to go.

“You know I’m not going to sit and wait here. Pass me off as a service dog.” Valdez was on my heels when I opened the door. “I already got ripped a new one for not keeping you away from werewolves last night.”

“The dog can’t come, Glory.” Misty looked surprised when I reached for his leash.

“Are you kidding? Nothing would be luckier than Valdez. We’ll say he’s my service dog. I had him all over Jerry’s hotel and no one said a word.” I pulled him outside and turned to lock the door. I just prayed we didn’t run into Animal Control in the parking lot. Yes, Sid had changed his story, but the woman in charge had acted like she hadn’t believed a word of it.

“Lucky?” Misty didn’t look convinced but she was so eager to go, she went along with it. “You know you’re driving. My car was towed away yesterday afternoon. Another repossession.” She tripped on down the stairs in her high heels.

I couldn’t believe how unconcerned she seemed about what must have destroyed her credit. I said something about it as I unlocked the car.

“Honey, I haven’t had decent credit in years. It’s a crime how quick car lots will give you another loan. You can’t imagine the interest rates though. After I get these guys satisfied, I’ll save up for another down payment. Cab fares are killing me. What I really need is a new boyfriend. At least he could provide transportation. A rich one might even pay off my debts.” She got in and adjusted her skirt. She looked great in a short black mini and a red and black sequined top. Her dark hair drifted to her shoulders which still glowed with a bit of fairy dust on them. There was no denying that Misty was beautiful.

I liked Misty and really hoped she’d dig herself out of her problems. Relying on luck didn’t seem like much of a plan. Of course, praying for a new boyfriend to rescue her wasn’t much either.

She waved her hand which had several pretty rings, all fake, on it. “I’d like to think there’s a man out there I could count on but Sid taught me a lesson. I’ve been aiming too low. Now I won’t be satisfied with less than the best. I sure won’t meet anyone like that in our club. From now on if a man shows an interest? He’ll have to prove himself to me, that’s all I’m saying. I want the goose that’ll lay the golden egg.” She pulled a compact from her tiny purse and powdered her nose.

I was very afraid smart geese would run away from this compulsive gambler. By the time we drove up to Caesar’s Palace, Misty’s casino of choice, I’d heard all about Misty’s fantasy of hitting it big at the slot machines.

“Caesars’s Palace. Wait till you see the place, Glory! I can’t believe you haven’t been there yet. All the tourists love to try their luck there. It only makes sense that the machines pay off to keep out-of-towners coming back.” Misty smiled at the valet who opened her car door.

“Why thank you.” She dazzled the teenager with her long legs then turned to open the back door and grab Valdez’s leash. “This is my service dog. I don’t know how I could cope without him.” She patted his head then led him toward the entrance to the hotel/casino.

I followed. Obviously, Misty was in charge here. Valdez looked back at me, making sure I was sticking close.

“Misty! Wait up.” Her long legs made her stride hard to match, especially since I was dazzled by what I saw. The entrance was a fantasy of high ceilings, marble, and hunky men in skimpy costumes right out of a Roman orgy. They held spears and looked solemn, but one of them winked at me when I stopped to admire his oiled pecs.

Misty kept charging ahead, past a cocktail lounge with waitresses who wore mini togas that showed off their long legs and firm butts. I had to admit, my costume at the Velvet Slipper wasn’t so daring compared to what I was seeing here. I could hear the noise of the casino dead ahead while Cleopatra was being rowed past us in her barge. Seriously. I was about to lose sight of my roomie and finally had to yell at her to stop.

“I’ve got three hundred dollars to bet. Help me figure out the best way to use it, not lose it for a change.” I held up my evening bag, shaking it for emphasis.

“Why, little lady, I’ll show you how to play some games here.” A man in a white suit with a blue bow tie that matched his eyes stepped up to me as we got to the entrance to the casino. He had a highball glass in one hand and a stack of money in the other. “Look. I just won a jackpot over there. Follow me.”

“Misty!” I gave her one last look before she disappeared into the forest of