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

that thing he did, rubbing his bald head, when he was nervous. “Go on out and get your tips. I need to think about how we’re handling the tasting. It would be a disaster if I ran out of the brands I’m pushing. I want to check my supplies again.”

“For the hundredth time.” I walked to the door. “Jerry’s in town. I’m leaving as soon as I serve the last customer. About Saturday night…” I paused. “I’ll go with you, but I expect that bonus in advance.”

“Fine. Tell Manny to go ahead and hire an extra waitress to take your place. I can use you here in the office once the bids for territories come in.” He must have seen my hesitation. “Don’t worry, I’ll pay you extra.”

“I won’t have to wear this cheesy outfit?” I looked down at my boobs, bulging out of my bra top.

“Well, I do enjoy seeing a little skin.” He grinned.

“A lot of skin.” I stuck out my tongue at him. “Regular clothes and it’s a deal.”

“Okay, after the tasting, you work as my assistant. Regular clothes. Unless someone calls in sick and we need you out on the floor.” He glanced at his phone which had started vibrating. “Go, I have to get this.”

“Fine.” I walked into the noise of the bar area and grabbed a tray. I spotted Jerry immediately. He had taken a table in the corner, away from the stage. He smiled when he saw me and gestured for me to come over.

“I can get you some of Dom’s private stock if you’d like a drink.” I held up a finger as a signal to wait at a customer who was trying to get my attention.

“What I’d like is to see you alone.” He reached for my hand and pulled me closer. “What’s going on? Are you mad at me? Valdez won’t tell me anything except you’re busy with work. Helping Mayer with this blood tasting thing coming up.”

“That’s right. It’s very important to him.” I held a tray in one hand and Jerry’s fingers in the other. I wanted to move closer and kiss him hello. I’d missed him. It had been months since we’d seen each other. His eyes raked over my costume, taking in how it showed so much skin.

“You know I don’t give a damn what’s important to Mayer. I care about you. When can you leave here? Come back to the hotel with me?”

“At closing time. I’ve missed you. I can’t wait.” I pulled my hand from his. “I’ll bring you a glass of the Brazilian synthetic with a kick. You’ll enjoy it. Now let me serve my customers.” I walked away, feeling his gaze on my butt as I leaned over to take an order at the next table. One more order and I was on my way to the bar. In minutes I was back, serving the other tables first before I leaned over to place a napkin then the goblet with that fine synthetic in front of Jerry.

“There you go, sir. That will be twenty dollars unless you want to run a tab.” I stood and looked him in the eyes. “Enjoy.” He watched me closely. I knew what I looked like and I didn’t appreciate how it made me feel—exposed, cheap.

“Oh, I will enjoy it.” He held out a hundred-dollar bill. “Keep the change.”

I tucked the bill in my fanny pack. “Thank you.” I turned to go, wobbling a little in my high heels.

“Gloriana.” He grabbed my arm. “Wait. Did I just insult you? With that tip?”

I looked down at his hand. He’d read my mind. “Let me go or one of the bouncers will come ask you to leave.” I did feel insulted. Stupid. This happened all the time. Men looked at my curves, gave me a big tip and maybe asked me what time I got off work. I usually joked with them and took their money while refusing to promise them anything.

Jerry let me go. “Answer me. Did I make you feel cheap?”

“I am cheap, Jeremiah. I always was. That’s the truth. I’ve learned to live with it. Have you?” I sniffed, suddenly fighting the urge to cry. What on earth was the matter with me? I looked around and realized no one needed me. I was on my own for the moment.

“You are not and have never been cheap. Where in the hell did you get such an idea?” He stood right behind me, speaking softly in my ear. I could feel him almost touching me. “I love you. I hold you in the highest esteem, Gloriana. Why are you acting this way?”

“I’m sorry. Sit down, Jerry. Drink your drink. I’ll see you later. At your hotel. We’ll talk then.” I hurried to the bar, away from him. Words. He always spoke the right words. But there was a saying…actions speak louder. He would go back to New Orleans and squire around a beautiful woman, sleep with her and not think of me at all. It was what I deserved. Damn my pride, my whatever you wanted to call it. I was not mad at him, not really. I was mad at myself. I kept pushing him away. Could I really be surprised when he got lonely? While I… I slammed my tray on the bar and stalked into the break room.

“Valdez, we’re leaving early. I want to go home and change clothes before we meet Jerry at his hotel. That sound like a plan?” I jerked my purse out of my locker.

“Sure, Glory. Whatever you want.” He trotted next to me as I threw open the door to the parking lot. “Something wrong?”

I stopped when I saw who was standing next to my car. “Now there is. It was just a matter of time. Look who’s waiting for us.”

“Yes, my dear. Time for payback. Hope the favor proves worth it.” Davenport tipped his hat. “Get in the car. I’d rather not discuss this in a parking lot.”

“I’d