Gerry Bartlett - Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Afraid so, Ray.” I pulled his head down and kissed his lips. “Let’s go see that sunset.”

  “You sure? No sunset color will ever compare to the way your cheeks go pink when you’re turned on, baby.” He brushed his thumb along my cheekbone. “Or the way your eyes sparkle when you’re happy. Like you were last night wearing that red dress and looking like a goddess.”

  “Ray.” I swallowed. I wished . . . I finally shook my head.

  He smiled sadly and eased off of me, then held out his hand. “Guess there’s a sunset for us to see, then. Come on.” He pulled me to the door.

  “Put on your pants, Ray. Please?” I jumped between him and the door. No way was he going out there naked in front of Valdez. “I’ll wear your shirt.”

  “What’s the matter? Afraid Rafe will get jealous if he thinks you and I did the wild thing in here? Or report your infidelity to Blade?” Ray feinted right, then left, but I didn’t fall for his tricks. I just stayed in front of the door.

  “I’m serious, Ray. This is nonnegotiable. If I have to”—I grabbed a lamp—“bean you over the head, you’re going to put on those pants.”

  Ray grinned and picked up a lamp of his own. “Dueling lamps. Let’s go, baby. I’d love to see Blade lose his security deposit.”

  I just shook my head. I knew what Ray was doing. Playing to save his pride and maybe give me time to get over my urge to cry, which was pretty strong right now. I think I loved him more in that moment than I ever had. But having sex with him wasn’t the right move here. Wrong place, wrong time. I wished for a shred of dignity. Forget it. Not while I was standing there naked, wearing nothing but a frown.

  “Humor me. I refuse to flaunt my love life in front of the hired help.” God, I hoped that hadn’t carried into the den. I’d never thought of Rafe as just an employee. But whatever worked at this point. “We can waste time like this until the sun goes down and Jerry comes out of his bedroom. Don’t think that’s a threesome you’d enjoy. Blade would be wanting to kill you for being here. But it’s your call.”

  “Shit.” Ray grabbed his pants and stepped into them. “Now, move.”

  I smiled and did just that, then grabbed his shirt and slipped it and my thong on. They covered me enough for modesty, and I followed Ray. Twilight streamed into the living room through the sheers, and Ray stopped and stared for a moment. Then he was slapping Rafe on the back and talking a mile a minute.

  “See that Jet Ski? I have one like that on the island. No, mine’s got a larger engine.” He leaned forward. “Fool’s going to turn over.” He laughed. “What did I tell you? Glory, check it out. Look what’s coming down the sand. You ever see a dune buggy before?”

  I joined him at the window. “Not until this morning. Funny how Ian’s formula works differently on some of us. Guess Jerry is still dead to the world.” I took Ray’s hand. “And a double dose let you stay up all day.”

  He grinned. “Blade will be sorry he missed this. But I bet the Campbells stop feuding now that Blade’s realized Ian’s stuff is the real deal and he saw the sunrise this morning. He did see it, didn’t he, Glory?”

  “Sure did. He’s all for ending the feud now. That’s what he plans to tell his father.”

  “Guess he’ll shift out of here when he wakes up.” Ray turned to Valdez. “Rafe, call Fred and arrange to have the limo pick up Glory and me here after dark. You know, I want to buy a place on the beach. I wonder if this one is for sale.” Ray couldn’t quit smiling.

  I saw Rafe pull out his cell phone. He just turned his back and hit speed dial. The hired help. Okay.

  “Talk to Chip. If you’re staying in L.A., he has several properties he’s trying to sell. Check out all his listings.” I turned back to the beach. A group of teenagers had gathered wood and looked ready to light a bonfire. What fun.

  When I’d been sixteen, I’d already run away from home and married an actor. It had been a hard life and, after he’d died, worse than hard. My parents had decided it was better to pretend I was dead than admit I’d made such a foolish choice. So I’d had no support. No wonder Jerry had been so important to me and I’d jumped at the chance to be taken care of.

  Of course I’d loved him and been dazzled by his power and sensuality. I’d never known a man like him before, a vampire. I’d been so grateful that he’d wanted me I’d been blinded to the complications my choice to join him for eternity brought with it. And every time I’d tried to think, to analyze why I might hesitate, he’d put his hands on me and I was lost. Damn. No wonder I had this simmering anger that had no place to go.

  I turned to Ray. Not angry with him. But not going to take advantage of his gratitude either. I smiled.

  “Do what you want, Ray. But no hasty decisions. That’s my best advice.”

  “You’re right, Glory. I’ll take my time and do this right. Rent first, then buy later. L.A. is where I need to be. Close to Ian and his miracles. And close to the music scene. Nate’s told me that a time or two or six.” Ray slipped his arm around me. “Stay. We can have a ball here.”

  I leaned against him. “I’m tempted, but no. I’m heading home tomorrow. I’ll check into flights.”

  “The limo’s not that far away. With traffic, it should be here in half an hour. Right after dark.” Rafe walked up to stand beside me. “Nice evening. I get this is big for both of you. Guess MacDonald is something of a genius.”

  “You bet he is.” Ray walked to the door. “It’s almost dark. I’m going outside. If I freak or start frying, pull me in, Rafe.”

  I started to call him back, then realized it was too late, Ray was already out there. He was right. The sun was slipping below the horizon. In about ten minutes or so we would have been waking anyway. Ray stood, arms out like he was hugging the last bit of daylight. Thank God he didn’t seem to be having any bad reaction to it. He grinned and waved me to come on out.

  I ran to join him. So we stood there hand in hand and felt the magic. I tucked the memory away in my Israel Caine scrapbook. For once I wished for one of those damned paparazzi. A picture would have been nice. But, as the sun finally disappeared, I knew a photo wasn’t necessary. The smell of wood smoke, the crash of the waves and the giggles of teenagers along with the feel of Ray’s hand in mine were enough to make this a moment I’d never forget.

  Nineteen

  “You’re not really leaving, are you, Glory?” Ray watched me carefully fold that beautiful red dress and place it in my suitcase.

  “’Fraid so.” I’d tried it on one last time. Snug. Of course. The reentry into Glory as usual had already begun. Actually going back to Austin would just make it official.

  “I had Nate book you a first-class seat. Here.” Ray stuck a packet into the side pocket of the case.

  “I’m not taking money from you, Ray.” I started to take it out, but he put his hand over mine.

  “It’s not money. It’s a return ticket. So you can come back.” He grinned and pulled me into his arms. “You know you’re going to miss me.” He had me up against him and I had to admit I missed him already.

  “Of course I will. But you’ll get busy and the women will be hitting on you, as usual. And”—I slid my hand along his jaw—“one of those hot female vamps we saw at that Masters’ Club will initiate you like you deserve.”

  “I wanted it to be you, babe.” He turned his head and teased my fingers with his teeth. “We’d have been great together.”

  “I know.” I laid my head on his shoulder. “Give me some space, Ray. I’m too tangled up in this business with Jerry to get involved, really involved, with you.”

  “Yeah, I knew he’d be part of this.” Ray kissed the top of my head. “He’s in the living room. Surrounded by my guys from the band and looking like he wants to be anywhere but here. Too damned bad.”

  I leaned back. “I didn’t even sense him come in.”

  “Maybe because he behaved himself for a change. Used the elevator, not the balcony, and actually knocked on the door.” Ray put
his hands on my shoulders. “You ready to see him? Is he going home with you?”

  “Don’t know about that, but, yeah, I need to talk to him.” I smiled and pulled Ray’s head down to kiss his lips. “Thanks for being so cool about this, Ray. I’ll keep that ticket. And if you ever need me, I’m here for you.”

  “Good to know.” His eyes glittered and he did what he always did, had to take this to another level. “If this is my kiss-off, Glory girl, it’s got to be a good one.” He pulled me to him, slid his hands down to my hips and snugged me as close as we could get with clothes between us.

  I sighed and slid my arms up around his neck. I looked into his eyes and saw my reflection. I was Glory fangirl, Glory who melted when she heard the right song and Glory who knew a good man when she kissed him. I pulled his head down and let him know just how much he meant to me.

  For a minute or more I thought I might not be able to go away after all. Oh, but he made me feel things. Then I heard the bedroom door open and the blast of music from the living room along with the shouts of the celebration still going on. Ray’s Grammy win. A boon for him and his band. The guys had been all over him the minute we’d walked back into the hotel the night before.

  Finally, Ray lifted his head and licked his lips. “I’m going to remember that. But it won’t be enough.”

  I gently eased my hands from around his neck and stepped back. I knew who was behind me. Now that he was in the room, I couldn’t miss his scent or his disapproval. I wasn’t about to turn around, though, and ruin this moment for Ray.

  “Come visit if you get the chance.” I touched my swollen lips. “And I’ll remember that too.” I blinked back sudden tears. “Take care of yourself. Promise?”

  “Brittany’s staying with me. She’ll be my watchdog during the day.” Ray glared at the man behind me. “He gives you any trouble, shout and I’ll throw his ass off the balcony.”

  “You and what army, Caine?” Jerry’s voice was a growl.

  “I’ll be fine. Go enjoy your win with your guests, Ray. I’m not leaving for another hour. I’ll see you before I go.”

  “Right. Dismissed. I get it.” He frowned and kissed me on the cheek, then strode out of the room.

  I still didn’t turn around, just picked up a stack of T-shirts and added them to the suitcase.

  “Gloriana.” He was right behind me. “Aren’t you going to acknowledge me?”

  “Oh, Jerry. Didn’t know you were coming. Did I miss your call?” I made a show of picking up my cell phone. “No, guess not.”

  “I was tied up, but I’m here now.” He turned me to face him. He was back in one of his new Rodeo Drive outfits, handsome in faded jeans and a burgundy silk shirt. “Why are you packing?”

  “I’m going home. I’ve got a flight in a few hours. Can’t leave too late or I won’t beat the sun.” I shook my head. “Oh, speaking of. What did Angus say when you told him how Ian’s formula worked?”

  “He could hardly believe it. Wondered if I’d been tricked somehow. He questioned me for hours. Centuries of distrust don’t go away overnight. Now he’s convinced we’ve got to keep an eye on MacDonald and let him keep making his brews.” Jerry frowned. “He wants me to stay here and do that. Da will go home and start what he calls peace talks with the head of the MacDonalds.”

  “You’ll be staying in Los Angeles.” I sat on the side of the bed. Well, I’d always said I wanted to be independent. If both men in my life stayed here and I headed east, then I’d be truly on my own. I swallowed.

  “It would be the smart thing to do. If I really want this feud to end. It’s the first real incentive we’ve had to end it. You and Caine said your good-byes just now?” Jerry pushed the suitcase over and sat beside me.

  “Yes. He’s staying here too. The music scene is here. And he’s hooked on Ian’s formula. It was amazing, Jerry. Remember? Dune buggies and Jet Skis.” I grabbed his sleeve. “We saw all of that after centuries in the dark. People going about their business in the daylight.” I laughed. “Ian’s brilliant. The Campbells have to let him do his thing in peace.”

  “Yes, obviously. Da is already trying to figure out how to buy some of Ian’s formula through a third party so he can try it himself. He doesn’t want MacDonald to know it’s him doing the buying.” Jerry smiled. “I do want to try it again, Glory. With you.” He lost his smile. “But I sure as hell never again want to wake up after sunset to find you practically naked with Caine. Did you and Caine make love in that damned beach house with the sun shining outside?”

  I didn’t answer. Just stared at him. He hadn’t even given me time to explain when he’d walked in on us at the beach house. He’d just taken one look at us standing on that deck, shifted and flown off in a rage.

  Jerry flushed and stood. “What? I don’t deserve to know?”

  “I’ve given Ray back his ring. I never accepted yours. So, no, you’ll not get an answer. I’m a woman who’s free to love any man I wish, Jeremiah. Any man I wish. But I’m on my way back to Austin alone.” I stood and put my hands on my hips. Hips that were wider tonight than they’d been the night before. Too damned bad.

  “You don’t have to go alone. I can get one of my brothers to take over here. If I knew you wanted me with you—”

  I put my hand over his mouth. Want him? God help me, always. But have him?

  “I’ve depended on you too much already, Jerry. I see that now.” I drew my hand across his lips to caress his jaw. “I love you. Will always love you. But I need to do this. Go back and be totally on my own. While I figure out a few things.”

  “What’s the rush to go back? Take a few days to think about this. Consider moving here. Look around Los Angeles without the Israel Caine circus going on. Stay with me in my hotel. I put my parents on their plane an hour ago. We can be alone.” Jerry took my hand and pulled it to his lips.

  I was actually tempted. What would a day or two hurt after I’d already been gone a week? I started to say as much when Jerry spoke again.

  “You’ve not been yourself lately. I blame MacDonald’s swill. I think I can persuade you to reconsider this mad plan.”

  “With sex?” I jerked my hand from his. “No, thank you. And just because I’m not melting in a puddle when you touch me doesn’t mean I’m drugged or deranged.” I turned my back on him and stuffed my precious pair of skinny jeans in the suitcase. I felt his hand on my waist and whirled around. “You think all you have to do is bed me and I’ll cave. Well, get this, Jeremiah Campbell, Jeremy Blade or whatever the hell you chose to call yourself this century. I’m more than just a willing bedmate, that idiot who threw away her mortality for a dark and dangerous vampire lover centuries ago.”

  “I’m sorry if you regret that choice, Gloriana. But it’s a little late—” Jerry reached for me again.

  “Damn it. Do not touch me right now.” I leaped over the bed to the other side. “I do not regret my decision. I love this century. Wouldn’t have missed it for anything. I’ve learned so much since I met you. The main thing? Woo-hoo. I actually have a brain. I’ve built a successful business that needs me. People depend on me for their livelihood.” It was true and something I was proud of.

  “I always knew you were intelligent, Gloriana. Otherwise you would have bored me long ago.” Jerry was pretty smart himself, staying on his side of the bed and jamming his hands in his pockets.

  “Well, would it have killed you to have said something?” I wanted to throw a chair at him. “Never mind. Hear this. I want to go back, Jerry. I know you have no real ties to Austin. L.A. will be a good move for you. You’ll enjoy the structure of the Council and it’s important to keep an eye on Ian.” I couldn’t resist the wounded look in his eyes. My big bad vampire wasn’t used to being dumped. Well, not dumped exactly. I was definitely leaving the door open for him. Couldn’t imagine not having him back in my life sooner rather than later.

  I walked around the bed and eased up in front of him. “Come on, Jerry. Surely you can see this is for the be
st. A little time apart. I’m not saying it’s forever. We’ve done this before and survived it.” I pulled his head down to kiss his cheeks, his chin, then his mouth. “Get to know Ian and the other members of the Council. Try the daylight drug again.”

  “I’d want to share it with you, Gloriana.” He crushed me to him and stole my breath with a kiss that was part good-bye and part stay.

  I twined my fingers in his thick hair and held on, tempted to give in to his persuasion. So many memories. I finally had to push him away before I ripped open his shirt and pants and knocked him to the floor. Damn me for a slut.

  I stepped back from him. “I’ve made up my mind, Jerry. I’m going. Maybe not forever. Maybe I’ll sell the shop or let someone else run it eventually and come back here to Los Angeles.” I ran my hands through my hair, my mind so muddled I didn’t know what I was saying. “But I’m getting on that plane. I have to.”

  “Then take this.” He shoved a packet in my hand and took a step back. “Valdez told me what you were planning. Use it when you need to. Or want to. Call me and I’ll come. Just don’t forget who made you. Who loves you. Who is always going to be yours.” He spun on his heel and slammed out of the room.

  I stood there, still out of breath and off-kilter. I looked down and began to laugh. Yep, I had another first-class round-trip ticket from Austin to Los Angeles.

  The flight attendant warned us that they were about to close the doors when a man slipped into the seat next to me. I’d been alternately crying and just staring out at the dark tarmac as the other first-class passengers boarded the plane. I’d left one piece of unfinished business that bothered me. Oh, come on, Glory. “Bothered”? Hell, I was beside myself. I’d wanted to talk to Rafe. Explain why I wasn’t going to have a bodyguard anymore. But I hadn’t been able to find him.

  I’d talked to Brittany. Asked her to explain. She’d been happy to pass the word. Right. I could just imagine how that conversation would go. My Rafael Valdez deserved so much more than a secondhand kiss-off and the hastily scribbled note on hotel stationery I’d managed before the limo had picked me up to take me to the airport. I’d insisted Ray not see me off. The paparazzi would be rabid enough as it was. We planned to have Nate issue a statement in a few days about our engagement ending. But Flo had already called me to let me know that TMZ had reported that I wasn’t wearing my engagement ring when I was spotted by a reporter as I was heading for the airport.