A Vampire for Christmas(2)
As he reached for the bottle again, a vague unease skimmed along his nerve endings. He tried to take a deep breath but it felt like something was coiled around his lungs, slowly choking him. He loosened his tie but that didn’t help. Glancing around the conference room, he was struck anew by the fact that the field offices were located far beneath the city streets with no exterior windows. The walls seemed to be closing in, pressing against his chest, making him wish he was anywhere but here.
Fresh air. That’s what I need.
Thanks, but I’ve got a long drive back to the estate.” He rapped his knuckles on the back of Dom’s chair as he passed. “I’ll catch you later.”
Now that his job here was done, he couldn’t get out of the field office fast enough. Within minutes, he’d climbed into the black BMW X4 and roared out of the garage. But instead of jumping onto the freeway and beginning his drive home, he found himself heading to a part of town he hadn’t visited in a long time. Despite the winter chill, he rolled down the windows and inhaled deeply.
Finally, he was able to breathe again.
CHARLOTTE GRANT had made a serious mistake by not inviting another friend along tonight, but there wasn’t much she could do about that now.
She stood outside the Wonder Bar and watched as Kari hung on the arm of a guy she’d met less than an hour ago and disappeared around the corner without so much as a wave back.
Live and learn,” Charlotte muttered to herself as she dug out her car keys, automatically sticking a finger through the loop on her pepper spray. No doubt she’d let the location of the club sway her decision to go with Kari.
She’d always loved this part of the city, with its eclectic mix of shops and galleries situated on one of the hills overlooking Elliott Bay. Especially at this time of the year, when the air had a bite to it and held the promise of snow. Her breath fogged in front of her face. She imagined how nice it would be to stroll along the sidewalk with someone special as they looked at all of the holiday window displays. His hand would be warm, or maybe his arm would be around her shoulders. His laugh would be infectious. If she tried really hard, she could almost smell his cologne. Sandalwood maybe? No, an evergreen smell, she decided. Like a Christmas tree.
She sighed and shook her head to get rid of those silly thoughts. As if she’d expected to meet someone like that at the club tonight.
Want me to call you a cab?” A bouncer the size of a refrigerator held the door open for a large group of people leaving the noisy club. “Looks like your friend ditched you.”
Yeah, she pretty much did,” Charlotte agreed.
Kari wasn’t known for giving a crap about anyone but herself. And Charlotte should’ve known better. Especially when a hot guy was involved. Although this particular guy’s hotness was debatable. He was much older and had the physique of someone who spent all his time behind a computer. The only way he’d have a six-pack was if he’d added it on Photoshop.
The bouncer cleared his throat, yanking Charlotte from her thoughts.
I’m fine, though, thanks. My car’s not far away.” She pointed down the street. “I can just about see it from here.”
A large group of women exited the club, laughing and hanging on to each other’s arms. Charlotte stepped aside to avoid getting jostled.
Hey,” the bouncer said to the group in general, “which way are you ladies going?”
That way and down there, were several of the replies. Same direction as Charlotte’s car.
The bouncer held his hand out with a flourish. “I give you your escorts.”
At least someone cared about her welfare tonight. Charlotte flashed him a grateful smile. “Thanks.”
No problemo.”
The seven women moved like a swarm of bees down the sidewalk, constantly buzzing with mindless chatter. Every few feet, they’d stop and laugh at something else. It wasn’t hard to keep up with them, just frustrating. Charlotte was tired, cranky, and kept thinking how good a long soak in her tub would feel.
He’s great, isn’t he?” Kari had gushed in the ladies’ room right before she told Charlotte she was going home with that guy. “I just love his sense of humor.” Code for I know the guy isn’t hot but I need an excuse to sleep with him.
Yeah, if you like older men who don’t know your eyes are above your cleavage.” Charlotte knew the real reason her friend was attracted to the guy—his company’s fat wallet. In sales, the client was king and quota was everything, and Kari was one of those people who’d do anything to meet hers.