Page 64 of Tempting the Dhampir

I take a deep breath in and marvel at how beautifully crass she is. “Your wicked tongue is very enticing. But you make a good point. My turn. If you could have any job, what would it be?”

“Also hitting me with a serious one, I see.” She’s not shying away from the question, but she does bring us back from the precipice of lust we were about to tumble into.

“Seemed fair. But remember, you can veto it,” I remind her.

“It’s okay, it’s just hard to admit out loud what’s been a pipe dream that I have no way of realizing.”

I tilt my head in a clear sign of listening, giving her my full attention. This time, it’s me trailing a comforting touch across her knuckles.

“Something that’s been a secret dream of mine would be to open a clothing boutique. Only, it would be centered around fun, flirty, sparkly clothes. And I want to make it available for renting. The average woman doesn’t have enough opportunities to dress up in her daily life, and if the occasion does arrive, she doesn’t have the budget to afford a whole new outfit for a onetime wear.

“It was something I thought about when I came to Vegas too. The clothes I brought will only last so long, and I want more options. But my… um… kind of unemployed state”—Sadie hesitates to say, wincing—“makes it difficult to commit to shopping.

“Anyway, my dream place would have clothes and shoes available in a range of sizes that will fit women with smaller frames to fuller ones. All-inclusive. Maybe that doesn’t make it a ‘smart’ plan, but we’re talking about dreams, right?”

I take her other hand in my free one and squeeze both. “I think that’s brilliant. It would work so well in Vegas. People flying in for weekends, weddings, live shows, they all like to dress up, and if they’re already paying for flights and accommodation, it only makes sense to save money where they can. Maybe the hotel could even advertise your store and it could form a package deal for bachelorette parties,” I muse, thoroughly impressed with her ingenious ideas, already running through possible scenarios where I could promote her store.

“You think the idea has merit?” Sadie asks, wide eyed, seemingly astonished that I like her idea and can see a practical application for it.

“You’re a smart woman. Makes you even sexier to know your brains match your beauty,” I purr.

Sadie bats her eyelashes at me. “What can I say, I’m the whole package.”

“You most certainly are,” I admit, raising my eyebrows suggestively at her.

Getting myself back into the moment, I let go of her hands and take a step back so I can focus on our get-to-know-you game again. “Your turn to ask a question.”

“Do you like living in Vegas?” she asks, one hand fiddling with the bottom of her shimmery top like it doesn’t know what to do if it’s not touching me.

“Oof.” I clutch my heart in mock pain. She’s very perceptive. “I like it well enough. I work a lot, go to the gym, meet with friends, attend some events, but it all feels a little superficial. I guess that’s part of the Vegas charm. If I want to really relax, I usually travel to one of my Alberad friends’ places. I’m privileged in that they’re scattered around the world, so I get a change of scenery every time I visit someone.

“I do feel like there’s something missing, though, something that will make me feel like I’m finally living the life I want. And I think I’ve found it. I’ve found her. I just need to figure out a way to hold on to her and make her want to stay.”

I see the moment she catches my meaning, her heart rate picking up, her eyes going round, her jaw slack.

Before she can say anything, I swallow around the lump in my throat and casually remark, “It’s my turn, isn’t it?”

She nods silently, flummoxed expression still in place.

“If you were given the opportunity, would you consider staying in Vegas?” I try not to let the hopefulness seep into my voice, but I think she can detect it.

I’m a goner for her. I know it doesn’t make sense, it’s too fast, but nothing has felt as natural, as easy, as good, as it does with her.

“Everett.” My name is a broken whisper from her mouth. “It’s too fast. We’ve only known each other for days,” she confirms what I know makes me sound crazy.

“It’s okay. I don’t want you to feel pressured. Forget I said anything for now. Let’s see what Bertie says, and then we can revisit this conversation at a later date.”

“It’s not a no. It’s actually—” She cuts herself off. I can practically see the wheels turning in her head before she continues. “I like you. And everything about you. And I like Vegas. And I want to say yes. I just can’t justify it to myself quite yet. Moving to a new city for a man I’ve only known for a couple of days is crazy, isn’t it?”

“Even if he gives you the good D?” I tease.

“I’ve yet to see how good his D is,” she retorts, giving me a pointed look.

“Maybe I can convince you?” I step closer to her.

“It would take some serious skills to throw my female instincts to the side,” she says, crossing her arms.

I take another step closer until I’m right in front of her and tilt her chin up with two fingers. “Is that a challenge?”

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