Page 97 of Dead Heat

“That’s not fair!” someone yelled. “She didn’t pay.”

“She’s dating Mr. Sullivan,” I heard Larry say. “If you have a problem, take it up with him.”

It seemed Larry was the only one allowed to give me a hard time out here. I could probably thank Josephine for that.

The volume of the music increased tenfold as I entered the lounge. A vampire stood on the small stage by the piano, warbling the lyrics toThese Boots Were Made for Walking. In a cowboy hat and snakeskin boots, he seemed to have selected his wardrobe to reflect his musical choices.

I strode to the counter. Alessandro was mixing drinkswhile Josie and Dantalion watched the warbler in silent fascination.

I planted my forearms on the counter. “I’m here for my first date with Kane. How do I look?”

Josie made a gagging sound.

“Wonderful,” Dantalion said.

“And here I thought the phlegm I tasted was from the performance,” Josie cracked.

“Didn’t he tell anyone we had plans tonight?”

“He may have mentioned it,” Josie mumbled.

“He told me as well,” Dan said. “I never thought I’d see him this content.”

Josie snorted. “That’s only because you’ve never seen him polish off a twenty-five-year-old bottle of Yamasaki.”

“That isn’t contentment,” Dan pointed out. “That’s avoidance.” He returned his attention to me. “Does he have a special meal planned for this evening?”

“No idea. I was told to show up at seven thirty, and here I am.”

“I like your dress. It’s very pretty. Surprisingly feminine.”

“Surprisingly?”

He seemed to realize his mistake. “Not because you aren’t feminine, of course. It’s only that your typical attire involves…”

I held up a finger. “If you say synthetic fabrics, I may have to punch you.”

“I was going to say work boots. I don’t really know what synthetic fabrics are.”

“Ask Cam and Gun. They’ll explain in great detail.” And then shame you for them.

Alessandro slid a martini glass across the counter and turned to acknowledge me. “You look hot.”

“Careful,” Josie said.

Alessandro gestured to his Yankees cap. “Lorelei isn’tinterested in a guy with a runway across his head or missing teeth.”

“You forgot to mention the ankle brace,” Josie remarked.

Alessandro glanced down. “Because it isn’t worth mentioning. Darcy said it’ll heal quickly.”

“Not if it’s part of the curse,” Josie pointed out.

“What happened to your ankle?” I asked.

“I slipped earlier. It’s fine.”

“Can’t say the same for the tray of espresso martinis you were carrying.” She sniffed him. “You still reek of coffee beans.”

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