Page 14 of Top Secret Vampire

So he knew the community college had reached out and asked me to teach a class in writing and self-publishing this fall? But I suppose he would since he worked in the English Department.

“I’m honored that my alma mater asked me to share some of my knowledge with students,” I said with a fake smile. “As for writing full time, I’ve only been able to do that for three years. I worked for a newspaper, writing columns, plus served as a waitress at a restaurant to make ends meet prior to that.” I was eternally grateful to the readers who not only found and readmy books but talked about them with their friends. I’d still be serving meals and interviewing dog groomers for articles if they hadn’t.

“What do you plan to offer the students?” Flint asked.

“I’ve discussed my lectures with the dean. I’m sure she’ll be happy to share.” She wouldn’t. She’d tell him it was none of his business or, if he was that interested, he could attend my classes.

“Mynovels are fantastic,” he said. “Don’t you agree?”

I’d read his first. Sadly, I spent so much time writing, I could only read a few books a month, and I avoided reading within my own genre while I was drafting to avoid inadvertently copying someone else. “Yes, I enjoyed your first book.”

His smile grew slick. “Can I call that an endorsement? Youoweme.”

Not really, but . . . I was always willing to help other authors. If they hadn’t helped me, from critiques to encouragement when I felt down, I wouldn’t be where I was today. “Sure. Would you like a formal quote?”

“That would be wonderful. I appreciate it.” He rattled off his email. “Could you send it by tomorrow?”

“Alright.” It was getting hard to hold onto the polite upward flick of my lips, though I could say something nice about his book that I’d enjoyed.

“Anyway, it was good seeing you again,” Flint said, stroking Mary’s spine. “Don’t forget the blurb. I’ll reach out in the morning, in case you forget.”

There was no getting out of it now. I’d write it up and email it tonight to avoid the nudge. I winced out another smile. “I’ll remember.”

He turned and started to walk away from us but spun around, nearly unsettling Mary from his arm. She flapped her wings before tucking them back down at her sides. “I appreciatethe solid reference you gave Tracy, by the way. I believe she’s going to work out quite well.”

“Tracy?” I asked, not sure what he was talking about.

“Yes, she just accepted my job offer. She’ll not only serve as my self-publishing assistant, but she’s agreed to put in a few hours at the college each day. They’ll pay her for that, of course,” his slick smile widened, “I plan to have her do some things for me while she’s helping at the school.”

“You hired Tracy?” When had she applied for a job with Flint? I bit back my growl. It appeared I’d never known that woman, that I’d only fallen for her friendly façade.

“Who wouldn’t after your stellar endorsement? So nice of you to email it to me this morning.”

I had done no such thing.

Which reminded me. I needed to change my passwords right now.

Flint nodded pertly. “She’ll be starting work with me tomorrow.”

“Please allow me to fly you to your home rather than take your vehicle,” Wolf said as Flint carefully placed Mary inside a cage in the back of his truck and climbed into the driver’s seat. “I sense you need to take care of some tasks as soon as possible.”

“I can’t believe Tracy did that.” My sigh bled out. “She must’ve been applying for jobs all along. However, since she was that unhappy, I shouldn’t be surprised. Surely, she knew I’d give her a real reference if she asked. Instead, it looks like she’s been writing them for me.” I shook my head, stunned all over again by my former assistant’s behavior.

“I’m sorry,” Wolf said.

“Thanks.” I needed to find a new assistant and fast. Maybe I’d hire someone local. My mom might have suggestions. “I wish Flint all the best with her. Should I fill him in on some of her less than stellar attributes?” I rolled my eyes. “Although, from whathe just said about my books and all the help he did not, I’ll point out, give me, they may deserve each other.” I grunted. “Yes, he gave me some solid advice when I was just getting started, and I appreciate it, but I’ve worked incredibly hard. I own my current success, not him.”

“You’re completely right. Males are too often eager to take credit where it isn’t fully due.”

“That sort of behavior never goes away, does it?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“If anyone should know, it’s you,grandpa.” My laugh shot out, loosening my tight spine.

He growled and lifted his hands, advancing on me.

I giggled and backed away.

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