Page 8

Claire enters the bar from the office, and I slink farther back into the shadows. I don’t want to be spotted just yet. Claire, Erin and Kit share a laugh about something. There is a great working dynamic between them all.

Mr. Pushy leans over and touches Erin’s arm. Her eyes flash with anger. It’s the first sign of that feisty woman I met last night shining through, and I like it. She takes a step back, regards him, and then leans forward, whispering something in his ear. Mr. Pushy pales and sits back, scratches his neck and then promptly leaves. I want more than anything to know what Erin said to him.

Claire approaches her, and they speak for a second. Now they are laughing again. A spike of something shoots through my chest. It’s a feeling I’m unfamiliar with and that makes me feel uneasy.

I square my shoulders and shuffle over slightly so that I’m in the light. It’s time to find out about Erin.

Five

The moment Erin spots me, I want to break out in laughter. The airy fun Erin disappears in a flash and the angry hellion appears once more. I wonder what she is going to do. Will she try to evict me? Maybe call security?

“At least you figured out which side of the bar you should be on,” Erin snaps as soon as she lands in front of me.

“It’s not too busy this evening, so I don’t mind waiting to be served this time.” I know I should put an end to the games, but she’s too much fun to play with. Plus, I want some time to… okay, this will sound creepy, but I need to smell her.

Cherries. She still smells like cherries. How is that possible? Who is this woman, and how the hell am I supposed to find out if she’s a vampire or a human? Claire must know, surely. Yes, I’ll ask her. Now, I’ll continue to irritate my new playmate.

“If I see you approach this side of the bar again, I’ll have you thrown out. Do you understand?”

“My, my, you are a feisty one. What’s so special about your bar?”

“Listen, lady. You might dress fancy and think you are God almighty, but when you step into this club, you are a customer. Do you know what could happen if you had an accident? Insomnia is insured for workers only. You do not step behind this bar. Please don’t make me call security on you this evening.”

Wow, I’m wet. This woman is all kinds of hot when she’s on her high horse. Holding up my hand in a scout’s honor, I promise not to go behind the bar ever again. “Can I have a glass of water, please?”

“Water? That’s all you want?”

“Yes, please.” Watching Erin walk away is a lovely sight to behold. Claire has spotted me and wanders over.

“Wow, twice in twenty-four hours. What’s the occasion?” I know the game is up now. I can’t continue playing with Claire hovering, so I decide she should be the one to let the cat out of the bag. Erin returns with my glass of water. She is looking between me and Claire, obviously trying to work out what’s happening.

“Thanks, Erin,” I say when she sets the water down.

“How do you know my name?” She asks. I smile. Claire is looking confused.

“Of course she knows your name. Amelia knows every employee.”

“Oh, so you’re a regular?” Erin asks innocently.

“Erin, Amelia is the owner.”

“No, she’s not.”

I burst out laughing at Erin’s indignation. The mere thought that I, the pain in the ass customer who has riled her up to perfection could be the owner of this fine establishment is unthinkable.

“Erin!” Claire admonishes.

“Claire, it’s fine. I’ve been playing with her a little.”

“Oh, Amelia,” Claire whines.

“I’m sorry. Erin, that goes for you, too. Please let me introduce myself properly.” I extend my hand. “I’m Amelia Loch.”

“Erin Hanson,” she replies robotically.

“I’m sorry, but how the hell did this happen?” Claire asks, so I recount our meeting last night.

“Shit, Erin, that’s on me. I should have introduced you. We were just slammed.”