Page 6 of Thirsty for the Bartender

ONE YEAR LATER

EMRIS

“So, what makes you qualified for this position?” I ask, reciting interview questions off the top of my head.

“Well,” she starts, sitting up straight. “I have recently graduated top of my class in my compressed marketing management and strategies program. A program that usually takes students four years to complete, I managed to finish in only a year.”

Nodding along at her words, I smirk. “Very impressive, it must come naturally to you. Why is it you want to work here at Bloodka?”

“A few reasons,” she says, eyes glimmering with intent. “I want to pursue a passion, and marketing is one of mine. Another reason is that I made a deal a year ago with this vampire, and it’s time for me to uphold my end.”

She tilts her head, those blonde curls falling around her face. Even after a year together, I’m taken aback by her beauty every time I see her. I need to focus, though it’s hard to do when she looks at me like that.

“You’ll have to start at the bottom of the marketing department, work your way up over time and through merit. You understand this, right?” I half tell, half ask her. She’s earned this job fair and square through hard work, but I can’t just hand her a higher-up position.

Her nod is eager, a genuine smile crawling onto her lips. “Yes, of course. I wouldn’t want or expect it any other way.”

“Then, you’re hired. When can you start?” I ask, leaning over my desk.

She grins at me, leaning toward me as she replies, “As soon as possible, though, I need to give notice to my current job. My boss will be sad to see me go.”

“Ah yes, Julius. I’ll send him some cases of Bloodka as an apology for stealing his most valuable employee.” I laugh, unable to take my eyes off of her.

The ding of the elevator makes me swivel my head. Davian emerges, interrupting the interview. He rolls his eyes as he approaches, shaking his head at the sight of us leaning over the desk, our faces only inches apart.

“I thought this was going to be a real interview,” he scolds, but the corners of his lips curve up. “For shame, you two. Can’t keep it professional for five minutes.”

Mallorie lets out a giggle as she leans back in her chair, creating distance between us. “So sorry, you’re right, how dare I act romantically with someone I’m going to be working with.”

Davian’s pink skin turns fifty shades of crimson, his eyes widening as he shoots me a glare. “You told her?”

“You expected me not to?” I chuckle, shrugging him off.

He narrows his gaze at me, lips thinning and tail whipping furiously behind him. There’s nothing he can say, since he put himself in the situation I love to tease him about. All that talk about never falling for a human, and here he is, also dating a human.

“So, when do I get to meet her?” Mallorie chimes, wriggling her eyebrows at him. “I’ve been dying for a double date.”

Davian shrugs. “I don’t want to scare her off, it’s pretty early.”

“Early? It’s been like, almost as long as Emris and I have been together,” Mallorie objects, crossing her arms.

She has him there. He got together with his woman pretty soon after Mallorie and I did. Officially, probably a month or so later, but still, they met really soon after we did. When he finally told me, after a few months of keeping her a secret, I was over the moon. It gave me new things to torment him with.

“She works hard, she’s very busy.” Davian makes an excuse, avoiding Mallorie’s piercing gaze. “Besides, who says I want you to meet her?”

Mallorie lets out a mock gasp, moving a hand to cover her heart. “I’m hurt, Davian.”

“She must be really special,” I tease, smirking at him as his eyes dart back to me.

“She is,” he murmurs, quiet enough that I’m sure Mallorie’s human ears don’t pick up on it. He clears his throat before continuing. “Anyways, are you guys finished your interview? If we can call it that.”

We nod in unison, and Mallorie places her hands on her hips as she tells him, “You’re look at your new marketing department employee. Full title to be determined.”

“Well, congratulations.” Davian gives her a genuine smile. He may be a snarky demon, but he’s got a heart of gold in there, yet another thing I enjoy teasing him about. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got to talk to Emris about some business things.”

She nods and gets up from her chair, making her way over to the elevator. Once she’s inside, she twirls around to face us, tossing her hair over her shoulder and pressing one of the buttons.

As the doors close, her eyes meet mine. “See you at home, boss,” she says before disappearing from view.

My cock stiffens at her words, her voice replaying over and over in my head, calling me boss. Oh, when I get home, I am going to show her who’s boss all right. Just you wait, my love, you have no idea what’s in store for you.