“Good morning Karli,” said a deep, silky voice, “it’s Leo. I hope I didn’t wake you. Although I must admit, the thought of you in bed is quite appetizing.”
Surprised, I sat up in bed and said, “No, that’s okay. I needed to get up anyway.”
“I have good news.” He continued. “The police are done collecting evidence. We will be opening the bar tonight at eight. My secretary, Liza is calling the rest of the staff but I wanted to give you a call personally.”
“Why do I get the honor of getting a call directly from the boss?” I asked.
“Because, I wanted to hear your voice and I didn’t want to wait until tonight.” He said matter-of-factly.
“Oh.” I so eloquently replied.
“Listen, I’m already at the hotel. I moved some of my things in overnight. I’d like you to meet me in my room before you start your shift tonight.”
“Your room?” I asked.
“Yes, I’d like to review my plans with you for the time that I will be spending at the bar. I’d imagine it will be busy since it’s a Saturday night. I’d prefer to meet with you beforehand so we do not get distracted.”
Yeah, like being in your room won’t be distracting. “Um, okay. What time would you like me there?”
“Seven o’clock should be fine.” He replied. “That will give us plenty of time to talk before the bar opens.”
“What room are you in?”
“I’m in the penthouse. I will leave an envelope for you at the front desk. You will need it to get up to this level. I’m in suite number two.”
“Got it. Envelope, front desk, number two.” I said.
“Great, so I’ll see you then.”
Before he hung up I said, “Hey Leo,”
“Yes?”
“Shouldn’t you be asleep right now? Don’t vampires usually sleep during the day?”
He laughed. “We require very little sleep, my dear. It comes in quite handy when we need to attend to business……or other more basic needs.”
Not wanting to think about the basic needs of a vampire, I said, “Oh, okay. I was just wondering. I’ll see you tonight.”
“I look forward to it.”
I took a shower and spent the next few hours running errands and doing laundry. I hadn’t heard from Vance at all which was perfectly fine by me. I wasn’t ready to have that talk quite yet. At six thirty, I grabbed my keys and headed for the hotel. When I arrived, I went up to the front desk and asked for the envelope, giving the clerk my name. She handed me a sealed envelope and directed me to the private elevator bay for the penthouse suites. I opened it and pulled out a small black key fob. I headed to the elevator and waited.
When the doors opened, I pressed the fob against the sensor and the button labeled PH lit up. It took me straight up to the top, into a well-appointed lobby. Directly in front of me were a set of double doors. Nope, not the ones I needed. I looked to my left and saw another set with the number two on them. I headed down the long hall, stopped in front of his room, and took a deep breath. Here we go!
I knocked lightly. The door opened right away, revealing Leo wearing nothing but a golden bath towel. His hair was wet and he smelled like some kind of intoxicating manly soap. I had to fight the urge to get closer for a better sniff.
“Please come in.” He said as he stepped aside. “Please excuse my appearance, I’m running a little behind. I just got out of the shower.” I couldn’t seem to direct my eyes on anything above his waistline. Oh, if only that towel would fall……. Leo cleared his throat. Oh fuck! Did he just catch me staring at his crotch? I met his eyes and he smiled. Yep, totally busted. Christ, I think I’m incapable of being around this man without blushing incessantly.
“Pardon me for just a moment.” He said. “Make yourself comfortable.”
I looked around the room, desperately trying not to make an ass out of myself again. The penthouse suite was just as luxurious as one would imagine. I walked into the cavernous living/dining area that was decorated in shades of eggplant and gold. Immediately to the right of the foyer was a small marble powder room. A crescent shaped wet bar made of marble and dark cherry wood was off to my left. Directly in front of me was a large overstuffed couch with two side chairs and a flat screen TV. There was a round cherry dining table surrounded by four golden chairs in the corner. The most impressive feature in the room was the wall to wall windows, and the view they provided. It was stunning. You could clearly see the neon lights of The Strip and the dancing fountains below.
“Wow, great room.” I said. “I’ve never been up this high before.”
Leo walked over to the adjoining master suite, not bothering to close the doors. “Only the best.” He said as he dropped his towel unabashedly, revealing an ass that must have been made out of a mold. He stepped into a pair of black slacks and pulled a dark green sweater over his shoulders. Omigod, he’s going commando!
He looked back and caught me staring again. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I quickly turned my head away and tried pretending as if that didn’t just happen. As he walked back into the living room he asked, “Can I get you a beverage?”