"Can I have a Screaming Orgasm, Cody?" Tara leaned against the mahogany counter and glanced around at the growing crowd.
"Sure thing, sweetheart. I get off about two, when do you want to get off?"
Tara choked on her own saliva. She'd set herself up for that one. Cody was a flirt, she knew that. She should be used to his flirtatious banter by now. She recovered quickly as he set the drink in front of her. "If I thought you'd take me up on the offer, handsome, I'd say every hour on the hour."
"That's what I love about you, Tara. Your comebacks. I'm going to miss you when you move on."
"Yeah, well, you know. A rolling stone gathers no moss, or whatever."
"Sweetheart, you're no rolling stone."
"Thanks." Tara took a deep sip and enjoyed the way the vodka, Bailey's and Kahlua hit the spot, numbing her, at least temporarily.
"I really do wish you'd let me set you up with someone. Trust me, Hon, a real screaming orgasm would do you wonders."
"You know why I can't." Tara looked away and focused on the jukebox against the far wall. Those memories needed to stay buried. Remembering was too painful. There was nothing she could do about it now, but she could make sure she never hurt another person as she had hurt Chad.
Tara glanced back at Cody as he moved down the bar to serve his customers. He was a pleasure to watch. All hard, toned muscle, tanned skin and blue eyes that either saw right through her, or made her want to melt into an orgasmic puddle at his feet.
When she had first come here, Cody had intimidated her, but now that she had gotten to know him very well, the incorrigible flirt had etched a spot in her heart forever. Too bad she really did need to get laid.
Even though Cody had his pick of women, love seemed to elude him like it did her. While he had no problems matching employees and friends, he had yet to find someone special for himself. Or her. Thank God--but it wasn't for lack of trying on his part. As much as Tara wanted to stay here at Del Fantasma with Cody looking out for her, she couldn't. Her job as a singer was temporary. Once she had enough funds she would move on. Again.
Perhaps she could convince Cody to follow through on his teasing offer to get her off. He knew what she was and could protect himself. But then what would happen to their friendship? He was the only person she'd ever met who wasn't frightened by her special ability. Not only wasn't he frightened, he seemed to embrace her uniqueness. She was no fool. Most of his customers were special and they all got the same treatment she did. Still, he made her feel human.
Many different types of people lived in Loma Vista. Vampires, Shapeshifters, and many others that were more than welcome here at Del Fantasma, but so far she'd not met anyone like herself.
"Don't let Cody get to you."
Tara turned to her left and looked up into eyes as dark as midnight. Vampire. She took an automatic step back as she took in his aristocratic features and full, kissable lips.
He frowned, his eyebrows drawing together as he studied her. "Sorry if I startled you."
"It's okay. I was just surprised I didn't sense you."
His eyebrows rose at her statement, and she couldn't help but wonder if he knew how expressive his face was. Or maybe she was just really good at reading people.
"Okay, sweetheart. Your turn to rock the house." Cody reached for her glass and washed it as he looked back and forth between her and the vampire. "Long time no see, Chase."
Chase. Tara shivered as the vampire's gaze slid over her one last lingering time before he turned to Cody with a huge grin. "I should have known you wouldn't forget a fellow, mate."
As the house band switched to one of her numbers, she prayed the night would go by fast. The new vamp's interest in her made her uncomfortable. The vibes he gave off made her nervous and queasy. Good thing she had decided to move on.
The number the band picked was a slow love song, something she would have preferred to sing as a closing, and thinking about the new vampire wouldn't enable her to do the song justice. Cody was a much better man to focus her thoughts on. Or even Brandon. But she'd vowed to stop thinking of Brandon that way. The shifter wanted to get serious, and she didn't.
Finally she finished. Most of the patrons clapped as she made her way back to the bar.
"Great job, Tara." Cody smiled and handed her another drink. "This one is a Quick Fuck. I figured I owed you one since I didn't take you up on your offer."
"You don't know what you're missing."
"Oh, I think I do. But it's my loss." He laughed.
Tara laughed with him. The man was incorrigible. "Thanks. I really need one after that last song. That final note always takes a lot out of me." She took a healthy sip and glanced around the bar. Most of the patrons had left. Dawn was rapidly approaching, and many of the people in here wouldn't risk getting caught in the daylight.
"You okay, sweetheart?"
"I know I shouldn't drink while I'm singing, but sometimes I need it to dull everything."
"I understand. Let me know when you're done and I'll give you a Slow Screw. Or perhaps a Slow Comfortable Screw up Against the Wall. I promise you'll love it."
"I bet you say that to all the ladies." She shook her head and laughed. Let him tease her, at least it gave her something to take her mind off the impending doom that weighed heavily upon her chest. Restless and eager to leave, Tara grabbed a tray and a rag and went to wipe down tables. The sooner everyone was gone, the sooner she could leave.
"You have a magnificent voice, Tara."
Even as she turned with a forced smile, she recognized the voice and wondered why this man was so interested in her. "Thanks. Chase, is it? One of Cody's friends?"
"Yes, and I'd like to be your friend, too."
A deep growl came from behind her as warm hands settled on her shoulders. "Hands off. She's mine."
Brandon. One of the regulars. A friend of Cody's, and a Were. If she had to guess, she'd say Werepanther, but since she'd never seen him change she wouldn't bet on it. But she would bet on him wanting to get in her pants. He'd dropped many hints over the past two months, some subtle and some not so much so. He was cute, but not her type. Who was she kidding? He was tall, dark and drop dead handsome ... and the kind of guy who didn't do one-night stands.
It didn't matter what he did and didn't do. Chase gave off really bad vibes, and Brandon was a safe haven. One she planned to use tonight, even if it made her a tease--as long as it kept the vampire away from her.
Tara leaned back against him and felt him stiffen a second before he relaxed and pulled her closer.
"Sorry, I didn't know she was taken." Chase shrugged and turned back to the bar. She didn't like the way he kept them in his sight as Brandon led her over to an empty table.
"Are you okay, Tara? Did he hurt you?"
"No." Even as she denied it, she felt the vampire's gaze on her again, and wondered if Cody had told Chase what she was. No, he'd never betray her, not even to a fellow vampire.
"Cody called and told me to get in here. He said there was going to be trouble and I'd better stake my claim on you before someone else did."
So Cody didn't trust Chase either. Was Brandon the one Cody kept trying to set her up with? He'd certainly pushed them together often enough in the past.
"Is that what you were doing?" She hadn't realized she'd raised her voice until a few heads turned their way. She lowered her voice and leaned close, ignoring the shiver that raced up her spine when Brandon covered her hands with his. This was another reason she avoided him like the plague. Desire. He sent her blood racing in a way that even Cody didn't.
)
