In honor of Battle, my upcoming release with Cobblestone Press, it’s all vampires all week long!

Battle is just one day away! You can read an excerpt on the book page, and there’s another one here. Enjoy!

* * * * *

Justin looked up from the computer when he heard voices outside the door.

“Do you have a brochure?” Anita’s voice was clear. “I’ll have Mr. Garvey review it and get back to you.”

“Very well,” came a low, husky murmur. “I’ll leave this with you.”

Intrigued by the voice, he left his desk and opened the door.

The woman stood with her back to him, wearing a long black dress with a white geometric design. Even as the pattern engaged his brain, the rest of him focused on the lush curves beneath it no dress could disguise. Though she wore heels, she was inches shorter than Anita. He suspected the top of her head would reach his chin. She wore her black hair up in a style that left her neck bare. Despite her petite build, she looked anything but delicate. Her manner exuded confidence.

An image entered his mind, one of himself standing behind her, leaning down to kiss her neck.

He stepped into the hall. “Anita.”

Both women turned, but his attention riveted on the stranger. No jerk of surprise, he noted. Just a smooth turn that revealed her face. Her features were classic—even elegant—and the sides of her mouth curved in a small smile.

“Mr. Garvey,” Anita said. “I was just telling Ms. Laron you were too busy.”

“It’s all right. I have a minute.” He gestured to the conference room just off the lobby. “Let’s talk in here.”

As she walked in front of him, he caught a trace of her perfume. It was a soft, subtle floral scent with a hint of jasmine. It made him think of sex.

She turned to him, her eyes wide, as if she sensed the direction of his thoughts. “I appreciate your time.”

“Certainly, Ms. Laron.”

“Actually, it’s Laurent.” A French accent whispered through her words. “And please, call me Mélanie.”

“Justin Garvey.” He held out his hand.

She slipped her smooth palm in his. “Justin. May I call you Justin?”

“Yes.” He nodded to the conference room table. “Have a seat.”

“All right.” She sat, leaned back in her chair, and glanced around the room. “This is a fine office. I’m impressed.”

He nodded, took a seat across from her. “Did I hear you mention a brochure?”

“Yes.” But she made no move to hand it to him. “I own L’Hôtel Roseraie, and I’m interested in upgrading my security.” Her pink lips curved in another smile. “You have some knowledge of security, and I was in the area.”

He said nothing for a full minute. He imagined she was sizing him up, just as he was taking her measure. She was polished, certainly. Her meticulous appearance made that clear. As the owner of a business, he doubted she’d simply decided to drop in. He was sure of it once he looked into her eyes. They were light blue, and her intelligence was evident. It told him that she might be many things, but impulsive was not one of them. “How lucky that I have a free moment.”

She smiled faintly, and he knew she understood his meaning. “Yes, very lucky.” She leaned back in the chair and crossed her legs. “Can you help me?”

As he looked into her eyes, he found himself wanting to give her whatever she asked for. He shook his head as if to get rid of the thought. “I’m afraid my schedule won’t allow me to take on any new projects right now. And security is not my area of expertise. I’m sure Anita can refer you to someone who will help you.”

She looked up, her eyes meeting his. “If that’s your final word, I would appreciate the referral. However, I’ve heard many good things about your work as an electrical engineer, and I hope you’ll reconsider. I could use a man of such talent.”

“I’m sure you could.” He suspected her choice of words was no coincidence. “But I’m taking on no new projects at this time.”

Her brow raised. “None?”

“Have you heard otherwise?”

She shrugged.

“Are you having problems with hotel security?”

Her eyes widened as if she were startled. “No problems. But it never pays to be complacent.”

He steepled his fingers and stared at her over the top of them. Whatever she said, concern had driven her to make this visit. He found himself wanting to know more about her and what had brought her here. But he had other work to do.

“I’m sorry I cannot help you. I’ll walk you back to Anita’s desk. She can give you that referral.”
She stood. “I appreciate it. Thank you for your time.” She tied a silk scarf over her head. Then she paused and simply stared at him.

“Yes?”

“May I ask if you’ve taken on any new clients recently?”

Ah. The skeptic in him wondered if this was the true reason for her visit. “As a business owner, I’m sure you realize the importance of confidentiality.” He held up a hand before she could speak. “However, there is no harm in my answering your question. I have accepted no new clients in the past several months.”

She nodded. “And you’re sure I can’t tempt you?”

If anyone could, it would be her, he imagined. Her elegant features and lavish lips were infinitely tempting. All his blood had long since rushed south. “I’m afraid not.” At least where business was concerned.

She laughed, a low, musical sound. “All right, then. I won’t take any more of your time.” She stood and held out a hand.

He took it, enjoying the brush of her smooth fingers.

“Thank you for meeting with me.”

She pulled away, started for the door, and stopped.

“Yes?”

She turned and set a brochure on the table. “You’ll find me at L’Hôtel Roseraie if you change your mind. If not…” She shrugged. “Stop by anyway for a drink sometime.”