Real Vampires Don't Diet by Gerry Bartlett Page B

bud, but in the vampire world, giving my blood from that spot is all about lovemaking. I don't do that lightly." I looked down and realized I was definitely sending the wrong message. Clingy red silk unbuttoned down to there? No wonder

    Ray had headed for the Promised Land. I stomped into the closet, pulled out a black T-shirt and exchanged it for the silk. I took a steadying breath, then marched out to stand by the bed again. Ray was lying on his side, watching me.
    "I get it. We're friends, not lovers. I crossed a line. Sorry." He held out his hand. "I'm grateful to you for helping me. Maybe I'll be able to talk out loud after this session and not in my freakin' head. Even sing. I owe you. And it wasn't fair of me to use this sitnation as a chance to get into your pants."
    "No, it wasn't." I liked the honest contrition I felt coming from him. Ray was being real. I could feel it. And he did want me, or "in my pants" anyway. Which was a compliment I wasn't about to be insulted by. The guy was hot and famous and every woman's fantasy man, for crying out loud.
    "Now can I feed? I'm feeling like crap." He managed to grab my hand and pull me down to the bed. He took my wrist and gently drew it to his lips. "Okay?"
    "Sure. Go for it. But not there." I lay back on the pillow. "Use my neck, it's a better spot, quicker." Ray grinned. "And I like lying close to you too. Thanks." He gathered me in his arms, angled his head and began to drink. I lay there, his body wrapped around me and impossible to ignore as I felt the pull of his mouth all the way down to my toes. Glory the noble, Glory the irresistible. Glory the stupid? Had I just missed my one chance to find out what it would be like to sleep with the famous Israel Caine? I could feel the proof against my thigh that he'd really been ready to rock and roll. Hmm. Jerry? You'd better not be falling into Mara's clutches because look what I just gave up for you.

Chapter Seven Previous
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    I woke up to what had to be the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard. Ray singing in the shower. Yep. Singing. Not a CD, but the man himself. I was so jazzed, I threw open the bathroom door and then the glass shower door and jumped him.
    "Oh, my God! It's back! Your voice is back!" I ignored the steamy water pounding on top of my head and soaking my T-shirt and shorts. Hey, I was used to being wet. I hugged his slippery body, then laughed like a mad woman.
    "Thanks to you." Ray laughed too, then turned off the water and wrapped his arms around me. "You saved me, Glory. I'll never forget it." His eyes seemed to darken to a stormy blue as he looked down at me. "I've never been so damned terrified in my life. Not even when I woke up a vampire. You pulled me through it, lady."
    "I, uh" I felt a flush heat my cheeks. Sometimes my enthusiasm overloads my common sense. Ray was naked and we were both wet. I began to back out of the tiled shower.
    "Wait a minute, vamp girl." His arms tightened around me.
    "For what?" I glanced down, oh, yeah, then pushed wet hair out of my eyes. No way was I going to miss one bit of that view. Ray has a piercing there with a sparkling diamond ring. I forced my chin up to meet his gaze.
    "For this." He slid his hands under my thighs and pulled my legs around his waist until I was snug against him. "The celebration." One part of me was definitely celebrating. No underwear and baggy shorts? It wouldn't take much of a push for us to be
    "We're just friends, remember? And you're pale. While one part of your body is obviously up for the celebration, I don't think it's a good idea even if I was willing." I shoved and managed to climb off of him without falling on my butt. "You want to lose your voice again?"
    "Is that possible?" Ray actually looked worried and didn't try to pull me back. I'd found the magic words.
    "Doubt it. But we're in uncharted territory. I don't think you want to take that chance." I handed Ray a towel.
    "Somehow I have a feeling you'd be worth