Chapter 7: A Parade of Vampires

"Don't you think it's weird that they're all so beautiful?" Lily asked Mathew and Tara as they sat over coffee the following morning in the lobby of the building. They were watching the streams of SanguinX employees file into the building in perfectly polished shoes, designer suits molded to their bodies like second skins.

"Do you think they have a company rule against color?" Mathew asked, drawing attention to the solemn palette of grays and blacks they all wore.

"I like it," Tara said, examining her own blue silk blouse. "It's mysterious, yet classic. Maybe I should try it."

"Don't you dare," Lily said. "I love that color on you. Compared to them, you're a flower among thorns."

"I'd hardly call them thorns," Mathew said. "I've never seen so many good-looking people in one place. Maybe it's a prerequisite for employment at SanguinX." He held his hands up, his fingers forming a square as if he were posting a sign. "Wanted: pharmaceutical employees. Must have high cheekbones, clear skin, and smoldering good looks."

"Don't forget tall," Tara groaned. "Most of them could be models. I barely hit five and a half feet in my best heels."

"Those things could put someone's eye out," Mathew said, discreetly pointing to a woman's pumps as she marched by in eight-inch heels.

"Shh," Tara giggled. "Someone will hear you."

Lily looked around at the other tables, surprised to see several SanguinX employees watching them with amusement. "Do you think they're listening to us?" Lily asked in horror.

"They'd have to have super-human hearing," Mathew said, dismissing her worry. "It's noisy in here, and they're at least ten feet away."

"Anyway, let's change the subject," Tara suggested. "It's rude to talk about other people. We're just jealous."

"Look, there's your girlfriend," Lily teased Mathew, careful to lower her voice, as the tall woman with blonde hair walked through the doors. "Wasn't she flirting with you in the hallway the other day?"

"She sure was," Tara said. "She looked at him like a cat with a mouse. You’d better be careful. Kitty looks like she might have sharp claws."

"Bring it on," Mathew said, watching her.

Just then, the woman paused mid-step, spinning on her heel. Then, smiling to reveal a perfect set of teeth, she walked straight for them. "Now you've done it," Lily whispered.

"Hi, I'm Amanda," the woman said, her eyes fixed on Mathew, who stood up to greet her. "I think we met through the glass in your office door the other day."

Mathew smirked. "Mathew Cooper, Flannery Law," he said, holding out his hand. He looked startled for a moment when she took it.

"Cold hands, warm heart," she said, looking at him from beneath her long, lush eyelashes.

Lily groaned silently, rolling her eyes at Tara, who smothered a grin.

Mathew suddenly remembered his manners. "These are my friends, Lily and Tara. They work in my office too."

"Hello," Amanda said, her eyes barely sweeping over them.

"Nice to meet you," Tara said in her friendliest voice, disappointed when Amanda turned her attention back to Mathew.

"I was wondering if you might like to get together some time," Amanda said.

Mathew looked surprised but collected himself quickly. "Sure," he managed. "Anytime."

Amanda lowered her voice and gave him a conspiratorial smile. "We're not supposed to fraternize with the locals. Company policy. I trust discretion is one of your charms."

"Amanda who?" Mathew joked.

"And your friends?" Amanda asked, giving them a sideways glance. “Can they be equally trusted?”

"Oh, don't worry about us," Lily said sarcastically. "We're not even here."

"Good," Amanda said, her eyes still on Mathew, who seemed hypnotized, unable to take his eyes off her.

"Should I get your number?" Mathew asked, pulling out his phone.

"Not necessary," Amanda said, walking away. "I know where to find you."

"Wow, am I dreaming?" Mathew asked Lily and Tara when Amanda was gone. "Or does that smoking hot girl have a thing for me?"

"She was kind of cold if you ask me," Lily said.

"More like rude," Tara grumbled. "She completely ignored us.”

"No need for jealousy, ladies," Mathew quipped. "There's plenty of me to go around."

"Not for long if Barbara catches you," Lily warned. "Amanda isn't the only one who’s not supposed to mix with the neighbors. Do I need to remind you that Barbara said all SanguinX employees are strictly off-limits?"

"What Barbara doesn't know won't hurt her," Mathew said without concern.

"Look who just walked in," Tara said, nodding towards the door. "I'd risk my job in a second for a chance with him."

Lily's pulse quickened as she spotted Greer Argento coming through the front door. Her eyes drifted over his body as he stood talking to a swarthy-skinned man with thick, unruly hair that, despite his expensive suit, gave him a wild, untamed look. To Lily’s surprise, Greer turned and smiled at her, sending a thrill up her spine that made her glad she was sitting. She smiled nervously back at him.

"Do you know him?" Tara cried, impressed.

"Not technically," Lily replied. "We bumped into each other in the elevator."

"What's he like?" Tara gushed. "Is he as hot as he looks?"

"He seemed nice enough," Lily said, hoping no one noticed the heat rising up her neck.

"Looks like you found him more than 'nice,'" Mathew teased.

"We barely spoke," Lily insisted.

"It looks like he remembers you," Tara said.

"Who's that guy he's with?" Mathew asked. "I haven't seen eyebrows that thick since high school. Someone should give him the name of a good waxing salon."

"I think it makes him look masculine," Tara said. "I'm tired of the smooth-skinned boys at the gym. They all look alike."

Lily watched the two men talking, noticing the graceful way Greer moved his body. His gestures were purposeful and unhurried, as though he had all the time in the world. Lily found herself wondering what it would be like to have his hands linger over her body.

"Earth to Lily," Mathew joked as the two men parted. "He's coming this way."

A lump formed in Lily's throat as Greer glided toward her. "I believe the three of you work in Barbara Flannery's office," he said, his eyes lingering on Lily. "I thought I should stop and say hello since I'm your new neighbor." He thrust out his hand, greeting Mathew and Tara with genuine warmth. "I'm Greer Argento."

He focused his attention on Lily. "I'm sorry we didn't meet under more pleasant circumstances. I'm afraid your boss has a bit of an unpleasant edge. It's Lily, isn’t it?"

"Uh-hmm," Lily croaked, unable to find her words.

There was an awkward silence as Greer waited for her to speak, his eyes searching her face. Lily felt exposed, as though he was seeing right through her.

“Well, perhaps we’ll run into each other again,” Greer finally said, breaking the silence. As he turned to go, he addressed Mathew again. "I see you met Amanda," he said, a smile playing on his full lips. "Be careful. She bites."

"Told you," Tara laughed as Greer walked away, and Lily threw her head into her hands in embarrassment.