A Shot of Red Read Online Free PDF Page A

two doors down and moonlighted as a bouncer at the club. He spent his days working in a motorcycle repair shop, and often claimed—as he stood outside his apartment smoking a Marlboro when Gio was coming or going—that he’d be a more kick-ass reality TV star than any of those guys on Orange County Choppers ever were. Once in a while he’d offer Gio tickets to a show, and he’d usually offer him a beer—even at 6:00 a.m.
    Gio gave him a firm handshake. “You kicking me out?”
    “Gotta shut this place down, man, and get to the after-party.” Wiry and hyper, Karl adjusted the black bandanna he wore like a do-rag on his shaved head. “Interested?”
    Gio shook his head, trying to think of the last time he’d gone to a party that wasn’t somehow associated with his job. “Thanks, but I’ve already broken curfew.”
    Karl winked conspiratorially. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”
    But Gio did know, and he wasn’t missing the wilder lifestyle he’d left behind in favor of climbing the slippery-rung career ladder on Capitol Hill. At thirty-two, he knew better than to pick a random party over being alert and effective in the morning.
    He made his way downstairs and stepped outside into the unseasonably warm and clear February night. The band’s tour bus was parked along the curb on one side of the club, and groupies flocked nearby. Gio liked the band’s music, respected their talent, and had dropped a decent amount of cash to hear them play. But he’d never related to groupie-think—even though it was useful to his line of work.
    Several small groups lingered along the opposite curb, likely waiting for cabs. Gio turned to walk toward the parking lot down the block, but the shimmery color of sun on wheat caught his eye. About twenty feet up the sidewalk stood Mia Moncure.
    Alone.
    Gio’s better judgment told him to walk away, but he ignored the warning. The music had had an effect on him—nearly as much as she had—and he was dying to get close to her. He headed toward her with an easy grin on his face. “Hell of a show, huh?”
    She glanced his way. “Gio, hi.” Her blue eyes sparkled, and he’d swear she looked happy to see him. “My mom gave you a night off?”
    “You know better than that. I left a mannequin at my desk and hoped she wouldn’t notice.”
    She smiled and, not for the first time, he focused on her lips—full and pink and unquestionably kissable.
    “She’ll notice,” Mia said drily. “She notices everything.”
    Gio grimaced. “Then I guess I’ll be working overtime for the next couple of— ”
    “Years.” And there was that bright-white smile again, tempered by a little self-consciousness that Gio would never understand.
    He struggled not to stare and tried to remember the last time he’d been so captivated by a woman. Why did this one have to be his boss’s daughter?
    “The show was worth it.” He tipped his head toward the club. “I had a cold beer and a spot along the upstairs railing.”
    “Sweet.”
    A cab approached the club in the intermittent stream of traffic. Mia raised her hand to hail it a moment after a guy in a nearby group did the same. The cab pulled up to the group and the four of them got inside.
    Gio had to give the cabbie credit for maxing out his fare, but did the guy get a look at the girl he’d just passed by?
    Mia shrugged. “I’ll get the next one.”
    “You need a ride home?” he asked, before he could stop himself.
    “Um, sure. But if it’s out of your way, I can wait for a cab. It’s actually nice out here tonight.”
    “Nice enough for a motorcycle ride?”
    Her face brightened. “You’re on your bike?”
    Gio nodded, pleased that she seemed to like the idea. He imagined her on the back of his motorcycle, her hair blowing in the chilly night air, her arms wrapped tightly around him. But his wishful thoughts screeched to a smoking stop.
    He only had one helmet.
    “What’s wrong?” She must have seen the disappointment