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Happily Ever After: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set

Page 98

by Piper Rayne


  “Your guess is as good as mine.”

  “When is he picking you up?”

  “Um, I’m actually going to meet him at The Grandiose around five. He said he was going to send his personal assistant to pick me up.”

  Maeve all but swoons. “A personal chauffeur. God, you’re so lucky. Is that what you’re going to wear?”

  I tug at the sleeves of my grey hoodie. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? These are my nicest clothes.”

  Maeve takes a deep breath and shakes her head in a slow, dramatic fashion. “You’re going on a date. With one of the wealthiest and most influential men in all of Las Vegas. And you want to wear jeans and a hoodie?”

  “But it’s comfortable.”

  “Ah, my sweet summer child.”

  “I was born in January.”

  “Do you still have time to go home and change?”

  “Look, Maeve, I appreciate the help, but—”

  Outside, a car honks. It must be Todd here to pick me up.

  Maeve gives me a quick hug. “All right. Looks like it’s too late, anyhow. Just go have fun. I expect lots of details by the time you get back.”

  “You always expect lots of details.”

  “Have fun!”

  I find myself at The Grandiose again, but the elegance and glamor of it all is just as breathtaking. Todd shows me to a private room in the hotel section, offering me a credit card and even a wrapped gift basket full of fresh fruits, expensive chocolates, and even a bottle of champagne.

  I inspect the credit card. “What’s this for?”

  “Courtesy of Mr. Chase,” he explains. “He told me to tell you that you have free reign of the place until he comes to pick you up. He’s unfortunately stuck dealing with a business matter, but he said you’re welcome to help yourself to the spa. It’s just down the hall.”

  My mind spins. I’ve never experienced something this lavish before. “Is the hotel room really necessary?” I ask. “I mean, I’m grateful, but…”

  “Mr. Chase said he intends on keeping you quite late.”

  “That sounds… suggestive.”

  “I’m not here to judge,” Todd says simply. “Please make yourself comfortable. If you have any questions, let me know. My uncle will come and retrieve you when he’s ready.”

  I arch a brow. “Your uncle? Asher’s your uncle?”

  Todd grimaces. “Ah, shit. Uh, I mean… Don’t tell him I said that, OK?”

  I giggle. “Why ever not?”

  “I don’t think he wants to come across as a nepotist. My mom pretty much forced him to give me the job.”

  “Trust me, Asher definitely doesn’t strike me as a nepotist.”

  Todd smiles. He seems a lot more youthful and fun when he isn’t entirely focused on doing his job. “He’s a pretty cool dude,” he says casually. “Uncle Asher’s just super different when he’s at work, that’s all.”

  I gesture to my surroundings. “Is he normally like this when he tries to win over a lady?”

  Todd shrugs. “I wouldn’t know. You’re the first person he’s taken an interest in a long while. Er, don’t tell him I said that, either.”

  A warmth blooms across my chest. Is what Todd’s saying true? A feeling of pure giddiness rises up from the pit of my stomach and settles in my throat, leaving my head lighter than air. I don’t think I can even call this a hotel room. It’s twice as big as my rinky whole apartment back in Michael Way. The bed looks soft as hell, and I’m highly tempted to swan dive onto the sheets. The only reason I don’t is that I’m afraid I’ll be too comfortable to leave.

  I have a couple of hours to kill before I’m supposed to meet up with Asher, so I decide to take up the offer of heading to the spa. It’s so rare that I get to treat myself, and I have a feeling that if Asher were here, he’d insist that I do whatever it is that makes me happy. Knowing that he doesn’t do this very often has me feeling awfully unique.

  Special.

  I’ve never experienced pampering quite like this before. The spa staff all seem to know who I am the second I step through the automatic sliding glass doors. They refer to me as Mr. Chase’s guest before promptly whisking me away to one of the private rooms in the back. It honestly feels like a dream, like I’ve somehow stepped through a magical portal that’s teleported me to the center of a beautiful bamboo Zen garden. Soft music plays in the background, the gentle trickling of a small fountain babbles in my ear, and the whole place smells sweet and minty.

  I don’t have much say as to what kinds of services I’d like. The spa staff simply give me what they refer to as the executive package, which apparently includes a mani-pedi, a pomegranate facial, a wonderfully relaxing deep tissue massage, and even a hair and makeup combo afterwards. By the time they’re finished with me, I feel like a brand-new woman.

  Refreshed. Renewed. Practically floating on air.

  When I return to my room, blissed out of my mind, Todd shows up with a garment bag in hand. He hands it to me and says, “I’ve just confirmed a reservation at the casino’s restaurant in the VIP lounge. You’ll have to put this on.”

  I take a peek inside the bag. It’s a dress made of the most luxurious silk that I’ve ever laid hands on. “Are you sure I’m allowed to wear this?” I ask. “It seems really expensive.”

  “Mr. Chase picked it out himself. He says it’s a gift.”

  Normally, the thought of a man picking out what I should wear would annoy me. But I can tell Asher isn’t trying to be sleazy in any way. The dress is elegant, the epitome of high-class. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to let him spoil me a little.

  “Thanks,” I say. “I’ll put it on.”

  “Great. I’m supposed to escort you to the restaurant. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

  The restaurant is just as amazing as everything else in The Grandiose. I’m beginning to understand why Asher likes this place so much. There’s so much care and attention to detail around me, evident in the design of the wallpaper, the choice of flower arrangements, the type of silverware the restaurant uses.

  I walk in, a little wobbly on the heels that I’ve been provided, but I’ve never felt more confident. There’s something about the way my dress hugs my hips and reveals the slope of my shoulders that makes me feel taller, more powerful. It’s difficult not to notice how more than a few heads turn when I enter, like I’m unintentionally the center of attention.

  “Right this way, Miss Shellbrook,” the maitre’d says, guiding me to a table for two by the window.

  I can see all of the Strip from here. This is probably the best seat in the house. There’s a bottle of red wine already airing out on the table, a candle in the center of the tablecloth, and even a single rose in a slim vase sitting before me.

  Asher is nowhere in sight.

  I frown, but try not to get annoyed. I’m sure he’s just busy. I can’t imagine running this place is an easy task. I, for one, know what it’s like to operate a business. On a much smaller scale, of course, but the same principles apply. A boss’s work is never really finished.

  Even still, it’s hard to keep smiling and stay positive when the seconds turn into minutes, and minutes turn into half an hour. The maitre’d has to check up on me continuously, always bringing around a basket of freshly baked sourdough bread. I help myself to a few pieces while I wait, but I eventually decline because I don’t want to fill up on starch before our actual meal.

  Half an hour turns into an hour.

  I shift, suddenly uncomfortable. People are starting to stare, whispering under their breaths. I can only imagine the sorts of things they’re saying. Maybe they think I’ve been stood up. Maybe they feel sorry for me. A tinge of embarrassment settles in my chest and makes my face overheat. The dress, once a confidence booster, now has me feeling very self-conscious. Once sexy and refined, now I just feel small and exposed.

  I stare across the table at the empty seat and wonder if I’m being an idiot. Was I silly for getting my hopes up? I sh
ould have known that this was all too good to be true.

  He’s not going to show up.

  There’s a sting in my chest. Was this whole thing a waste of time? Surely I couldn’t have imagined those moments the other night when I thought for sure he was going to kiss me. All of the signs were in his eyes, in the way he looked at me. There was something curious there, something hungry. Could it be that I was reading his signals wrong?

  An hour and a half passes me by.

  Maybe I should call it a night. At the very least, I found one of my babies a new home and I got a pretty sweet spa day out of it. Regardless of what I tell myself, I can’t help but feel disappointed.

  I’m about to get up from the table when Asher finally arrives. His hair’s a bit windswept, like he had to run all the way here.

  “My sincerest apologies,” he starts immediately. “I tried to get here as soon as I could. My team and I busted a network of cheaters at our blackjack tables. You’re not leaving, are you?”

  For what it’s worth, Asher really does sound sincere. His brows are pulled together with worry. All of my insecurities, my frustration melts away when he gives me a hopeful smile. I can’t stay mad at him.

  “I was just stretching my legs,” I tell him. “I’m glad you made it.”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this. Please, have a seat. We’ll order right away, I’m sure you’re probably hungry.”

  He steps behind and pulls out my chair for me, ever the gentleman. My nerves finally settle as he personally pours me a glass of red wine. I feel foolish for doubting him. After all, why would he invite me out to dinner and not show up? Asher doesn’t seem like that kind of guy.

  “So,” I say, taking a sip of my wine. It’s rich and delicious, the fruity flavor coating my tongue. “What do you have planned for us this evening?”

  Asher smirks. “You’ll see,” he says. “You feeling lucky tonight?”

  I laugh softly, amused by the innuendo. “Whatever do you mean?”

  “I’m going to take you to the casino. Play a couple of games.”

  “That sounds like fun,” I say, tossing him a cheeky wink. “Maybe you’ll win big tonight.”

  “I seriously hope so,” he replies, raising his glass to propose a toast. “To finding Scooter a new home.”

  I mirror his gesture and clink my glass against the rim of his. “To Scooter.”

  And to us.

  8

  ASHER

  Lake is stunning. I had to guess her size, but the red dress I picked out for her fits her perfectly. It hugs her waist and the curve of her thighs, delicately showing off her shoulders and gracefully long neck. Her hair’s done up in loose curls, and her skin practically glows beneath the golden lights of the casino floor. She looks like a million bucks.

  And nothing makes me feel prouder than getting to show her off.

  It’s a Friday evening, which means the casino is packed with guests. There isn’t a single empty slot machine in sight, and almost all of the card tables are full. The Grandiose has never been more alive. There’s an ebb and flow, a lively pulse that is, in actuality, all by design. The house lights are always on to mimic daylight to remove the sense of time. Oxygen is pumped in to keep guests awake and playing. There’s a never-ending network of entertainers, waitstaff, and guides to meet my guests every need.

  Lake eats it up. There’s a spark behind her dazzling hazel eyes. All of this splendor, all of this opulence suits her. She just doesn’t know it.

  “Have you ever played roulette before?” I ask her as we approach a table.

  She shakes her head. “I’ve never gambled in my life.”

  “But you live in Las Vegas.”

  She smirks. “Wait, wait. I bought a scratch ticket before. Does that count?”

  I laugh. “You’re an odd one.”

  She bumps her hip against mine. “You like it.”

  I really do.

  I reach into my pocket and pull out a few chips, all of them with The Grandiose’s logo etched onto their surface. I place them in Lake’s palm and lean in to speak over the crowd, “Give it a whirl.”

  “I just put these down?”

  “Yep. Put your chips wherever you think the ball is going to land.”

  “Are there any strategies I should know about?”

  “No. That’s the point of gambling. It’s all up to chance.”

  “But I don’t want to lose your money, Asher.”

  I place a hand on the small of her back and chuckle. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Money isn’t an issue. Just focus on having fun.”

  Lake’s breath catches in her throat as a shiver works its way through her. She leans into my touch and nibbles her lower lip. “If you say so,” she says softly.

  I whisper in her ear. “Maybe I do have a pointer or two.”

  Goosebumps raise down the back of her neck and both her arms. “Do tell.”

  “There are two colors, red and black. I’d bet on one of those. The payoff isn’t as big, but at least you have a fifty percent chance of winning.”

  “See?” she says with a giggle. “I knew there had to be a strategy involved.”

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” the roulette operator says loudly. “Please place your bets.”

  Lake places a chip down on black. I reach into my pocket and produce a chip of my own, placing it atop of hers. The roulette spins, the rhythmic clicking of the ticker filling my ears. We watch in anticipation as the ball goes around and around, finally settling on a number.

  “Black 28,” the operator announces.

  Lake gasps as she receives her winnings. “Oh my God, we won!”

  “Feel like betting again?” I ask.

  “Sure. But you’d better make the call. I have a feeling you’re my lucky charm.”

  “All right. Let’s bet on…” I look over the table. I know I shouldn’t run the numbers, but I’m the boss and we’re making small bets. There’s really no harm in doing a quick calculation here and there to weight the odds. I’m more than happy to humor Lake, so long as we don’t get too greedy. “Zero,” I tell her.

  We place our chips and the ball is sent around again, the spinning wheel eventually coming to a stop.

  “That’s a hard zero!” exclaims the operator.

  Lake’s so excited that she wraps her arms around me and gives me a hug. She smells sweet like fruit, as soft to the touch as I imagined she’d be.

  “Wow,” she breathes. “I can see why people could get addicted to this.”

  “Want to try again? Or would you like to try a different game?”

  Her eyes sparkle like fireworks. “I’d love to try a different game.”

  “Come on. I’ll show you over to blackjack.”

  The rest of the night is a blur. We win some, we lose some. Either way, I’m very much a winner. Having Lake beside me the entire night is a dream. She’s sweet, she’s funny, she’s a joy to be around. She’s a breath of fresh air that I didn’t know I needed. Being with her is so much fun that I don’t realize it’s almost two in the morning before we finally head to the piano bar for a few late-night drinks.

  We’re about to take a seat at one of the tables when I hear a familiar voice call out to me.

  “Son of a bitch,” King exclaims. “Look who the cat dragged in.”

  My friends, Jack, King, and Ace —I swear not all my friends are named after cards— come over. It looks like they’ve been having just as eventful of a night as Lake and I. King is sloshed in good old rock star fashion, but at least he knows how to behave around polite company. Jack, the owner of the casino just down the street, has an old fashioned in hand, silently brooding like always. And then there’s Ace, doing his best to keep King from getting into trouble.

  “Who’s your friend?” Ace asks me.

  “Guys, this is Lake. Lake, these are my—”

  “She’s so pretty,” King interrupts, leaning a bit to one side. “You like rock music, babe?”

  La
ke sticks close to me, fitting perfectly in the crook of my arm. “Um, not really. Sorry.”

  “Back off, King,” Jack says with a sigh. “You’re making the poor lady uncomfortable.”

  “Am not. I’m not making you uncomfortable, am I, babe?”

  I know he doesn’t mean anything by it, but hearing King call Lake a ‘babe’ doesn’t sit right with me. He calls every pretty woman he sees that, but Lake is different. She’s not just another interchangeable face that can be addressed so generically. She deserves respect, recognition.

  “What are you two up to?” Ace asks me.

  “Just a night out on the town,” I explain.

  Jack whistles. “A night on the town, huh? Who are you and what have you done with Asher?”

  I laugh dryly. “Very funny.”

  “Seriously,” King interjects. “We haven’t seen you in forever. You’re always too busy with work. Even Jack knows when to take a load off.”

  “Maybe I just don’t like hanging out with you.”

  King gawks. “You take that back.”

  This manages to prompt a laugh from Lake. “You guys are funny. I can see why you’re all friends.”

  “Lake, is it?” asks Ace. “How do you feel about dancing?”

  “I love dancing.”

  “How about I take you to this fancy new club just down the way? It’s got great music and a talented DJ.” I clear my throat and shoot Ace a glare. If I tighten my hold around Lake’s waist, she doesn’t make a mention of it. “Of course,” he continues with a cocky grin. “You’re more than welcome to bring your date along.”

  Lake looks up to me, wide-eyed and too damn sexy for her own good. “Can we?” she asks, her full lips so tantalizing that I almost don’t hear her question.

  “Sure, sweetheart. Whatever you’d like.”

  King, the asshole, mutters under his breath. “Sweetheart? I think someone’s got it bad.”

  Lake, bless her soul, ignores the comment while giving me a quick, sheepish glance.

 

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