by Cat Johnson
The door swung open again and Chase’s return interrupted them. His eyebrows rose high beneath the brim of his cowboy hat when he saw Garret here talking to her. He pointedly stared at the items tenuously balanced in Garret’s arms. “Got what you need?”
“Yup.” Garret nodded but made no move to leave.
“Good. Let me get the door for you since your hands are full.” With that, Chase effectively dismissed him.
Garret shot him a knowing look before treating Leesa to a grin. “See ya later. Come on over next door when you get bored here.”
Chase looked like he wanted to kick Garret in the ass over that comment, but instead he said, “That girl you invited from the meet and greet just got off the elevator. I saw her going into Aaron and Skeeter’s room.”
“Really?” Garret’s eyes opened wide.
“Yup.” Chase nodded, a self-satisfied expression on his face.
Garret couldn’t seem to get out of the room fast enough. The door slammed behind him and he hadn’t even given them a backward glance.
Leesa laughed. “That must be some girl.”
Chase handed her one of the two cups he’d had balanced in one hand. It was filled to the brim with foam. “Eh. She’s his type. Not mine.”
Leesa took a gulp of beer. Again it went down much too smoothly. She should really refill it with water from the bathroom sink and hydrate since she’d hardly drank anything for the past twenty-four hours. She hadn’t realized how thirsty she was until she’d started drinking.
Feeling a bit lightheaded from lack of food and too much beer, she decided to ask the question uppermost on her mind, which was probably a bad idea. “What is your type?”
“You,” he answered her with one word, but that was enough to send her heart reeling. Then he raised his cup to her in a silent toast and took a long gulp himself.
To think she’d assumed he was the shy, silent type. It was true he wasn’t the biggest talker in the world, but when he did talk what he said could pack a real punch. She downed half the cup and wondered when the pizza would arrive. Then she realized that for the first time in over twelve hours, she’d actually forgotten about Jerry and Bruno and all the rest for a few minutes. Leesa wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing, and at the moment she didn’t care.
“I ordered half-pepperoni and half-plain since I didn’t know what you liked.” Back on his perch at the end of the bed, Chase continued the conversation like Garret had never been there.
Leesa smiled. “You’re too sweet.”
“Don’t let that fool you.” His cherubic smile held a touch of the devil and she regretted not sitting on the bed next to him. Maybe when the pizza came she’d remedy that.
Glancing over the rim of her big red cup at the cowboy opposite her, she took another sip. She had a feeling he wouldn’t mind her joining him over there one bit.
“So…” The shy cowboy she’d first met last night was suddenly back in full force as he kicked the heel of his boot into the carpet. “The pizza should be here soon.”
“Yup, I guess so. Thirty minutes or less. Right?” She actually smiled. How strange it felt. It was like the men chasing her were miles away when in reality they could be downstairs right now. Maybe it was the beer. Maybe it was being able to sit down and not have to keep moving, or being behind a closed door in private rather than in public. Or maybe it was Chase who made her feel this way. Whatever it was, she felt safe for the moment.
Jerry’s order to get rid of her wouldn’t go away, but for a little while she could pretend that the strip club and her life there didn’t exist.
“Um, so about last night…” Chase’s cheeks pinked in the shadow of his cowboy hat.
Maybe she wouldn’t be able to pretend her life at the strip club didn’t exist after all.
“Yeah?” Her heart fell. So much for her assuming, more like hoping, he hadn’t recognized her. God, she was so stupid. Did he only invite her here for more sex?
“I was just wondering, hoping actually, that you came to the meet and greet today because you’d changed your mind.”
Leesa’s guard, which she’d led slip for a bit, flew right back up into place. “Changed my mind about what?”
“When I asked you out, you said you didn’t date customers. I was kind of hoping you came to find me because you’d changed your mind about that. Or you know, if you haven’t, maybe I could promise you I’d never be a customer again. Would that count?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. Again he’d confused and surprised her. Could it be possible he was actually this nice and innocent? That he truly just wanted a date? “Why do you want to take me out, Chase?”
He drew in a long breath and let it out slowly. Then he stood and moved closer to her. Perching on the edge of the desk, he pushed both of their cups out of the way and then took her two hands in his. “I know what you’re thinking.”
“What am I thinking?” Her heart gave a little flutter. God, how she wanted him to really be this sweet. She hoped with all her might it wasn’t all just a line to get her into bed.
“You’re afraid that I only asked you out because of what happened between us at the end.” His cheeks pinked but he maintained eye contact and remained totally serious.
“Did you?”
“No. I mean, don’t get me wrong. You and me, together, it was pretty incredible…”
She smiled as he scrambled and blushed. He must have noticed her amused expression and smiled himself. “I know I look and sound like I just fell off the turnip truck.”
Leesa laughed at that. “No… Okay. Yeah. Kind of.”
“I know it might seem like I’m the type to fall for the first girl to show me any attention, but I have had some experience, you know, in that department.”
She felt her brows rise at his declaration. “You’re a cute guy, Chase. I’m sure lots of girls show you attention.”
He rushed to continue. “I’m telling you that because I want you to know you and me…last night…that’s not why I asked you out. I’ve been with women, doing lots more than what you and I did.” His sudden stammer and red face was testament to the fact he didn’t usually talk like this.
“Then why did you ask me out?” Her question sounded as filled with doubt as she felt.
Chase held her hands more tightly. “Because I like you”
“You don’t know me.” She shook her head.
“I know enough to see that I want to get to know more.”
“It’s not just because you want to finish what we started?”
He shook his head. “Oh, man. I’d be lying if I told you I haven’t thought of that a hundred times since last night. I’d be crazy not to want to be with a woman as beautiful as you. But if all I wanted was to get laid, I could have picked up one of the girls at the meet and greet like some of the other guys did. No dinner necessary. Hell, no conversation either. It sounds bad, I know, but if that’s what a guy is looking to do, bull riders hooking up with fans is pretty much a sure thing.”
Of all the things he’d just confessed to her, and in spite of the relief she felt that he really wasn’t being nice to her just to get into her pants, only one thing stood out in her mind. “Bull riders? You ride bulls?”
He laughed like she was joking, then stared at her closer, shock written clearly on his face. “You really didn’t know?”
Leesa shook her head. “No. I assumed, I don’t know, that you rode horses, I guess.”
Chase grinned wide. “Good.”
“Why good?”
“Because that means you weren’t at the meet and greet to see any of the other bull riders because you’re a fan. It means you really did come because you wanted to see me again. How did you know about it? Did one of the guys mention last night where we’d be today?”
“Yes, they did.” Leesa wished it could be true. She felt bad lying, but she couldn’t exactly confess she’d run into him accidentally while hiding for her life.
“I’m g
lad.” He squeezed her hands. “You never answered me though. Have you changed your mind about our date?”
“I’m here, aren’t I? We’re going to be eating together soon.” She glanced at her red cup nearby on the desk. “And we’re having drinks. That sounds like a date to me, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, it does.” He grinned until his eyes crinkled in the corners.
Damn, why did she suddenly have the urge to flirt with him? The same reason she wished they could go on a real date. She liked him. A lot.
“You even got me up to your room on our first date.” She peered at him from beneath her lowered eyelashes. Meanwhile she wished this wouldn’t have to be their one and only date.
Feeling moderately safe for the moment meant she was no longer able to ignore the extreme attraction between the two of them. Where the hell did she think this thing could go? Soon she’d have to find a way safely out of this town even though she still didn’t know where she was going. She’d likely never see Chase again. That thought sucked.
“I did get you up here, didn’t I?” Chase leaned in just a bit closer. “It must have been the tantalizing promise of beer and chips.”
Leesa’s gaze dropped to his lips and imagined how they would feel against hers. That was one thing they hadn’t done last night. She’d felt him hard in her hand, felt him throb as he came, but she never felt his lips on hers. Suddenly, she really wanted to. The moment was right, or as right as it was going to get, as Chase leaned in even closer.
His mouth was soft against hers. His touch just hard enough to let her know he was willing to accept whatever she was willing to give, but that he definitely wanted more. She felt his shaky intake of breath as he tilted his head and worked his mouth against hers. She wished she tasted of toothpaste rather than beer, but he didn’t seem to notice or mind as his hands moved from her hands and up her arms to finally settle on her face. He cupped her head like she was a porcelain doll he was afraid to break, but just as afraid to let go. She liked it.
He pulled away just enough to say, “I want you more than anything right now. That’s why I’m going to stop kissing you.”
“What?” That was the last thing she’d expected or wanted to hear from him.
“How else will you ever believe me that I asked you out because I like you and not because I’m looking to finish what we started?”
“Either you’re as sincere as you seem, or you’re the best liar with the best pickup lines I’ve ever met in my life.”
Surprisingly, he grinned at that. “Sometimes I wish I was as quick at lines as some of the other guys, but I find it’s easier to stick with the truth. Less likely to get bitten in the ass by one of your own lies that way.”
Leesa smothered a sigh. If only she had the freedom of telling the truth right now without it getting herself or someone else killed. She smiled to lighten the mood again. “You’re very smart for just a kid.”
Chase’s sandy brows rose. “A kid, huh?”
She grinned. “Yeah.”
“I’ll show you what a kid I am.” His smile belied his tone as he leaned in again and did exactly what he promised. He kissed her with all the passion of a man. There was not one ounce of boy in him as he grabbed her head in his hands and claimed her mouth.
Then a knock sounded loudly on the door.
Leesa jumped and her heart began to race until she heard, “Pizza delivery.”
Smiling, he stood. “Saved by the pizza.”
“Yeah.” Unfortunately.
Chapter Seven
For the second time in two days, Chase woke and had to pause a moment to take inventory. He hated waking up feeling like this. Wondering things like where was he? Why did his mouth taste like stale beer and pepperoni? What happened last night? More importantly, who was this warm body pressed up against him?
Holy crap! Eyes fully open and brain wide awake now, Chase glanced down at the woman by his side. It didn’t take long for him to recognize the fall of long brown hair splayed across his chest. He breathed a sigh of relief.
Leesa. It all came rushing back to him.
He hadn’t drunk that much last night. At least he didn’t think so. He remembered he hadn’t wanted to get too drunk in front of her. If things had gone anywhere with her, he wanted to be in top shape. More than that, he didn’t trust the other guys around her if he passed out.
Chase had fallen asleep in his jeans and shirt, but he didn’t think he’d passed out from alcohol, just from exhaustion since he hadn’t been totally recovered from the night before. There was the memory of Garret and Skeeter, pretty inebriated themselves, busting through the door, demanding the last two pieces of pizza and then not leaving until Chase did a shot of bourbon with them. Or was it more like two or three shots?
Those two had talked Leesa’s ear off about the competition and how great they’d both ridden, ninety percent of which were exaggerations. She’d listened politely and then even laughed when Skeeter sang the song that had gotten him his nickname.
Leesa had drank the two beers he’d brought her. Then Garret had handed her another cup when he came in for the pizza. That might have had bourbon and coke though, instead of beer in it.
Damn. Chase should have paid closer attention to what he’d given her. Garret could have made it super strong for all Chase knew. He glanced at the sleeping figure next to him. No wonder she still slept so soundly. Poor thing.
After Garret and Skeeter’s intrusion, once he’d finally convinced them to leave, they’d turned on the television for a bit. Leesa had looked tired and had drunk too much for him to let her leave, not that she was trying to go anywhere. She seemed perfectly content to sit in the room with him. Then what? He supposed they’d fallen asleep right there on the bed. The television was off now. Had he turned it off last night? Had she? He didn’t remember.
He really had to quit drinking, because he was pretty tired of piecing together the night before the next morning. All he was sure of now was that there hadn’t been any more than those two kisses right before the pizza came. If there had been more, he would remember it without a doubt.
Leesa still breathed with the steady, deep rhythm of sleep. Not wanting to disturb her, he slipped his body out from beneath her. She let out a little moan and rolled over, snuggling into the pillow. He regretted getting out of bed more than he could have imagined, but nature called. Maybe he could slip back into bed when he was done without waking her. That was a really nice idea.
He touched his head. Not so bad. No headache. No hangover. Yeah, he was tired and a little groggy, but that could be the early hour. Judging by the grey light filtering through the curtains, the sun had barely risen. Then again, this was Las Vegas. That glow coming through the window could be caused by neon, not nature.
Chase shook his head as he stumbled toward the bathroom. He’d be happy to get back to his family’s farm. This life was exciting. Travel. A different city every week. But he’d be happy to have his mama’s home cooking every day, and be able to cleanse his system of all the junk food and alcohol he’d indulged in lately. He’d work out daily at home and come back next season leaner and meaner and ready to win.
That resolution made, Chase took care of what he had to in the bathroom, including a quick shower. He decided it was best to be clean in case Leesa woke up feeling amorous. You never know, and it didn’t hurt to be prepared.
After brushing his teeth, Chase eased open the bathroom door.
She was still asleep. Good. He could creep back into bed and she’d never know he was gone. Even if they hadn’t had sex, he still liked waking up next to her. It felt nice.
With one of the hotel’s white towels wrapped around his waist, Chase tiptoed into the room. They’d fallen asleep last night with the lights on, so he’d have no problem finding a pair of shorts in the clean clothes piled in his duffle bag. He would put those on instead of getting back into his jeans. Might as well be comfortable, and as far as access in case Leesa was a morning person, shorts w
ere far better than jeans. Hell, a man could dream, couldn’t he?
Chase found a pair of boxer shorts, but decided that was too intimate. He had a feeling she might not like waking up to find him in underwear in bed with her. It would make him seem damn presumptuous. In spite of the fact they’d done stuff together at the club, he wasn’t about to assume anything because of it.
She was different here, off work. Besides, the strip club and that lap dance had been part of her job. Chase didn’t want to be a job. He wanted her to like him, to want him, to be with him because she wanted to, not because someone paid her to.
He dug farther into the jumbled heap, looking for a pair of his workout shorts to wear. Unfortunately, with home just a day away, most of his clothes were dirty. He’d gotten lazy and figured he could bring his laundry there and wash it more easily than locate a laundromat.
This was Vegas. There were far better ways to spend his time than to sit and watch his clothes spin in circles. One such way was snoring lightly in his bed. That thought made him smile, and he dug with more enthusiasm than before. Hell, if he had to, he’d grab a pair of Garret’s shorts. The guy had more clothes than most girls.
Chase turned toward Garret’s side of the room intent on pilfering some shorts when something shiny caught his eye. On the dresser, right in front of the mirror and below the lamp sat two gold rings.
“What the hell?” Chase moved closer and picked one up, then the second. One was tiny, the other large enough to fit on his finger. Then he spied the pieces of paper lying beneath the rings. He picked up the smaller one. It was a receipt for one wedding ceremony and two gold bands, paid for in cash with yesterday’s date.
Swallowing hard, Chase picked up the larger, more decorative piece of paper. Across the top, in fancy printing was written Certificate of Marriage. Below that, under the word groom was—holy crap—his name printed in block letters. His eyes swung to the bride’s name and there it was—Leesa Santiago. No, he’d never heard her last name, but the Leesa had two E’s in it and how often did you see that?
He scanned down the page and saw again yesterday’s date and a line with his signature. Next to that was what must be Leesa’s signature, and beneath that were two scrawled names he didn’t recognize listed under Witnesses. Chase ran his hand over his face, rubbing hard.